Job Opening at IFA: Executive Director | Deadline: August 31, 2022 (CLOSED)

India Foundation for the Arts (IFA)
is inviting applications for an
Executive Director

Application Deadline: August 31, 2022

We are happy to invite applications for the position of Executive Director for India Foundation for the Arts (IFA). The Executive Director will report to the Board of Trustees.

IFA is an independent, nationwide, not-for-profit, organisation that makes grants and implements projects across practice, research and education in the arts and culture, in India. Set up as a Public Charitable Trust in 1993, we started work in 1995. Since then we have made possible over 750 arts projects disbursing over Rs 34.30 crore across the country. (www.indiaifa.org)

IFA believes that the arts and culture are essential to our individual and community lives, and for a more equitable and just world. Arts and culture give meaning to our existence and enable us to enquire into our cultural heritage and contemporary contexts, as well as imagine collective futures. IFA supports and implements critical practices focusing on unheard voices and untold stories. As a facilitator, catalyst and provocateur in the field, IFA embarks on and enables investigations, explorations and experiments that push boundaries of knowledge and practice. 

The Executive Director is responsible for leading this organisation.  

Job Responsibilities:

  • Work together with the Board and Advisors in furtherance of/in support of the organisationʼs vision and long term goals
  • Develop strategic priorities for the organisation based on its vision and goals and create the roadmap for achieving them
  • Build, implement and review annual operating plans for the organisation correlating to operating budgets in consultation with staff
  • Create and sustain programmes that support and implement projects 
  • Create spaces and opportunities to support the field including active outreach 
  • Lead resource mobilisation, financial management and ensure financial sustainability
  • Motivate, inspire and provide intellectual and creative support for staff to attain goals
  • Oversee systems, processes and various statutory as well as best practices compliances of the organisation
  • Build strategic relationships, partnerships and alliances with like-spirited and diverse people, collectives and organisations
  • Advocate for the organisation and the arts and culture field of India across both national and international platforms

Person Specification:

The ideal candidate will be an individual with the ability to provide strong, passionate, empathetic, and imaginative leadership needed for the organisation which aims to serve an arts and culture world where many voices remain unheard, ignored or erased. They will need to come with experience in developing and managing a diverse and talented team, setting strategy, managing programmatic and financial integrity, and partnerships with multiple and varied stakeholders. We are looking for someone who has the stamina for challenges, with the courage and patience required to push boundaries and set new paths. 

The qualifications, experience, skills, and knowledge required are:

  • Post-graduate degree from a recognised university in arts/ humanities 
  • About 15 years of experience preferably working in arts and culture and/or not-for-profit sector with 8 of those years in leadership roles
  • Candidates with leadership experience in India will be preferred
  • Conversant with current debates and concerns in the arts and humanities within the country and in the international arena 
  • Ability to build and work in equitable and diverse environments 
  • Excellent understanding and grasp over financial planning and management, including resource mobilisation 
  • Excellent writing, speaking and public communication abilities in English and at least one other Indian language
  • Excellent networking skills and ability to represent the organisation at different forums

Remuneration: About Rs 38 lakh per annum, depending on experience and skill

Location: Bangalore. This position entails travel within and outside India.

Term: Five years, on a contractual basis with a probation period of six months

APPLICATION GUIDELINES:

Applications should include:

  • Covering letter, clearly stating interest in the role and why the candidate is most suitable for it (within 1000 words)
  • A note on ideas for the future development of organisations such as IFA in the arts and culture field (within 1000 words)
  • Résumé, detailing previous experience
  • Two professional reference letters

An application received without the above mentioned attachments will not be considered.

(IFA seeks candidates interested in a significant career span at IFA. The Foundation has a retirement policy at 60 years of age.)

Send your applications by email to ed@indiaifa.org with the subject line: Application for Executive Director.

There will be multiple levels of interviews, both virtual and physical, between September and December 2022. The selected candidate will be expected to join in early April 2023. 

The deadline for applications is August 31, 2022.