Executive Director

About IDRF

The India Development and Relief Fund (IDRF), a Washington, DC–based public charity, is one of the largest giving platforms focused on India. IDRF was founded in 1988 by Dr. Vinod Prakash, a retired World Bank economist, to advance the spirit of paropakār — service without expectation. For more than 36 years, IDRF has empowered marginalized communities across India and neighboring countries by partnering with trusted grassroots NGOs to deliver sustainable, locally driven solutions.

Since its inception, IDRF has raised nearly $70 million, supported over 300 NGOs across 23 states in India, as well as in Nepal and Sri Lanka, and directly impacted over 1 million lives across sectors, including education and skill development, women’s empowerment, health, environmental sustainability, governance, and disaster relief and rehabilitation. Typically, annual revenue is in the $5 million to $8 million range. Known for its transparency, low overhead (under 5 percent), donor flexibility, and high charity agency ratings, IDRF ensures contributions directly strengthen community impact.

With a growing presence in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, and a vibrant network of donors and volunteers across the U.S., IDRF continues to put power, not charity, in the hands of those in need.

Role Summary

The Executive Director (ED), a full-time paid position, will lead the transition to “IDRF 2.0”, guiding the organization from its founder-led legacy into a professionally scaled, multi-sector platform. Reporting to the President, the ED will focus on developing and implementing IDRF’s strategic plan - this includes increasing fundraising; developing regional chapters to drive revenue and brand awareness; diversifying IDRF’s mix of projects to include flagship “high impact” projects; building out staff and volunteers as needed in both the US and in India; strengthening governance; and deepening measurable impact.

The ED will oversee a small but growing staff. This role requires balancing continuity and innovation - ensuring smooth day-to-day management while driving a generational shift in donor engagement, organizational capacity, and data-driven philanthropy.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• Strengthen relationships with existing donors and introduce IDRF 2.0 vision to new audiences.
• Build engagement strategies across three generations of South Asian Americans
• Refine IDRF’s brand and marketing to attract both corporate giving and foundation support.
• Cultivate unrestricted and thematic giving, balancing strategic impact with donor flexibility.

Program Management & Impact

• Oversee the selection, vetting, and funding of NGO partners to ensure alignment with IDRF’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Manage project implementation, reporting, and evaluation to ensure transparency and measurable outcomes.
• Develop standardized impact reporting formats to enable data-driven analysis and AI-assisted insights.
• Ensure full compliance with U.S. and Indian charitable regulations (including FCRA).
• Evolve IDRF’s portfolio to include both grassroots partnerships and scalable flagship initiatives that together create sustainable, long-term impact.

Internal Leadership & Operations

• Lead and develop a high-performing team of 2–3 staff and consultants; recruit, onboard, and mentor new hires as needed.
• Oversee all aspects of financial management, including cash management, accounting, compliance, and operational systems to ensure timely reporting, efficiency, accuracy, and transparency.
• Strengthen organizational processes, documentation, and performance tracking to support data-driven decision-making.
• Collaborate closely with the President and Board to translate strategic goals into clear operational plans and performance metrics.

Brand, Communications & Volunteer Outreach

• Lead a brand refresh, including a modernized website, compelling storytelling, and an integrated social media strategy to engage Gen 1.5 and Gen 2 donors.
• Ensure consistent, high-quality impact reporting and donor communications (annual report, newsletters, digital updates).
• Develop and launch a regional volunteer chapter model, recruiting and supporting local volunteer leads to serve as IDRF “brand ambassadors.”
• Design and implement a “Gala-in-a-Box” model and other scalable fundraising toolkits to empower regional chapters to host local events and campaigns.

Governance & Leadership

• Serve as a key member of the Board (or ex officio) to ensure alignment between strategy and execution.
• Develop an annual budget and business plan for approval by the Board.
• Report on IDRF’s financial and operational results and activities to the Board.
• Engage board members through defined projects and leverage their expertise for fundraising and outreach.
• Promote a collaborative, transparent culture grounded in IDRF’s ethos of paropakār — service without expectation.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of executive experience in the startup/small business or nonprofit sector.
• Strong understanding of India’s socio-economic and development landscape.
• Demonstrated ability to manage teams, build systems, and implement strategy.
• Proven success in fundraising, donor cultivation, and partnership development.
• Entrepreneurial, “get things done” mindset to drive the mission.
• Excellent communication skills - capable of representing IDRF to donors, partners, and the public.
• Data-driven mindset with comfort in using technology to improve transparency and efficiency. Experience with social media marketing.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MPA/MBA/MPP or related) preferred.
• Fluent in English; Hindi proficiency strongly preferred.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Operator – balances continuity with innovation and growth.
• Builder – Establishes systems, staff, and partnerships to scale impact.
• Data & Donor Driven – Uses insight and analytics to guide action.
• Collaborative Leader – Works transparently with board, staff, and partners.
• Mission-Oriented – Embodies IDRF’s values of humility, service, and trust.

Compensation & Logistics

• Mission-driven salary ($110,000–$150,000) with year-end bonus based on achieving performance targets; 15 days per annum of paid time-off.
• Flexible hours with the option to work from home on most days.
• Required to be based in the Washington, DC metropolitan area; domestic and international (India) travel to be discussed.