Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Designation of the Role: Chief Executive Officer (CEO), IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) Years of Experience: 15+ years of progressive experience in the startup/entrepreneurship ecosystem. At least 5 years in a leadership role (CEO, Managing Partner, senior role at incubator/accelerator, or equivalent) Location: : Kolkata (IIM Calcutta campus) — Required Work Model: Onsite Job Description ABOUT IIMCIP IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) is a not-for-profit (Section 8) company established under the aegis of IIM Calcutta to promote entrepreneurship, foster innovation, and nurture an ecosystem of sustainable enterprises with social and economic impact. Since 2014, IIMCIP has built a thriving ecosystem focused on social entrepreneurship and rural livelihood creation, with particular strength in East and North-East India. We have reached over 1 million youth, catalyzed 35,000+ innovative ideas, mentored 5,500+ entrepreneurs, and supported 100+ startups. Most significantly, we have empowered 470 women-led and women-owned rural enterprises, positioning ourselves as a trusted knowledge partner to State Governments across the region. IIMCIP is now at a growth inflection point, with proven success in our core mission and expanding fund capacity. We need visionary leadership to scale our impact systematically while remaining rooted in our social entrepreneurship mission. THE ROLE Objective The CEO will be the driving force behind nurturing and scaling the next generation of impact-driven ventures, particularly those creating rural livelihoods and sustainable solutions. This role is a unique opportunity to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem while leveraging the resources and reputation of one of India’s leading business schools. The ideal candidate will be an experienced leader with deep understanding of the startup landscape, a strong network, and genuine passion for mentorship and social impact. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership Develop and execute the overall strategy for IIMCIP, setting ambitious yet realistic goals for startup growth, social/economic impact, and organizational sustainabilityAdvise the Board on investment risks, returns, and alignment with social missionIdentify and pursue growth opportunities aligned with IIMCIP’s core focus on rural entrepreneurship and livelihood creationBuild strategic partnerships with government, development organizations, and institutional investors to strengthen IIMCIP’s capability and reach Ecosystem Building Cultivate and expand a robust network of mentors, industry partners, development organizations, and alumni to provide invaluable resources to our entrepreneursAct as the primary external face of IIMCIP at public forums, industry events, policy discussions, and sector forumsFoster collaborations with other incubators, government bodies, corporates, industry partners, and investors—both in India and globally—to enhance program impact and resource sharingFunction as a respected evangelist for social entrepreneurship and inclusive innovationStrengthen partnerships with State Governments for integrating IIMCIP programs into development agendas Portfolio Management Oversee the selection and management of startup cohorts, ensuring a diverse portfolio aligned with IIMCIP’s social impact objectivesProvide strategic guidance to portfolio companies to help them navigate challenges and achieve sustainabilityTrack and communicate social/economic impact metrics alongside financial performance Operational Excellence Manage the day-to-day operations of IIMCIP, including budgeting, team management, and resource allocationOptimize processes to ensure efficiency, accountability, and impactBuild and lead a high-performing team aligned with IIMCIP’s mission Fundraising & Investor Relations Lead fundraising efforts for IIMCIP’s fund and growth initiativesConnect portfolio companies with relevant funders—from development finance to venture investorsBuild relationships with impact investors, foundations, and government agencies aligned with social mission Qualifications Experience 15+ years of progressive experience in the startup/entrepreneurship ecosystemAt least 5 years in a leadership role (CEO, Managing Partner, senior role at incubator/accelerator, or equivalent)Proven track record in mentoring and supporting entrepreneurs through business challenges and scalingDemonstrated commitment to social entrepreneurship, impact investing, or development finance is highly valuedExperience working with government agencies, development organizations, or the development sector is preferred Knowledge & Skills Deep expertise in startup financing, venture capital, and impact metricsStrong business acumen and understanding of diverse industry sectorsExcellent communication, networking, and public speaking skillsAbility to inspire and lead a high-performing team toward mission-driven goalsStrategic thinking balanced with operational pragmatismIntegrity, openness, and demonstrated leadership excellence Education MBA from a top-tier institution is preferred LOCATION & REPORTING Location: Kolkata (IIM Calcutta campus) — RequiredReports to: Board of DirectorsTravel: 15-20% pan-India travel for stakeholder engagement and ecosystem building WHY JOIN US This is more than a job—it’s a chance to build a legacy in social entrepreneurship. You’ll have: ✨ Autonomy to innovate and shape the future of rural entrepreneurship in India ✨ Resources — backing of a prestigious business school, expanding fund capacity, and a powerful 45,000-member alumni network ✨ Impact — direct influence on the livelihoods of rural entrepreneurs and community transformation ✨ Influence — engagement with government policymakers, development organizations, and leading social entrepreneurs ✨ Platform — opportunity to position IIMCIP as India’s leading social entrepreneurship incubator You’ll be at the forefront of inclusive, sustainable innovation, directly influencing the careers of founders building solutions that matter to real communities. APPLICATION & PROCESS To Apply Send your resume, a statement of interest (why IIMCIP appeals to you), and supporting materials to [apply@iimcip.org] Compensation Competitive compensation commensurate with experience and market benchmarks for not-for-profit sector leadership roles. Performance-linked benefits aligned with organizational mission and sustainability. Apply Now