ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, PROGRAMS

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, PROGRAMS

About Us:

Pratham Books is a non-profit organization, dedicated to fostering a love for reading among children by providing high-quality, affordable books in multiple languages and formats. Established in 2004, the organization aims to ensure every child can access enriching and engaging reading material and has the privilege of working with some of India’s best and award-winning authors and illustrators, creating a diverse and vibrant collection of stories that resonate with children from various backgrounds. The content created by Pratham Books is in multiple formats, including print, digital, and audio, making them accessible to a broader audience.

Pratham Books’ notable initiative includes StoryWeaver, the world’s largest open-source digital platform that allows users to read, create, and translate stories. StoryWeaver hosts thousands of stories in multiple languages, enabling educators, parents, and children to access a vast repository of literature for free. This platform also empowers users to contribute their own stories and translations, fostering a global community of storytellers and readers.

To build a library movement in India, Pratham Books hosts the “Donate-a-Book” crowdfunding initiative, which allows individuals and organizations to contribute towards distributing books to underserved communities. This initiative helps bridge the gap between donors and beneficiaries, ensuring that more children can develop a love for reading.

Pratham Books’ extensive network and innovative approaches have significantly impacted the reading ecosystem, reaching millions of children and educators worldwide.

 

Job Description:

 

Over the last few years through the pandemic-induced education emergency we have seen an accelerated shift towards digital platforms and online resources. During this period the organization expanded StoryWeaver’s role from being a provider of quality content to also supporting teachers (and parents) instructionally and technologically. A suite of story-based programs were released.The success of these programs has led to an opportunity to create  a suite of digital, print and integrated programs and products for Pratham Books.

We are looking for an experienced, highly motivated strategic thinker for the role of Associate Director – Programs. This role will be responsible for designing and building programs at Pratham Books to create impact by making reading a joyful experience for children.  It will also be responsible to provide strategic leadership and guidance on training and packaging of the programs, ensuring adherence to all the programmatic compliances and overseeing implementation of programs and quality of outcomes.

The role will report to the Chief Operating Officer and work cross-functionally to develop best in class programs and product offerings.

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

Program Strategy, Development and Management

  • Responsible for developing program strategy, design and implementation methodology to ensure impactful, scalable and sustainable programs.
  • Ensure programs are aligned with the organization’s mission of reaching all children, especially from the underserved section and help them experience joy of reading
  • Responsible for budget management and cost-effective use of resources
  • Responsible for overseeing the development of training material and resources for program implementation
  • Responsible for overseeing the development of packaging, communications and promotions of the program and marquee events

 

Monitoring and Evaluation:

  • Develop and oversee monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess program impact.
  • Ensure data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement of programs.
  • Prepare and present program reports to internal and external stakeholders.

Team Leadership and Development:

  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing program team.
  • Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture.
  • Ensure professional development opportunities for team members.

 

Required skills and expertise:

  • Overall 15+ years, and at least 5 years of experience in program management, preferably in the education sector
  • Master’s degree in Education, International Development or related field
  • Strong leadership and team management skills.
  • Proven track record of successful program development and implementation in print and digital space.
  • High proficiency in data processes & experience in project management
  • Proven track record of using tools & methodologies such as Theory of Change and Logical Framework Approach (LFA) to plan, monitor and evaluate impact of the programs
  • Experience in data-driven decision making and proven digital acumen
  • Ability to work in a volatile and dynamic external environment.
  • Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Open to travel frequently for work purposes
  • Proficiency in Hindi/ Kannada is a plus
  • Knowledge of educational policy and advocacy is a plus

Job Location:

This is a fixed-term position and is based out of Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Employment Terms:

Fixed Term Employment for 2 years

Write to us:

Email your resume with ‘Associate Director-Programs’ in the email subject line to [email protected].

Our Commitment to a safe environment at work:

Pratham Books has a zero tolerance to Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment. Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) is everyone’s responsibility and all staff are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct, that enshrines principles of PSEA, always (both during work hours and outside work hours). Familiarization with, and adherence to, the Code of Conduct is an essential requirement of all staff, in addition to related mandatory training. All staff must ensure that they understand and act in accordance with this clause.

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