Network Manager
Chennai, Tamil Nadu - Full Time

Stanford India Private Limited is excited to announce an opening for the Network Manager position at the Stanford Institute for Innovation in Developing Economies (Stanford Seed) in South Asia.

We are seeking qualified candidates to join our dynamic team and contribute to our mission. The Network Manager will lead and execute Seed South Asia’s engagement initiatives, while also developing strategic partnerships to expand Seed’s regional impact.

About Stanford Seed

Building on Stanford's decades-long history of educating innovators in Silicon Valley, Stanford Seed has been bringing this innovative mindset and practical business training to entrepreneurs in South Asia for the past eight years, making a significant impact in the region.

Seed is a Stanford Graduate School of Business-led initiative that's working to end the cycle of global poverty. We believe that business is one of the most powerful engines of change to move developing economies to greater prosperity. To maximize our impact, we're working on multiple fronts and across multiple horizons. We partner with entrepreneurs in emerging markets to build thriving enterprises that transform lives. For more information about the Seed program, please visit seed.stanford.edu.

Position Summary

The Network Manager is a key role responsible for managing and executing Stanford Seed South Asia’s engagement initiatives, developing and managing strategic partnerships to enhance the reach and impact of Stanford Seed in South Asia. This position will play a crucial role in building a strong network, fostering key partnerships, and positioning Stanford Seed as a thought leader in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The role reports to the Regional Director of Seed India and offers a remote working arrangement for location flexibility within India.

In this role, your primary duties and responsibilities will include:

 1. Network Management:

  • Develop and manage the engagement strategy for the Seed Transformation Network (STN) across South Asia in collaboration with Stanford Seed leadership.
  • Serve as the primary Stanford Seed contact for the Network, managing all communications and relationships.
  • Organize and facilitate frequent Transformation Network events, including networking sessions, speaker series, and webinars.
  • Create value-added initiatives for Network members, such as new support systems and enhanced knowledge sessions.
  • Lead Seed impact-data collection efforts by formulating and executing strategies to collect and analyze critical company growth data from the Network members.
  • Promote the Stanford student internship, coaching, and consultant programs to the STN, and assist members in sourcing projects for these initiatives.
  • Design and execute a program to build a network of credentialed service providers for the Network members.
  • Collaborate with partners to create opportunities for the program participants and Network members, such as joint events, co-branded initiatives, and knowledge-sharing platforms.
  • Facilitate the Network’s engagement with the broader Stanford University community - primarily in South Asia.

2. Strategic Partnerships and External Relationships:

  • Identify, engage, and manage key partnerships to support STN growth and Seed’s regional initiatives.
  • Build relationships with investors, incubators, academic bodies, and industry associations across South Asia.
  • Support our global fundraising efforts by securing sponsorships and drive regional fundraising aligned with Seed’s mission and program needs.

3. Thought Leadership:

  • Develop and execute strategies to position Stanford Seed as a thought leader in South Asia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
  • Build media and influencer relationships to amplify Seed’s visibility and voice.
  • Oversee creation of thought leadership content, including articles, reports, and speaking engagements.

4. Regional Outreach and Marketing:

  • Oversee regional outreach and marketing activities to recruit participants for the STP.
  • Execute recruitment efforts, including screening, interviewing, conducting site visits, and other admissions processes.
  • Collaborate with the Director of Communications on select marketing and communications campaigns in India, ensuring alignment with overall brand strategy - including serving as brand ambassador for Seed South Asia.

These duties may be adjusted as needed to suit the business needs of the Stanford Seed South Asia.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

Education and Experience:  

  • Experience & Education: Bachelor’s degree with 7–10 years of relevant experience in the SME or startup ecosystem, or a combination of education and experience.
  • Experience with SMEs & Startups: Proven track record of addressing SME & Startups challenges, implementing growth strategies, and collaborating with entrepreneurship support organizations.
  • Experience in Partnerships & Network Development: Demonstrated history of successfully building collaborations, engaging diverse stakeholders, and expanding organizational networks to achieve strategic goals.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Experience with SMEs & Startups: Proven track record of addressing SME & Startups challenges, implementing growth strategies, and collaborating with entrepreneurship support organizations.
  • Experience in Partnerships & Network Development: Demonstrated history of successfully building collaborations, engaging diverse stakeholders, and expanding organizational networks to achieve strategic goals.
  • Domain Awareness: Understanding of entrepreneurship and management concepts
  • Strong initiative, multitasking, project management, and ability to work independently with minimal supervision
  • Interpersonal & Relationship Management: Proven capacity for building relationships and solving problems through strong writing and speaking skills, adaptable to diverse audiences and contexts.
  • Communication & Digital Engagement: Demonstrated expertise in effective written and verbal communication, with a strong ability to manage social media platforms and engage various stakeholders.
  • Learning Program Experience: Familiarity with online or blended learning programs, either as a participant or contributor.
  • Technical Proficiency: Proficient in utilizing tools such as Google Workspace, MS Office, Zoom, Salesforce, Asana, Slack, and various website/email platforms to enhance productivity and collaboration.

In addition, requirements include:

  • Be legally authorized to work in India
  • Ability to travel locally and/or internationally with occasional overnight travel
  • May work variable hours, evenings or weekends.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.