Research Head
isdm· Research
About this role
About ISDM
The Indian School of Development Management (ISDM) is a pioneering management school dedicated to strengthening leadership and management in social development work, producing the future CEOs and founders of impactful social purpose organisations. Since 2016, ISDM has worked across three strategic pillars: preparing talent, influencing practice, and building knowledge for Development Management.
With the rapid growth of India's economy and the rapid growth of development capital in the country, there is a huge opportunity to make a difference to over a billion people over the next couple of decades. However, this burgeoning development capital will need high-quality leadership and management talent to translate this possibility into real impact - talent that understands the complex nature of society and the complexities of driving social change, that can design interventions within these complexities, and that has the knowledge and skills to build and lead development organisations and translate their work into deep, sustained impact at scale.
Development Management needs to bring the head, heart, and hand together to engage with diverse communities, build on their agency, work with limited resources and divergent societal aspirations, and move towards a shared vision of a desirable society. India needs Development Management talent and capabilities across the Samaaj, Sarkaar, and Bazaar to translate this opportunity into reality on the ground, transforming the lives of over a billion people in the country, and eventually offering this discipline to countries across the Global South.
ISDM invites individuals who share its vision to join in creating a dynamic, catalytic ecosystem and positioning India as a thought leader in Development Management, ultimately enabling sustainable social impact at scale. Know more at www.isdm.org.in.
About - Global Knowledge Hub (GKH)
The Global Knowledge Hub (GKH) is ISDM's discipline engine. It exists to strengthen the knowledge and practice of Development Management by generating, validating, synthesising and disseminating rigorous, practice-rooted knowledge that helps build stronger Social Purpose Organisations and Systems.
GKH brings together two complementary engines of knowledge creation:
- Centres of Excellence (CoEs), which undertake deep, domain-specific research in areas of strategic importance, such as philanthropy, data for social impact, innovative finance, and other emerging themes.
- The Development Management (DM) Hub, which develops the broader body of knowledge for the discipline of Development Management through cross-cutting research, thought leadership, knowledge synthesis, publications, and knowledge products.
Together, they create research that is academically rigorous, deeply rooted in practice, and designed to influence both theory and practice of Development Management across the social sector.
Role Description
The Research Head will provide intellectual and research leadership across GKH and ISDM. Working closely with Centre Leads, the Centre Research Leads, the DM Hub team, and the ISDM leadership, the Research Lead will shape research agendas, ensure methodological rigour, mentor research teams, and drive the delivery of high-quality research and knowledge outputs across both the Centres of Excellence and the DM Hub.
This role is responsible for building a strong culture of research excellence – ensuring that GKH's work is credible, influential and translated into actionable knowledge that strengthens the practice of Development Management.
Key Responsibilities
As the Research Head, you will:
- Shape the Research Agenda by co-creating long-term research priorities and translating them into strategic research portfolios across GKH.
- Lead Research Excellence by guiding the design, execution and quality assurance of research projects and ensuring methodological rigour.
- Build Knowledge That Matters by overseeing the development of research reports, frameworks, toolkits, publications, and other knowledge products.
- Mentor Exceptional Teams by coaching researchers, strengthening research capability and fostering a culture of inquiry, learning, and excellence.
- Bridge Research and Practice by working across GKH, academics, practitioners, and external partners to ensure research informs teaching, capacity building, and sector practice.
- Strengthen the Ecosystem by cultivating partnerships with researchers, practitioners, funders, and institutions that expand the reach and influence of ISDM's research and knowledge work.
- Advance Thought Leadership by contributing to publications, convenings and public discourse that strengthen the discipline of Development Management.
Qualification & Experience Required
- Master's or PhD in a relevant discipline such as Public Policy, Development Studies, Economics, Management, Social Sciences, or related fields.
- 20+ years of experience leading applied research in the social sector, philanthropy, sustainability management, or related domains.
- Demonstrated experience in developing research agendas and leading complex, multi-stakeholder research programs.
- Strong expertise in research design, qualitative and quantitative methodologies, and knowledge synthesis.
- Experience mentoring research teams and building research capability.
- Excellent writing, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- A passion for translating rigorous research into practical knowledge that influences policy and practice.
Remuneration for this role will be commensurate with qualifications & experience. To learn more about us and apply, check out isdm.org.in/careers.
ISDM is an equal-opportunity organization with a particular emphasis on affirmative action. The culture of the organization is one of professionalism while also one that greatly values relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the salary disclosed for the Research Head position at isdm?
The salary for this Research Head role at isdm is not publicly listed. Click "Apply Now" to learn more about the compensation package on their official careers page.
Where is the Research Head position at isdm located?
This Research Head role at isdm is based in Noida, UP, India. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Is the Research Head role at isdm full-time or part-time?
This is listed as a FULL TIME position. It is posted as a Research Head role in the Research department at isdm.
Which team or department does the Research Head at isdm belong to?
This Research Head position is part of the Research department at isdm. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the Research Head position at isdm?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to isdm's official application portal hosted on keka where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Research Head job at isdm posted?
This Research Head position at isdm was posted on Aug 19, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Research Head
isdm
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