Associate Director, Programs, Operations and Finance

Diluchicago; New Delhi; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

A charitable trust in India is seeking an Associate Director for Program Operations & Finance. This role involves managing financial operations, overseeing multiple projects, and ensuring compliance with local regulations. Candidates should have 5-7 years of experience in similar positions, strong project management skills, and be fluent in English and Hindi. The position is based in Delhi and requires in-person work at least three days a week.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-7 years in operations roles, including management.
• Experience with grant-funded or research projects.
• Fluency in English and Hindi required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial operations and ensure effective program delivery.
• Manage budgets and resource allocation across projects.
• Coordinate with finance team on grant reporting.

Skills

Financial management

Project management

Communication skills

Ability to work in multicultural environments

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in any discipline

Master's degree or certification in related fields

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Google Suite

Excel

Job description

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

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.