Head – Communications and Donor Outreach

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About the Organization

The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) was founded by Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, architect of India’s Green Revolution and a global advocate for sustainable development. For over three decades, MSSRF has advanced a unique community-led, interdisciplinary science-led, pro-nature and pro-poor approach, working with local communities to address urgent challenges in biodiversity conservation, coastal and marine systems, nutrition and health security, digital knowledge empowerment, and gender equity in the backdrop of a climate crisis. MSSRF stands apart for its ability to connect field-level innovation with policy influence , blending rigorous science with the lived realities of farmers, fishers, women, and indigenous communities. Guided by Prof. Swaminathan’s vision of “biohappiness”—well-being derived from harmony between people and nature—MSSRF continues to inspire and inform global development practice.

Job Description

The Head – Communications and Donor Outreach will be responsible for amplifying MSSRF’s voice globally, strengthening donor partnerships, and building narratives that convey the transformative power of science in shaping sustainable and inclusive futures. This is a senior leadership role that combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution— equally at home crafting a thought leadership piece, engaging with donors, overseeing a campaign, or mentoring a team. The position requires someone who can bridge science, community, policy and practice with clarity and conviction.

Job Responsibilities

Shaping MSSRF’s Narrative

• Develop and lead an institutional communications strategy that reflects MSSRF’s
• unique positioning in science-driven, community-based development.
• Translate research insights and field experiences into compelling stories for diverse audiences—ranging from grassroots communities to global policymakers.
• Position MSSRF as a trusted thought leader through authored articles, media features, convenings, and public dialogues.
• Ensure coherence and consistency of messaging across all channels and programs.

Donor Engagement and Partnerships

• Build and steward relationships with existing donors through effective communication, timely reporting, and high-quality stewardship.
• Identify and cultivate new donor prospects, including foundations, philanthropies, corporates, and multilateral partners.
• Lead the development of donor proposals, concept notes, and reports in close collaboration with program teams.
• Support leadership in donor outreach strategies, ensuring alignment with MSSRF’s
• long-term mission.

Visibility and Ecosystem Building

• Strengthen MSSRF’s presence in national and international conversations on
• sustainability, climate change, biodiversity, and food systems.
• Forge partnerships with media, research institutions, multilateral agencies, and civil society platforms to amplify MSSRF’s work.
• Support advocacy and policy influence through targeted communications and stakeholder engagement.

Digital and Media Engagement

• Lead MSSRF’s digital strategy, ensuring an engaging and authoritative presence
• across website, social media, newsletters, and multimedia platforms.
• Ensure visual and editorial quality, brand alignment, and storytelling excellence in all digital and print materials.
• Manage external creative partners, agencies, and consultants to deliver high-impact outputs.

Events and Campaigns

• Provide communication leadership for high-profile events, launches, and campaigns.
• Work with program teams to design knowledge products, event collateral, and post- event dissemination strategies.
• Align campaigns with institutional priorities on science, sustainability, and donor outreach.

Leadership and Internal Communication

• Build and mentor a strong communications and outreach team with a culture of creativity, agility, and accountability.
• Strengthen knowledge sharing within MSSRF, ensuring lessons and stories from the field inform wider communication.

Education Qualification/Required Skills & Experience

• Postgraduate degree in Communications, Journalism, Development Studies, Public Policy, or related fields.

Experience

• 12+ years of progressive experience in communications, donor engagement, or related fields, with at least 5 years in the development or sustainability sector.
• Strong track record in donor communications, media engagement, digital campaigns, and institutional storytelling.
• Experience with global donors, foundations, or international NGOs preferred.

Core Competencies

• Outstanding writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with sensitivity to both scientific integrity and community voice.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to execute and deliver under deadlines.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent networking and relationship-building abilities.
• Commitment to the values of sustainability, equity, and inclusive development.

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