Program Lead

Lady Bamford Foundation

Role Overview

The Lead – Craft, Culture & Programmes will provide strategic direction and leadership for Nila’s programmes that connect craft, artisans, culture, knowledge and audiences. The role will oversee workshops, demonstrations, cultural programmes, Nila Connect / Artisan Bazaars, artist and practitioner engagements, residencies and special projects. The role combines programme strategy, craft and cultural understanding, partnership development, team leadership and execution. It ensures that Nila’s public programmes remain meaningful to artisans and practitioners while being relevant and engaging to audiences. This is not simply an event-management role: it requires an understanding of craft as a living ecosystem, the people and knowledge behind it, and the relationship between craft, culture, design and community.

ROLE PURPOSE / ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme Strategy & Direction

• Develop Nila’s annual programming strategy and calendar.
• Translate Nila’s broader craft and community objectives into meaningful public programmes.
• Define the balance between workshops, demonstrations, talks, cultural programmes, Artisan Bazaars, residencies and special projects.
• Establish programming standards, frameworks, budgets and review mechanisms.
• Review programmes regularly and use learning to strengthen future programming.

Nila Connect / Artisan Bazaars

• Develop the overall model and strategy for Nila Connect / Artisan Bazaars.
• Establish fair and transparent criteria for artisan selection and participation.
• Work with Craft & Value Chain and Research & Archive to identify artisans and craft communities.
• Oversee bazaar formats, curation, visitor experience and artisan experience.
• Track artisan outcomes including sales, orders, contacts and other opportunities.

Craft & Cultural Programmes

• Curate and develop workshops, demonstrations, talks, performances, exhibitions and special projects.
• Commission practitioners and negotiate appropriate terms of engagement.
• Manage end to end program delivery

Residencies & Special Projects

• Develop and oversee artist/craft residency frameworks where applicable.
• Manage open calls, selection processes, resident onboarding, hosting and public outcomes where applicable.
• Connect residents with artisans and craft communities where appropriate, ensuring respectful and two-way exchange.
• Serve as a key point for artists in resident and support their requirements including logistics and budgets.

Team, Partnerships & Cross-functional Leadership

• Work with the Craft & Value Chain team to ensure programming reflects Nila’s wider craft-development work.
• Lead and mentor the Programmes Coordinator and future programme team.
• Establish clear roles, workflows, calendars and systems for programme planning, contracting, budgeting and reporting.
• Develop relationships with cultural institutions, museums, galleries, educational institutions, foundations and other relevant partners.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration, co-programming and knowledge exchange.

Language Fluency

• Fluent in Hindi and English (spoken and written).

Skills and Competencies

• 8–12 years of relevant experience, including significant experience leading programmes or projects.
• Demonstrated experience working with artisans, craftspeople, artists or cultural practitioners.
• Strong understanding of Indian craft and cultural ecosystems.
• Experience managing budgets, partnerships and teams.
• Strong programme strategy and execution skills.
• Excellent communication, writing and presentation skills; strong Hindi and English.
• Willingness to travel regularly to artisan communities, partner institutions and programme locations.

Desirable Experience

• Experience in craft development, social development/community programmes, cultural institutions, museums, arts organisations, design/craft organisations, foundations or cultural education.
• Artist or craft residency experience.
• Experience with exhibitions, festivals or public programmes.
• Experience with grants, partnerships or sponsorship.
• Knowledge of India’s craft and cultural landscape.
• Regional language capability.
• Genuine respect for artisans, craft knowledge and cultural practice.
• Ability to combine strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
• Strong judgement and sensitivity in working across communities and cultural contexts.
• Collaborative leadership style.
• Curious, thoughtful and open to learning.
• Strong relationship builder with internal and external stakeholders.

Key Deliverables

• A clear annual programming strategy and 12-month calendar aligned to Nila’s vision.
• A strong and well-defined Nila Connect / Artisan Bazaar model with measurable artisan outcomes.
• A coherent calendar of workshops, demonstrations, cultural programmes and special projects.
• Strong institutional and cultural partnerships.
• Well-managed programme budgets, documentation and reporting.
• A capable and well-organised programme team.
• Programmes that strengthen Nila’s role as a craft, cultural and community platform.

Working Hours & Days

5 days a week (Monday to Saturday, 09:30 AM – 06:30 PM)