Donor Relations and Partnerships Manager

Position: Donor Relations and Partnerships Manager

About NavGurukul:
NavGurukul is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2016 with a mission to create access to aspirational careers for students from marginalized communities. We envision an equitable higher education alternative where students develop essential skills, mindsets, and the ability to learn independently. Our initiatives span across residential programs, virtual bootcamps, and innovative projects in digital literacy, AI, and social impact.

What We Do:
NavGurukul operates multiple transformative programs:

Residential Program: Empowering learners from underserved communities through fully funded, skill-based education across nine residential centers in India.

Zuvy (zuvy.org): Intensive 10-month virtual bootcamps, currently training over 2000 college students.

Sama (thesama.in): Leveraging technology and e-waste repurposing for digital inclusion.

Samyarth (samyarth.org): A cooperative offering technical and financial consultancy services to drive social impact.

AI-Driven Career Exploration: Leveraging artificial intelligence to guide students in making informed career choices based on skills, interests, and industry trends.

NGVerse Incubator: Supporting social entrepreneurs in scaling impactful initiatives.

Why This Role Matters:
We are looking for an impact-driven, strategic relationship builder to lead donor partnerships, ensuring sustainable funding and collaboration for our ambitious growth goals.

Who You Are:

Passionate About Impact: You are deeply committed to social change and equitable education.

Strategic Thinker: You align donor interests with NavGurukul’s mission, driving long-term partnerships.

Exceptional Communicator: You craft compelling narratives, proposals, and reports that inspire and engage stakeholders.

Data-Driven & Detail-Oriented: You manage reporting, compliance, and funding allocations with accuracy.

Entrepreneurial & Self-Driven: You proactively identify funding opportunities and solutions without needing constant follow-ups.

Tech-Savvy: You leverage tools like Google Sheets, VLookup, Pivot Tables, and CRM platforms for donor management.

How to Know if This Role is/Isn’t for You:

This role is for individuals who thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and are driven to create impact at scale.
✅ If you enjoy engaging with multiple stakeholders, aligning interests, and building long-term relationships—this role is for you.
✅ If you are proactive in identifying funding opportunities and take ownership of driving donor engagement—this role is for you.
✅ If you can write compelling grant proposals, reports, and concept notes while ensuring compliance and transparency—this role is for you.
✅ If you find excitement in streamlining donor management processes and improving reporting efficiency—this role is for you.
❌ If you need constant supervision and reminders to meet deadlines—this role isn’t for you.
❌ If you prefer rigid, structured work with little room for creativity—this role isn’t for you.
❌ If you find networking and relationship management overwhelming—this role isn’t for you.

We Want You If You Are:

A Relationship Builder: You naturally connect with people, understand their motivations, and foster lasting partnerships.

An Impact-Driven Fundraiser: You don’t just chase numbers—you see fundraising as a means to create meaningful, scalable change.

A Strategic Thinker: You approach donor management with foresight, ensuring sustainable long-term collaborations.

A Storyteller: You can translate impact into compelling narratives that inspire funding partners.

A Data Enthusiast: You believe in leveraging data to track progress, identify trends, and optimize fundraising strategies.

An Autonomous Go-Getter: You take initiative, troubleshoot challenges, and see tasks through to completion.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and manage relationships with donors, CSR partners, and government agencies.

Ensure timely, high-quality donor reporting, compliance, and documentation.

Collaborate with internal teams (technology, communications, campus heads) to align donor expectations with impact delivery.

Lead fundraising initiatives, including grant writing, concept notes, and partnership development.

Track funding utilization, impact metrics, and strategic alignment with NavGurukul’s expansion goals.

Play a pivotal role in scaling NavGurukul to impact 10,000+ marginalized learners annually by 2030.

What Success Looks Like:

Efficient Donor Management: Strong, long-term relationships with funding partners.

Data-Driven Impact Measurement: Clear reporting structures aligning funding with student success.

Proactive Fundraising Initiatives: Consistently identifying and securing new funding opportunities.

Cross-Team Collaboration: Seamless coordination between donor expectations and internal execution.

Requirements:

2+ years of experience in donor management, fundraising, or partnerships within the social sector.

Strong skills in report writing, proposal development, and stakeholder communication.

Proven track record of securing and managing donor funding.

Ability to work independently and drive initiatives without constant supervision.

Strong analytical skills and proficiency in MS Excel, budgeting, and financial tracking.

Location & Compensation:

Remote role with periodic visits to NavGurukul campuses.

Competitive salary of ₹4.8-7.25 LPA, with flexibility for senior-level candidates.

Why Join Us?

NavGurukul is more than an organization—it’s a movement. We believe in collaboration, innovation, and impact at scale. By joining us, you become part of a rapidly growing ecosystem focused on transforming education and livelihoods for the most underserved communities.

If this excites you, let’s talk!