Program Manager

MakerGhat; India; On-site; Full time

Job description

Overview

MakerGhat is a Section 8 non-profit organization working at the intersection of hands-on learning, maker education, and community-led problem solving, primarily in rural and under-resourced contexts across India. We believe that when children and youth build with their hands, they build confidence, agency, and pathways to meaningful futures. The MakerGhat Fellowship is MakerGhat’s flagship grassroots leadership program—designed to develop young educators and makers as community-rooted facilitators, capable of running makerspaces, leading student learning journeys, and driving local innovation.

The MakerGhat Fellowship is MakerGhat’s flagship grassroots leadership program—designed to develop young educators and makers as community-rooted facilitators, capable of running makerspaces, leading student learning journeys, and driving local innovation.

Responsibilities

As a Fellow Coach & Learning Partner

• Coach and support 6–10 MakerGhat Fellows across multiple makerspaces.
• Observe sessions (in-person/virtual) and provide structured, actionable feedback.
• Support Fellows in.
• Designing and facilitating high-quality maker sessions
• Building safe, joyful, and inclusive learning environments
• Reflecting on practice and personal growth
• Facilitate Learning Circles, reflection spaces, and peer learning.
• Guide Fellows through Personal Growth Plans (PGPs) and career clarity conversations.

As a People Manager

• Build strong performance and support systems for Fellows.
• Create differentiated development plans based on individual strengths and needs.
• Support Fellow well-being, motivation, and retention in challenging field contexts.
• Identify and nurture leadership potential for future roles within MakerGhat or the ecosystem.

As a Program & Quality Owner

• Ensure program fidelity and quality across makerspaces and community programs.
• Work closely with Curriculum, M&E, and Partnerships teams to:
• Align field implementation with program goals
• Improve curriculum and training based on field feedback
• Support onboarding, training, and transition phases of the Fellowship.

As a Community & Ecosystem Builder

• Build strong working relationships with:
• Schools and headmasters
• Community leaders and parents
• Local NGOs, volunteers, and district officials
• Support Fellows in conducting community mapping, engagement activities, and exhibitions.
• Act as a bridge between MakerGhat and the local ecosystem, ensuring trust and alignment.

As a Leader within MakerGhat

• Contribute to organization-wide priorities such as:
• Fellowship design and iteration
• Selection processes and interviews
• Trainings, retreats, and learning events
• Uphold and model MakerGhat’s values of empathy, ownership, learning, and integrity.
• Serve as an ambassador of MakerGhat’s mission in the field.

Qualifications

Must-Have:

• 2–6 years of relevant professional experience
• Strong experience in teaching, facilitation, or working directly with children/youth (formal or non-formal settings)
• Experience working in rural, low-resource, or community-based contexts
• Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, or manage people
• Strong communication, reflection, and relationship-building skills

Preferred:

• Experience in teacher training, fellowship programs, or leadership development
• Exposure to experiential learning, maker education, STEM, or project-based learning
• Comfort with travel and extended time in the field

Who This Role Is For

This role is ideal for someone who:

• Believes deeply in grassroots change and community-led education
• Enjoys coaching people, not just managing tasks
• Is comfortable with ambiguity and field realities
• Can hold both high standards and deep empathy
• Wants to shape educators and leaders—not just run programs

What MakerGhat Offers

• The opportunity to shape a national grassroots fellowship rooted in rural India
• Deep exposure to community-based education and maker ecosystems
• A culture of reflection, learning, and experimentation
• Strong leadership mentorship and growth pathways
• A mission-driven team working at the edges of education and innovation