Associate Director, Program Operations & Finance
About the Trust
The University of Chicago Trust (the Trust) is a charitable trust in India, established in 2008 by alumnus of The University of Chicago. The objectives of the Trust’s objectives are to provide opportunities for grants to support educational programs, research programs and activities for the betterment of India.
About the Unit
The Development Innovation Lab (DIL) India, based at the Trust in India, is dedicated to using the tools of economics to benefit millions of people. We work across sectors like health, education, agriculture, climate change, road safety, and others. We do so by collaborating with government agencies, firms, and non-profits in India to identify, test, and scale evidence-based solutions.
Position Description
DIL-India is seeking a full-time Associate Director Program Operations to be based out of its Delhi office. Working closely with the Executive Director, this position oversees smooth operations and programs management at DIL-India. Responsibilities include project financial management, grants management, program reporting, donor management, and support to staffing and recruitment processes. The Associate Director works closely with DIL-India leadership and the University of Chicago Trust in India operations teams.
The ideal candidate is experienced, strategic, organized and possesses excellent program and financial management skills, good verbal, and written communication skills with the ability to work well in coordination with cross-functional groups within the organization.
Responsibilities
Oversee country-level financial operations to ensure programs are resourced and delivered effectively
Manage budgets, forecasts, and resource allocation across multiple projects and funding streams to meet programmatic goals
Oversee and manage grants, including overseeing application processes, monitoring, and close-out
Assist in donor reporting and fundraising to sustain program growth
Ensure compliance with funder requirements, University of Chicago Trust policies, and local regulations governing program implementation
Monitor and report on program spending against budgets; flag variances and recommend corrective actions
Coordinate with DIL finance team on grant reporting, forecasting, and audit preparation
Lead day-to-day operations to ensure smooth program delivery across multiple work and project locations within India
Website management
Ensure operational processes comply with University of Chicago Trust finance, grants, and legal standards required for programming activities
Collaborate closely with University of Chicago Trust and collaborators to align operations with program objectives
Manage junior operations and program support staff
Oversee local HR processes including onboarding and compliance with labor laws
Coordinate programs and monitor delivery in partnership with DIL-India Executive Director
Understand location-specific implementation needs and adapt operational support accordingly
Serve as an operational liaison between research teams and administrative functions to troubleshoot barriers to program execution
All other tasks as assigned.
Qualifications
Education
A bachelor’s degree in any discipline; business administration, accounting, or related degrees required.
Master's degree-level qualifications or certification in related fields preferred.
Experience
A minimum of 5-7 years of relevant work experience in similar operations roles is required, including experience in management or leadership capacity.
Demonstrated supervisory and project management experience.
Experience with financial management of grant-funded projects or research projects and programs.
Experience working with collaborators and teams across projects, preferably in a multi-cultural environment.
Experience working with international organizations.
Non-profit and FCRA experience.
Working with diverse and multicultural teams
Competencies
Demonstrated project management skills including budgeting, attention to operational details, working within deadlines, and ability to manage multiple projects efficiently.
Demonstrated ability to work quickly, problem solve and ensure that projects move ahead in a timely and accurate manner.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
Process-oriented with superior attention to detail
Strong judgment independently managing complex situations and providing guidance to colleagues
Excellent computer skills, with proficiency in Microsoft and Google suites
Fluent in English and Hindi (required)
Intermediate to advanced Excel skills (required)
Working Conditions
Based in Delhi. In-person work required at least three days per week.
Potential for occasional travel to project locations and state capitals to support program operations
Applicant must be legally authorized to work in India.
Location
New Delhi, India
Application Documents
● Resume
● Cover Letter
● Three Professional References