Job Opportunity for Lead, Outreach & Communication at FAST in New Delhi

Job Title:

Lead- Outreach & Communication

About Foundation for Advancing Science and Technology (FAST India)

The world is increasingly moving towards an innovation economy, driven by exponential progress in science and technology (S&T) and the growth of vibrant ecosystems to commercialise research. To be a global leader in science and technology, India needs to be at the forefront of research: the creation of new science & technology knowledge (research) and its translation to economic and social goods. This would ensure sustained economic growth that is not overly dependent on the service sector, and the use of the scientific method to attain our social goals. We believe that this is the right time for India to revive its S&T agenda. We have the economic size, the talent pool, a large market size and a vibrant startup ecosystem to both invest in research and be able to translate S&T knowledge into economic value. Countries such as China seized this opportunity beginning in the 1990s and have revitalised their S&T ecosystem through systematic reforms and programs. It is no surprise that today, China rubs its shoulders with and is even ahead of the United States in areas such as artificial intelligence.

The Foundation for Advancing Science and Technology (FAST India) has been conceptualised as a non-profit institution of excellence dedicated to build capacity and advance policy solutions that foster scientific enquiry and research, and facilitate the creation, dissemination, and translation of new scientific knowledge. The Foundation will work with all stakeholders to develop and strengthen the science ecosystem in India in order to advance scientific research and its translation into economic value and social good. The Foundation also aspires to be a thought-leader in the space of science in India and set the narrative for science in the country. FAST India will have five key verticals: Policy Reforms (housed at CCS), Government Engagement and Support, Capacity Building for Institutions, Engaging with the Corporate Sector, and Science Communications (flagship event, www.indiasciencefest.org).

FAST India is backed by Varun Aggarwal, who is a successful entrepreneur and researcher, and Ashish Dhawan, a private equity investor turned philanthropist. Varun is passionate about building science for India and wrote a book on the science ecosystem of India. He believes that India needs to be a pioneer in scientific research to have sustainable social and economic progress. Ashish Dhawan is the chairperson of Ashoka University, a leading liberal arts university in India, and Central Square Foundation, and is passionate about promoting science in India.

FAST India receives guidance from its panel of advisors that comprises Luis Miranda, Dr. Swaminathan Sivaram, Thomas Barlow, Samir K. Brahmachari, Sanjay Sarma, Venkatesh Narayanamurti, Kris Gopalakrishnan, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Vijay Chandru and Gagandeep Kang.

Position Summary:

Lead Outreach, Fundraising, and Science Communication strategy for FAST. Create salience for the cause, create awareness of FAST (with the right brand associations), and drive ecosystem engagement for FAST organised events.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Brand custodian FAST, ensuring coherent and impactful brand recognition as FAST works towards being the leading Science & technology influencer in the country.
• Build relationships, raise funds for supporting ISF and other marquee properties developed by FAST
• Develop and implement other science communication projects eg. book fellowships, expert roundtables, webinars etc.
• Help in institutionalising science communication practices in Indian S&T institutions.
• Manage external media, events, activities and relationships – mainstream national press, science journalists, social media etc.

Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• Masters in Communication, Management or relevant disciplines.
• About 10 years of experience, strong relationship building skills, familiarity with traditional and electronic media with some related experience, interest in deeply understanding S&T ecosystem in India.
• leadership traits: ability to orchestrate large events, leverage media, creative thinking, drive for excellence in execution, desire to create an impact.
• Self-starter; can drive projects themselves.
• Excellent writing/ editing, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to synthesise content inputs from different individuals and develop coherent and engaging content customised for different communication vehicles.

Compensation

Remuneration will be competitive with Indian philanthropy pay scales and will depend upon the candidate’s experience.