Global Programs and Partnership Manager

Applications should be submitted to: https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/APzuHz

JOB DESCRIPTION

Global Programs and Partnership Manager — Authentica

Department: Program Design & Strategic Partnerships

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Location: Pune, India (Office-based with international travel)

Team: Program Designer (with team expansion planned)

Effective Date: FY 2026-27 (May 2026)

About Authentica

Authentica is a Pune-headquartered experiential learning and global education company specialising in study abroad programmes, global internships, executive education, and professional development. We serve 70+ university partners across the US, Canada, and Australia, operating programmes in 30+ countries. Our clients include Stanford, Dartmouth, NYU, and other leading institutions.

We manage flagship government-sponsored executive education programmes including the UAE-India Leaders Program, delivered in partnership with the National Projects Office (NPO) under the UAE Ministry of Presidential Affairs and the Zayed Education Foundation.

We are on an ambitious growth trajectory targeting Rs. 60 CR revenue in FY 2026-27 and an IPO by 2030. This role is critical to achieving that vision.

Role Summary

The Global Programs and Partnership Manager is accountable for all program design across Authentica — from faculty-led study abroad programs and global internships to flagship executive education initiatives like the UAE-India Leaders Program. This role owns the strategic and academic dimensions: curriculum development, learning experience architecture, faculty curation, partnership development, monitoring and evaluation, and stakeholder relationship management.

Reporting directly to the CEO, you will lead the Program Design function with a Program Designer as your direct report, with plans to expand as Authentica scales. You will work in close partnership with the Operations team, ensuring strategic vision translates into exceptional participant experiences.

A critical dimension of this role is building a diverse network of strategic partners, thought leaders, and connectors — individuals who can unlock access to high-value opportunities, influential stakeholders, and unique learning experiences.

Key Responsibilities

1. Program Design

• Lead curriculum development for faculty-led programs, study abroad, global internships, and executive education
• Design learning journeys integrating theoretical frameworks, experiential components, cultural immersion, and practical application
• Develop and maintain program design standards, templates, and quality frameworks across all program types
• Create participant handbooks, pre-readings, case studies, and assessment frameworks
• Continuously refine programs based on feedback, evaluation data, and emerging trends

2. Team Leadership & Development

• Directly manage the Program Designer with clear expectations, regular feedback, and development support
• Conduct weekly 1:1s, quarterly performance reviews, and annual development planning
• Hire and onboard additional Program Designers as the team scales
• Foster a culture of academic excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement

3. Partnership Development & Network Building

• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with academic institutions, corporations, government agencies, and cultural organisations
• Build and maintain a network of connectors — influential individuals who facilitate access to senior leaders, unique venues, and exclusive experiences
• Negotiate partnership agreements including MOUs and collaboration frameworks
• Represent Authentica at conferences, forums, and professional networks

4. Faculty & Content Expert Management

• Identify, evaluate, and select faculty and content experts aligned with program themes and learning objectives
• Leverage personal networks to access high-calibre speakers; conduct due diligence and negotiate terms
• Brief faculty on program objectives, participant profiles, and cultural considerations
• Manage faculty relationships for consistent quality and long-term partnership potential

5. Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

• Design comprehensive MEL frameworks aligned with program objectives and stakeholder expectations
• Develop data collection instruments: surveys, feedback forms, and assessment rubrics
• Analyse qualitative and quantitative data; prepare evaluation reports for internal and external stakeholders
• Use evaluation insights to drive continuous program improvement

6. Stakeholder Management

• Serve as primary program interface with strategic clients (NPO, university partners, government entities)
• Communicate program vision, academic rationale, and learning outcomes to diverse stakeholders
• Manage sensitive communications with cultural awareness and diplomatic tact
• Build and maintain alumni networks for ongoing engagement

Required Qualifications

Education

• Master's degree in Education, International Relations, Public Policy, Business Administration, or a related field (required)
• Specialised training in curriculum design, program evaluation, or executive education (preferred)
• International academic credential or fellowship (US, UK, Europe, or Gulf region) is an advantage
• Doctoral research or publications in international education or experiential learning are a plus

Experience

• 6–10 years of progressive experience in program design, curriculum development, or executive education
• Proven track record designing and managing complex, multi-stakeholder programs
• Experience managing direct reports and developing team members
• Strong track record of building and leveraging professional networks
• International and cross-cultural program delivery strongly preferred; Gulf region experience (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) highly desirable

Skills & Competencies

• Deep understanding of adult learning principles and experiential education best practices
• Exceptional networking abilities with a proven track record of building high-value relationships across hierarchical levels — from community leaders to C-suite executives
• Experience with MEL frameworks and data-driven program improvement
• Outstanding written and verbal English; Arabic is a significant plus
• Deep understanding of Islamic culture, values, and religious practices for Gulf programs
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills for diverse audiences

Work Expectations

• Hours: Full-time (40–45 hrs/week) with flexibility for international stakeholder time zones
• Travel: 25–30% domestic and international travel for recce visits, stakeholder meetings, key program moments, and conferences
• Collaboration: Close partnership with the Operations team; success requires seamless alignment between strategic design and operational execution
• Probation: 3 months

Compensation & Benefits

• Rs. 12,00,000 – Rs. 15,00,000 per annum (Fixed + Performance Bonus)
• All official travel expenses covered
• Professional development and networking budget
• Access to Authentica's global network of partners and thought leaders
• Opportunity to lead prestigious programmes of strategic national importance
• ESOP eligibility after 24 months

How to Apply

Send your application to with:

• CV/resume highlighting relevant experience
• Cover letter addressing: (1) your experience designing and managing complex, multi-stakeholder programmes; (2) your approach to curriculum development and experiential learning design; (3) examples of partnership or network development; (4) what excites you about shaping global education
• Two professional references (preferably from academic partners or senior stakeholders)
• Sample program design document or curriculum framework (required)

Applications should be submitted to: https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/APzuHz

Authentica is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.

Authentica Ventures Pvt. Ltd. | #8 NCL-B Colony, Panchavati, Pashan, Pune 411008 | www.authentica.com