Fundraising & Research Associate

Fundraising & Research Associate – Drama Schools Foundation Mumbai (DSFM)

Reports to: Head of Fundraising

Type: Full-time (6-month probation, with growth pathway)

Location: Mumbai (hybrid, with donor/board travel if needed)

About DSFM

The Drama Schools Foundation Mumbai (DSFM) is a Section 8 non-profit dedicated to weaving the transformational power of theatre into civic and cultural life. Through initiatives such as Drama School Mumbai (DSM), Ekalavya.art, Theatreशाला, and Unrehearsed Futures, DSFM nurtures artists, builds access to training, and shapes theatre as essential civic infrastructure.

Role Overview

We are looking for a motivated fundraising professional to help build DSFM's development engine — from research and proposals to systems and donor stewardship. This role is ideal for someone with 3–5 years' experience who is eager to consolidate their skills and grow into a frontline fundraising professional.

You will build DSFM's fundraising backbone: keeping the donor pipeline current, drafting proposals and reports, and ensuring stewardship systems are well-managed. Over time, as you establish fluency in DSFM's narrative and systems, you may have the opportunity to co-own donor relationships and, eventually, manage a warm portfolio sourced via the Development Advisory Board.

Working Style & Environment

This is a fast-moving, high-expectation environment. The Fundraising Associate will work directly with the Founder, who sets ambitious targets and works at pace. Success in this role requires resilience, proactive communication, and the ability to manage upwards with confidence — anticipating needs, keeping priorities clear, and creating structure in a dynamic, founder-driven context.

Key Responsibilities (Three Buckets)

1. Donor Intelligence & Prospecting

- Maintain an up-to-date donor database (HNIs, CSR, institutions)
- Research and map new prospects; prepare concise donor and prospect briefs for leadership and Development Board meetings
- Support Development Board members with background notes and prospect tracking

2. Proposals & Communications

- Draft proposals, reports, and presentations aligned with DSFM initiatives
- Keep proposal/report templates current and standardised across initiatives
- Contribute to donor newsletters, mailers, and impact communications

3. Systems & Stewardship Support

- Maintain grant calendar and submission tracker
- Ensure all donor/board interactions are logged in CRM within 48 hours
- Lead the fundraising design and delivery of donor salons and stewardship events (concept, case materials, prospecting, follow-ups), working with operations staff for logistics
- Prepare dashboards and internal reports on fundraising activity

Growth Pathway & Compensation

Year 1 (Months 0–12):

- ₹50,000–55,000/month fixed salary, full-time
- 6-month probation with deliverables: clean donor list, grant calendar live, 3 proposals submitted, 20 new donors and approaches identified
- Focus on research, proposals, systems, and stewardship support

Year 2 onwards:

- Base salary incremented annually in line with DSFM's HR policy (typically 8–10%)
- Eligible for an annual performance bonus tied to departmental fundraising target achievement (e.g. equivalent to 1–2 months' salary if annual target is met)
- As DSFM's fundraising function grows (₹4cr → ₹6cr → ₹8cr+), this role will expand in scope, with opportunities for higher responsibility and compensation through bonuses and expanded stewardship duties

Ultimate Goal (24 Months+):

If successful, the role evolves into a trusted frontline fundraiser capable of originating, managing, and actively supporting the closing of major gifts within DSFM's donor ecosystem.

Candidate Profile

- 3–5 years in fundraising, donor engagement, or corporate partnerships (arts/non-profit sector preferred)
- Strong research, writing, and presentation skills
- Proficiency in spreadsheets, CRM tools, and donor data management
- Confident working with senior stakeholders (philanthropists, corporate leaders)
- Passion for theatre as an instrument for social good is preferable
- Ability to manage upwards with confidence — anticipating needs, communicating proactively, and maintaining clarity in a high-paced, founder-driven environment

To Apply

To Apply

- Please submit your CV along with a tailored cover letter why fundraising for DSFM excites you and what skills or experiences you bring. (500 Words Max)
- We expect candidates to research DSFM, understand our work, and respond thoughtfully.

Alternatively you may instead send your application (CV + 500 Word cover letter) by email to pkoppikar@dsfm.in with the subject line: "LinkedIn: DSFM Fundraising Associate Application".

Note: Easy Apply submissions will be required to submit a cover letter for further consideration.

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