Research Lead, Centre of Data Science for Social Impact

About ISDM

The Indian School of Development Management pioneers a transformative approach to management, envisioning a world that is just, equitable, and sustainable. Established in 2016, it serves as a foundational hub for cultivating a robust ecosystem and a cadre of skilled professionals dedicated to advancing social change globally. Driven by the conviction that the social sector plays a pivotal role in addressing humanity's most pressing challenges, the school operates on the premise that effective management is essential for achieving significant impact. By nurturing talent in Development Management tailored to the unique needs of the social sector, the school aims to catalyse sustainable socio-economic and ecological progress on a large scale.

Recognising the power of institutions to shape professional ecosystems, the school aims to establish itself as a beacon of excellence in higher education. Through this, it seeks to lay the groundwork for a thriving community of practitioners dedicated to driving positive change in society.

Over the years, Indian School of Development Management (ISDM) has garnered validation, support, and funding from esteemed individuals and organisations. While numerous programs worldwide aim to cultivate management capabilities for the social sector, they often reside within larger university ecosystems or business schools, where they may receive lesser attention compared to mainstream programs. ISDM stands out as the sole institution globally dedicated to fostering a comprehensive ecosystem for Development Management, focusing on pioneering work in critical areas.

ISDM's initiatives encompass:

1. Knowledge Creation: Establishing a Global Knowledge Hub to create, disseminate, and institutionalise contextual knowledge on building, leading, and managing social purpose organisations, networks, and platforms.
2. Talent Nurturing: Offering the Post Graduate Program in Development Management (PGP-DM) to attract and develop top-tier talent capable of addressing management challenges within the sector.
3. Capacity Building: Providing Strategic Capacity Building programs to enhance individual and institutional capacities in Development Management, thereby fostering sustainable and scalable social impact.

ISDM has successfully completed its Proof of Concept Phase and is now set for expansion over the next five years. Key achievements include high placement rates for its PGP-DM graduates and plans for increased batch sizes, a new campus, international partnerships, and accreditation. The institute is also conducting research and establishing Centers of Excellence in various areas of social impact. Additionally, it offers programs for professionals and resources for grassroots organisations. Know more at www.isdm.org.in .  

ISDM invites individuals who share its vision to join in creating a dynamic, catalytic ecosystem and positioning India as a thought leader in Development Management, ultimately enabling sustainable social impact at scale.

ISDM Global Knowledge Hub (GKH)

The Centres of Excellence are housed within the Global Knowledge Hub, whose role is to strengthen, from end-to-end, the knowledge and practice of Development Management. GKH does this by collating and curating global experiences and knowledge, conducting in-depth research and producing knowledge assets and resources, collaborating to design products and programs for a wide range of target segments that impact the practice of Development Management and disseminating knowledge as a public good through like-minded individuals and institutions globally.

The Role

Are you ready to harness the power of data to revolutionize the social sector? Step into the spotlight as the Research Lead for the Centre for Data Science and Social Impact (CDSSI) —a trailblazing Centre of Excellence at ISDM. This is your chance to create a transformative legacy, advancing data-driven practices that amplify the impact of Social Purpose Organisations (SPOs) across the sector.

About the Centre for Data Science and Social Impact

Empowering SPOs with the tools, insights, and capabilities to leverage data and data science for systemic change. The centre’s mission is to optimise how SPOs operate, strategize, and deliver impact by building their capacities, developing innovative tools, and fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making.

Why This Role?

At Centre for Data Science and Social Impact, you will:

• Unlock the Power of Data: Lead ground-breaking research that reveals how data can drive transformational change in the social sector.
• Empower Social Innovators: Create resources, frameworks, and tools that enable SPOs to maximise their data potential.
• Build a Data-Driven Ecosystem: Forge networks, partnerships, and collaborations to champion a collective shift toward data maturity and excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

As the Research Lead for the Centre for Data Science and Social Impact, you will:

• Set the Research Agenda: Collaborate with the Centre Lead, ISDM leadership, and external advisors to design a visionary research framework and a detailed Strategic Operating Plan (SOP) for CDSSI’s knowledge initiatives.
• Deliver Excellence: Lead, execute, and oversee high-quality research projects, ensuring outputs are timely, impactful, and within budget.
• Turn Ideas Into Influence: Produce thought-provoking research reports and work with the Strategic Communication team to create high-impact collaterals that engage and inspire stakeholders.
• Be the Bridge: Cultivate relationships with the leaders within the sector, academicians, external partners, and donors to drive collaborative research and meaningful partnerships.
• Transform Knowledge Into Action: Collaborate with ISDM’s Academics and Strategic Capacity Building teams to convert research into teaching modules and learning programs for practitioners.
• Lead the Team: Build and mentor a talented, passionate research team, fostering an environment of collaboration and excellence.

Qualifications Required:

• 10–15 years of expertise in applied research within data science, development studies, or related fields, with a focus on practical applications for the social sector.
• Post-graduate degree or equivalent in Social Sciences/Data Science or related fields; preferrably PhD. 
• A proven track record of leading complex, multi-stakeholder research projects to success.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills to convey compelling insights.
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership, solve problems, and inspire teams to deliver outstanding results.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools, methodologies, and open-source technologies.

Remuneration for this role will be commensurate with qualifications & experience. To learn more about us and apply, check out isdm.org.in/careers.

ISDM is an equal opportunity organization with a particular emphasis on affirmative action. The culture of the organization is one of professionalism while also one that greatly values relationships.