About ISDM

ISDM got seeded as an idea in early 2016 when its founders came together with a common vision to launch a first-of-its-kind educational institution that would develop and groom the next generation of professional leaders and managers for the development sector. ISDM envisions building Development Management (or Management for the Social Sectors) as a stand-alone domain and an aspirational choice for professionals in the development sector. The belief is that Development Management will significantly scale up the positive impacts on the lives of people in sustained ways.

By 2025, ISDM aims to become the go-to management institute for top professionals wanting to transform the development sector for greater impact on people’s lives.

In order to achieve this aim, ISDM has identified three broad focus areas

  1. Continuously building the one-year long Post Graduate Program in Development Management (PGP-DM)
  2. Creating a strong research function that will lay the foundations for Development Management and leadership as a unique domain and discipline
  3. Launching Strategic Capacity Building Programs aimed at influencing and up- skilling middle to senior leaders in the social sector through special workshops, short-term courses, and customized convening.

Since launching its flagship (and India’s first) PGP in Development Management (equivalent of a one-year MBA) in 2017, the Institution has placed 200 young professionals on an accelerated path to build, manage and lead Social Purpose Organisations (SPOs). ISDM has successfully executed 46 short-term Open Programs across three cities inducting 142 development professionals from 49 SPOs as ISDM alumni who are now redefining what “impact at scale” means in the development sector. ISDM has created a national character for itself, attracting a diverse range of student and recruiting organisations from across the country. Over these years, ISDM has also built strong partnerships with leading philanthropists, academicians, advisors, and practitioners.

ISDM has audacious ambitions to build a world class institution, become a global fountainhead of development management knowledge, and define the domain of development management for the Social Sectors.

ISDM is entering a new phase of growth with a revamped program and renewed focus on establishing itself firmly as a preeminent institution in its domain. This requires strategic and energetic institutional leadership.


About Strategic Capacity Building (SCB)

Strategic Capacity Building (SCB) at ISDM began with a view that while the 1-year PGP is impacting fresh graduates and young professionals, Body of Knowledge is focused on curating and building knowledge, there is a great need to work with the mid and senior management and leadership in the sector today, to be able to evangelise the change we want to see and build the society we envision. 

SCB includes programs for middle and senior management in the sector across roles and segments, courses specifically for women leaders, entrepreneurs, senior govt offices, volunteers etc. and can be delivered in a variety of ways comprising bridge programs, short and medium duration courses, online courses and immersions etc. 


The Role

We are looking for a passionate professional who will work with the Lead SCB to establish and expand the SCB revenue generating practices for custom and open programs, research & impact and digital. The Consultant will undertake a variety of tasks related to business development, strategic partnerships and alliances, opportunity sensing and closure etc.


Key Responsibilities

  • Understand the philosophy and approach of Strategic Capacity Building work, it’s background and contribute towards achieving the 3-year vision and targets
  • Developing and maintaining strong client relationships- especially with focus on Social Impact Organizations
  • Driving new business opportunities - Identifying, negotiating and closing new business opportunities.
  • Monitoring tender opportunities and positioning ISDM to be reaching out to targeted clients to sell, upsell and maintain positive long-term relationships.
  • Identifying and building relationships with key decision makers and stakeholders from the quadraple helix (Civil Society, Industry, Government and Academia)
  • Identifying client’s and stakeholders (especially key funders, customer segments) strategic priorities and interests.
  • Researching and building relationships with new clients (including corporates, international development agencies, large NGOs, donors and their key suppliers).
  • Coordinating and supporting communication plans for enhanced visibility and influence with targeted audiences.
  • Reviewing win and loss notifications to identify themes and trends to understand existing client needs from perspective of both SCB and PGP student placements
  • Proactively creating opportunities to access available funding sources.
  • Raising ISDMs profile and establishing strong relationships with targeted clients and partners resulting in increased business opportunities.
  • Influencing ISDM’s products, services and strategic roadmap to enable more business to be won.
  • Co-developing winning bids with business development team, client and partners.
  • Ensure all project deliverables are being met as per the defined process and quality
  • Preparing project plan, grant charts and implementing projects as per timelines


Experience & Qualification Required:

  • 12-15 years of work experience 
  • At Least 5-8 years of experience in core domain of business development, Alliances & partnerships in social impact sector
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Project management and analytical Skills 
  • Result Oriented/ Outcome Focussed 
  • Planning and Organising skills 
  • Adaptable and flexible including ability to manage pressure, ambiguity and change
  • Proficiency in MS Office
  • Ability to collaborate and work with other people 
  • Willing to unlearn, learn and practice new tools and techniques 
  • Good time management skills


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.


Please reach out to people@isdm.org.in for more information.

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