Director
1. POSITION VACANT: Director, Swami Sivananda Memorial Institute of Fine Arts & Crafts (SSMI), New Delhi
2. ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND:
Established in 1964, SSMI is a value-driven, non-profit organization registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. The Institute focuses on empowering under-privileged women, youth, and children through education, health initiatives, skill development, and livelihood generation. Over the years, SSMI's impactful programs have spanned education, nutrition, textiles, and healthcare, delivering comprehensive services to marginalized communities.
Mission of SSMI:
(1) To provide quality foundational education to children up to senior secondary level to embark on career progression.
(2) Establish a Centre for Vocational / Technical skill development for youth and women leading to gainful employment.
(3) Undertake and organize focused community health care and nutrition programs for improving quality of life.
For more details, visit https://www.ssmi.in/.
3. JOB DESCRIPTION/ RESPONSIBILITIES:
Position Summary
With a rich history of community service and social innovation, SSMI seeks a mature, mission-aligned, results-oriented and experienced leader for the role of Director, with responsibility for providing steady institutional leadership, strengthening operations, ensuring sustainable growth, and championing the cause of community empowerment with dignity and inclusivity.
The Director is the principal leader of SSMI, responsible for overseeing strategic planning, operational management, fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and ensuring that the organization achieves its mission through measurable impact and performance. Working closely with the Trust Board and the Executive Committee in accordance with SSMI’s governance framework, the Director will provide strategic leadership, operational excellence, and effective governance to advance SSMI's programs and long-term goals. This role demands a strong focus on achieving clearly defined outcomes and continuous improvement across all facets of the organization.
The Institute is seeking a leader who can ensure continuity, strengthen systems, build confidence among staff and stakeholders, support effective governance communication, and help position SSMI for its next phase of institutional growth. Experience in education/ school management, donor and partner engagement, and leading through transition will be especially valued.
Key Responsibilities:
(1) Strategic Leadership & Planning:
* Develop, implement, and oversee the organization's strategic plan to achieve SSMI’s mission and goals.
* Strengthen presence in education including expansion into vocational and technical education.
* Identify new areas of growth, including expanding education, healthcare, nutrition, women empowerment, and sustainable livelihood-generation programs.
* Act as a thought leader to ensure SSMI remains aligned to global best practices in the development sector.
(2) Operational Management:
* Direct program execution across all core domains (education, health, nutrition, textiles, etc.), ensuring quality and impact.
* Oversee performance of operational teams and ensure alignment with the organization’s mission and goals.
* Foster a results-oriented culture and facilitate collaboration across all teams to continually improve service delivery.
* Monitor and report key metrics to evaluate organizational effectiveness.
* Strengthen internal systems, reporting processes, documentation, staff coordination and transition arrangements necessary for effective functioning of the Director’s office.
* Build trust-based working relationships with staff, support role clarity and accountability, and foster a collaborative and respectful work culture.
(3) Sustainability, Donor and Partner Management:
* Design and execute innovative sustainability, donor and partner engagement strategies to strengthen the organization's financial sustainability.
* Build and maintain partnerships with donors, corporate organizations, and institutional funders.
* Stewardship of existing donors and engage with new funding opportunities locally and internationally.
* Actively develop and lead revenue-generating activities and social enterprise models to enhance SSMI's financial sustainability and reduce donor dependency.
(4) Financial Management:
* Develop and manage the annual organizational budget, ensuring optimal resource allocation, and oversee all financial operations to ensure accountability, transparency, and regulatory compliance.
* Implement and maintain robust financial controls and systems, monitor budgetary performance, and provide regular, insightful financial reports and forecasts to the Trust Board and Executive Committee.
* Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to all stakeholders, including donors and regulatory bodies, and oversee audit processes to maintain compliance with all statutory and accounting standards.
(5) Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy:
* Represent SSMI externally at public events, committees, and advocacy forums to promote its work and build a strong presence.
* Build relationships with community leaders, local authorities, and development partners to foster collaboration opportunities.
* Act as a spokesperson to amplify SSMI’s initiatives and advocate for the empowerment of marginalized communities.
(6) Organizational Growth & Innovation:
* Promote capacity-building programs and establish internal mechanisms to ensure team growth and skill development.
* Drive the adoption of innovative practices, such as digital tools for education, online fundraising campaigns, and socially responsible enterprises.
* Establish and oversee partnerships with academic institutions, corporate CSR projects, and social enterprises to broaden SSMI’s impact.
(7) Governance & Board Communication:
* Regular and effective communication with the Trust Board and the Executive Committee, on key operational, financial, and strategic updates.
* Ensure compliance with statutory regulations and governance requirements of the Societies Registration Act, 1860, the Delhi School Education Act 1973 and Rules thereunder and all other relevant laws and rules.
* Support the Trustees and the Executive Committee in decision-making by presenting well-researched recommendations.
4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES:
Educational Background:
Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Education, Public Administration, Business Management, or a related field (MBA or equivalent preferred).
Professional Experience:
* Extensive experience in fundraising and partnership development, with proven success in achieving and sustaining financial growth.
* Experience in managing or overseeing schools/ educational institutions, vocational/ skill-development programmes, or education-focused community institutions shall be a strong advantage.
Skills & Competencies:
* Exceptional leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills to engage and inspire cross-functional teams.
* Significant experience in working with Governance Boards, donors, and institutional stakeholders.
* Ability to work constructively with governance bodies and support implementation of approved institutional, policy and process improvements.
* In-depth knowledge of CSR funding frameworks, government policies, and international trends in the non-profit sector.
* Highly proactive, results-driven professional with excellent analytical and financial acumen.
Core Competencies:
To excel in this role, the ideal candidate should possess:
* Unwavering passion for social justice, inclusivity, and sustainable development.
* Strong ethical grounding and ability to lead with empathy.
* A collaborative mindset to foster internal and external partnerships; team building and empathy for the parents and children.
* A demonstrated commitment to delivering measurable outcomes.
* The ability to make high-level strategic decisions under time constraints without compromising organizational quality.
5. COMPENSATION OFFERED:
The gross fixed compensation budgeted for the position ranges from Rs. 18 to 24 lakhs per annum. The offer made to the selected candidate shall be commensurate with qualifications, experience, and salary history. In addition, benefits and perquisites, including transportation, may be considered.
6. LOCATION:
Road No. 31, East Avenue, East Punjabi Bagh, New Delhi, Delhi 110026
The role requires regular physical presence at SSMI, East Punjabi Bagh, New Delhi. Candidates based in Delhi/NCR, or willing to relocate immediately, shall be preferred.
7. REPORTING LINE:
The Director will work closely with, and report as required to, the Trust Board and the Executive Committee in accordance with SSMI’s governance framework. The Director will be expected to provide regular operational, financial, programme and strategic updates and to work collaboratively with both bodies.
8. REFERENCE: DIR-SSMI
9. CONTACT INFORMATION:
Team SAMS
Strategic Alliance Management Services P Ltd.
1/1B Choudhary Hetram House, Bharat Nagar
New Friends Colony, New Delhi 110025
Phone Nos.: 011-4081 9900; 4165 3612
10. APPLICATION PROCESS:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their:
(1) Updated resume
(2) A cover letter highlighting their alignment with SSMI's mission and leadership capabilities
(3) Contact details of three professional references
Eligible candidates interested in the position are requested to urgently apply at the earliest.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged.
SSMI is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. The organisation welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, irrespective of age, gender identity, economic circumstances, or disabilities.
