Head of Development

Job Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Head of Development and Fundraising is responsible for designing, implementing, and leading SGB's fundraising and donor engagement strategy. This role involves identifying prospective funding partners, securing grants and donations, developing donor relationships, and ensuring compliance and reporting. The Manager will work closely with the Director, as well as legal, finance, communications, and programme teams.

This is a pivotal leadership role in a small, ambitious team and calls for a candidate who is resourceful, collaborative, and passionate about public engagement in science and culture.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Fundraising and Partnerships

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan aligned with SGB's vision and programme needs.

• Identify and cultivate relationships with corporate partners, foundations (domestic and international), trusts, HNIs, and other potential donors.

• Conceptualise and manage fundraising events, donor meetings, and site visits to build visibility and interest.

• Support the Director in building strategic partnerships, including CSR and institutional collaborations.

1. Grant Writing and Proposal Development

• Draft, edit, and submit compelling proposals tailored to donor priorities and SGB's mission.

• Coordinate internal inputs to create budgets, narratives, and timelines for grant applications.

• Track opportunities and lead submission processes in collaboration with legal and finance teams.

1. Donor Management and Stewardship

• Develop and maintain a donor database, ensuring accurate records of contributions, interactions, and reporting deadlines.

• Create stewardship plans to engage donors through timely communication, updates, and recognition.

• Collaborate with programme and communications teams to develop impact reports and donor materials.

1. Compliance and Reporting

• Manage compliance with donor, legal, and tax requirements (including FCRA, CSR regulations, etc.).

• Oversee narrative and financial grant reporting and coordinate with relevant departments for inputs.

• Liaise with legal, finance, and compliance teams to monitor and track grant utilisation and audit requirements.

1. Internal Coordination and Support

• Act as the primary liaison between the fundraising function and programming, communications, and finance departments.

• Support campaign-specific fundraising efforts and monitor progress with the Director and Board-level Fundraising Committee.

• Lead the development of institutional fundraising tools such as donor decks, case statements, and pitch narratives.

Experience Required:

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in fundraising, development, or donor relations, preferably in the non-profit, arts, science, or education sector.

• Proven track record of securing funds from foundations, corporations, or HNIs.

• Strong proposal writing and budgeting skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication in English.

• High-level interpersonal and networking abilities.

• Prior experience working with international donors and cross-cultural teams is an advantage.

• Graduate degree required; advanced degrees in Development, Communications, Public Policy, or related fields preferred.

Job Title:
Head of Development

Nature of Employment:
Full-time, Probation - 6 months

Reporting to:
Executive Director

Location:
Science Gallery Bengaluru, Bellary Road (next to IVRI)

Work Hours:
Tuesday to Saturday; we are a small team of an institution in the establishment phase and therefore looking for people who are able to work flexibly. Late-nights, holiday and weekend work may be required.

Work Environment:
Office-based role with occasional travel for meetings, events, or government coordination.

Salary Information:
Salary details available on request.

Applying for the post:

To apply, please send an email to

• The subject line of the email must carry the job title to which you are applying.

• Please attach (1) a resume and (2) a brief covering letter stating your suitability for the position, keeping in mind the specifications mentioned above.

• Portfolio of relevant work (as a link or pdf)

Emails not adhering to the above specifications will be rejected.

Response:

All applications will be considered with respect to the criteria outlined in the person specification. Personal enquiries on application status will not be entertained. No feedback will be provided at any stage of the application. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted via email.