Senior Manager, AI Program Management , Pragati AI for Impact

Role Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and technically fluent Program Manager to lead the design, implementation, monitoring and continuous improvement of the program. You will manage the full grant lifecycle—from call for proposals, selection, disbursement, monitoring & evaluation, through to close-out, feedback, program improvement and learning dissemination. You will act as the bridge between the cohort, program partners, mentors and advisors to ensure successful delivery of the program.

In this role, you will serve as the operational backbone of the program, ensuring seamless execution by connecting various stakeholders, managing timelines, and facilitating communication. Your ability to navigate and connect different players and initiatives within the ecosystem will be crucial to driving the program's success.

This role blends product thinking, program execution, technical problem-solving and stakeholder management, and is ideal for an experienced program manager from a start up or innovation-focussed team who is curious, keeps abreast of the latest developments in AI and technology, and is eager to apply their skills to driving social impact.

What you will do

1. Program Owner, Coordination & Execution ● Outreach & Selection: Lead outreach and manage the selection process, including eligibility criteria and selection frameworks, ensuring a fair, transparent and impact-focused cohort. ● Program management: Oversee the coordination of AI and technology initiatives within the cohort and delivery of program components ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards ● Facilitate Communication: Act as the central point of contact between cohort members, mentors, ecosystem partners, technical teams, funders, and other stakeholders. ● Monitor Progress and drive continuous improvement: Track milestones and deliverables, proactively identifying and addressing potential challenges to keep the program on track and enhancing the program year on year.

2. Stakeholder Management & Partnerships ● Build Partnerships: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with cohort members, AI/tech partners, funders, and ecosystem actors. ● Coordinate Capacity-Building: Organize orientation sessions, workshops, and peer-learning platforms to enhance cohort members' capabilities. ● Understand the Ecosystem: Map and connect stakeholders, initiatives, and resources across the AI-for-impact landscape to ensure aligned, impactful outcomes. ● Amplify the Program: Become a SME and advocate for the program at external events, conferences, and forums, showcasing its impact and fostering new partnerships.

3. M&E & Academic Partner Coordination ● Oversee M&E Partner: Ensure the Monitoring & Evaluation partner is effectively executing their oversight role, maintaining accountability, and providing accurate, timely insights on pilot performance and impact. ● Coordinate with Technical/Academic Partner: Ensure the technical/academic partner is available to provide guidance, insights, and recommendations to cohort members as needed, supporting them when they seek expert input.

4. Learning, Impact & Communication ● Analyze Data & Generate Insights: Collect and review project data to inform program strategies and continuous improvement. ● Document Learnings: Prepare reports, case studies, and presentations for internal teams, funders, and the broader ecosystem. ● Ensure Ethical Practices: Promote ethical AI practices, data governance, and inclusive design across cohort projects

• 10-12 years of program management experience in Technology and AI product domain, ideally in startups or innovation-driven teams.
• Proven experience leading programs in engineering/product functions.
• Strong understanding of AI/ML systems, digital platforms, and building in complex, real-world environments.
• Curious and up-to-date on emerging AI and technology trends.
• Able to engage at a conceptual level to support problem-solving and technical discussions.
• Strategic thinker with hands-on problem-solving ability.
• Skilled at managing multiple projects and coordinating diverse stakeholders.
• Effective collaborator and communicator across technical and mission-driven teams.
• Strong analytical skills and commitment to ethical, inclusive technology.
• Experience in the social impact or nonprofit space is an advantage, though not essential for candidates who are mission-aligned and eager to engage deeply.