Director of Fundraising

About Makkala Jagriti

Makkala Jagriti is an award-winning, Bengaluru-based NGO working towards providing holistic development and learning opportunities for children and youth from marginalised communities since 2003. The organisation works with government schools, Anganwadis, childcare institutions and urban poor communities, enabling access and experience of quality education to the children and youth directly, while also influencing systems and actors to become child-centric, inclusive, and holistic in their approach.

Inspired by the motto: Where you are born should not limit how far you go, the organisation has impacted over 1.5 lakh children and youth across 14 districts of Karnataka so far, and is scaling rapidly, with plans to expand into other states as well.

The organisation has been certified as a Great Place to Work three times in a row and is also recognised as India's Best Places to work for women. As an organisation, Makkala Jagriti places great emphasis on personal growth, providing ample scope for learning, mentorship and leadership development, while also being part of deeply meaningful social transformation.

Role Summary

Makkala Jagriti is on an ambitious growth path - both in terms of expanding its reach and deepening its impact. We are looking for a dynamic, committed, enthusiastic, and

results-oriented individual to become a key part of the exciting growth journey in the position of Director - Fundraising.

The Director - Fundraising
is a key leadership role, leading and overseeing the resource mobilisation function of the organisation. This role will be central to enabling the organisation to scale its programs, diversify funding sources, and ensure long-term sustainability. The ideal candidate combines strategic vision, strong relationship-building skills, fundraising expertise, and a deep commitment to education and equity.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, this role offers the opportunity to influence organisational strategy beyond fundraising and contribute to Makkala Jagriti's overall growth and culture.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership

● Develop and lead a comprehensive, multi-channel fundraising strategy aligned with organisational goals and strategic roadmap

● Set clear, ambitious but achievable revenue generation targets in collaboration with the Board, CEO and Program Heads

● Drive and execute the fundraising strategy, ensuring and tracking the revenue generation against defined targets and accountability measures

● Monitor fundraising performance against targets and proactively refine strategies to maximise outcomes.

● Serve as a credible ambassador for Makkala Jagriti with donors, partners, and networks.

Donor Engagement and Relationships

● Build, nurture, and expand relationships with CSR teams, philanthropic foundations, individual donors, HNIs, and international funders.

● Build and nurture relationships with current donors towards sustaining and expanding their support

● Craft compelling donor narratives, pitch decks, and proposals tailored to diverse donor segments.

● Lead proactive outreach to identify and cultivate new funding opportunities.

Proposals Development & Communications Oversight

● Develop high-quality grant proposals, pitches and concept notes for donors

● Collaborate with program and M&E teams to generate data-driven impact stories and reports for donor engagement.

● Collaborate with the Communications team to create compelling donor campaigns and enhance brand visibility.

● Donor stewardship through consistent and meaningful communication with donors, and also ensure reporting compliances are met

Team Management

● Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing fundraising team.

● Set clear goals, provide accountability, and foster a culture of ownership and excellence.

Systems & Operations

● Implement robust CRM and tech-based fundraising management systems.

● Establish efficient processes for donor servicing, reporting, and knowledge management.

Other

● Actively contribute to the organisation's strategic growth as a member of the Extended Leadership Team, influencing direction and development.

● Promote the culture of collaboration and partnership within the organisation for team members to engage in fundraising activities meaningfully

● Enhance transparency and visibility of fundraising efforts within the organisation - reinforce the connection between funds raised and impact created

Who you are

Experience and Skills

● 12–14 years of experience in fundraising, business development, partnerships, or related areas, ideally in the development sector or corporate CSR/fundraising, with at least 5 to 6 years in a leadership/management role

● Deep understanding of the funding landscape in India, including CSR, philanthropic foundations, individual donors, and international funding

● Proven track record of revenue generation and expansion of revenue generation channels for organisations

● Experience in scaling fundraising for a growing organisation

● Knowledgeable about policies related to grants, including, but not limited to, CSR guidelines, FCRA norms and practices

● Exposure to digital or international fundraising campaigns.

● Strong networks in CSR and philanthropic ecosystems.

Personal / Behavioural attributes

● Exceptional communicator, able to inspire confidence and build trust with diverse stakeholders.

● Strategic thinker who can also execute with ownership and attention to detail

● Initiative-driven, collaborative, and thrives in a dynamic, purpose-driven environment

● Passionate about social change, equity, inclusion, and holistic education

● Strong ethical grounding and integrity in fundraising and allied aspects, ensuring alignment with the organisation's values and long-term vision

● Growth-oriented with a mindset for continuous learning and personal development

Why Join Us

● Be part of a passionate, purpose-driven team creating lasting change

● Lead the fundraising function for one of India's most respected organisations in holistic education and become a key part of its growth journey

● Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of children and communities across India

● Experience the outstanding culture of a people-centred organisation and innumerable opportunities for personal development