gmc_communications and research associate

8/14/2019 GMC_Communications and Research Associate

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Job Title: Communications and Research AssociateJob Status: Full TimeApplication Deadline: May 20, 2009 (See Application Instructions)

About Gray Matters Capital Foundation:Gray Matters Capital Foundation (GMC), the charitable arm of Gray Ghost Ventures 1, usesphilanthropic capital to research and co-create initiatives with partners in developing countries to buildsustainable, replicable business models for the benefit of underserved populations. One of GMCsfocus areas is to increase the access to and quality of primary and secondary education for the poorin India.

Focus: Affordable Private Schools (APSs) in Hyderabad, IndiaGMC believes that access to quality education can provide new opportunities and significantlyimprove lives. Many countries are facing severe problems with their government-run educationsystem due to limited resources and multiple layers of bureaucracy resulting in ineffective learningenvironments. As a result, privately owned schools for low-income families have been started byeducational entrepreneurs. Families become paying clients with rights to insist on quality. Theygenerate market demand and drive intense competition through school selection. Because theseschools are social enterprises, they put an emphasis on quality, efficiency and performance, justifyingthe modest tuition charged that allow them to become sustainable enterprises. The combinedbusiness and academic model makes these schools a market-based solution to increase access andquality of education and provides parents with a viable alternative to ineffective government schools.

Approach: APS Ecosystem DevelopmentGMCs goal is to strengthen the ecosystem around the emerging affordable private school sector toensure that schools have access to affordable tools and resources that allow them to offer qualityeducation in a sustainable manner. We want to support schools in their quest to keep learning at theforefront of the business model, believing that quality is a key driver of viability . The ecosystemconsists of a network of stakeholders including school owners/principals, teachers, parents andstudents working with external partners such as education service providers, donors, investors, andregulators.

We will fortify the ecosystem by focusing on the following strategic objectives: (1) Quality Teachingand Learning, (2) Management Leadership, (3) Infrastructure Development, (4) AdvancingKnowledge, and (5) Transparency.

Philosophy: Social EnterpriseSustainability is the cornerstone of GMC interventions. Activities are prioritized according to marketdemand and will not undermine the market-based models. Over the long run, it is our vision thatschool owners will recognize the benefits and adopt these new methods as part of doing businesswell. Therefore, they will incorporate the costs of the tools into their expenses without compromisingfinancial viability.

ImpactBy incorporating social enterprise philosophy into its ecosystem building initiatives, GMC aims toincrease learning outcomes in 1,000 affordable private schools in Hyderabad, AP by 2011. Once a

scalable and impactful model is developed and tested successfully

1 Since 1996, Gray Ghost Ventures has worked to foster strategic innovation by incubating and investing in enterprises andtools to provide market-based solutions to social issues. Through the initiatives of its investment activities and charitablefoundations, The Rockdale Foundation and Gray Matters Capital Foundation (GMC), Gray Ghost Ventures has improvedcapacity of the microfinance industry in the Arab world, supported successful reform efforts in the Atlanta Public Schools, andcreated the first privately-held global microfinance investment portfolio and social venture capital fund, offering both financialand social returns.


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Job Summary:GMC is seeking an experienced communications associate who is excited by the challenge ofdeveloping a comprehensive public relations campaign that drives consensus for quality standardsand attracts more stakeholders to the APS market. The ideal candidate will thrive in a start-upenvironment, and bring leadership and expertise in print and online media, PR, marketing, and brandmanagement. The Communications and Research Associate will play a critical role in establishingGMCs presence and market leadership in the Indian education sector.

Responsibilities and Tasks:

Public Relations/Communications:Cultivate a public relations network of print, online, TV, and radio contactsWrite and disseminate press releases and human interest stories capturing the progress ofthe APS market and its stakeholdersAggregate data and findings in a bi-annual public report that sets benchmarks and holds APSstakeholders accountable to student and school performanceSupport Program Officer in developing and executing a stakeholder engagement strategyManage external communications utilizing stakeholder appropriate media tools:

o Schools: Oversee industry newslettero Stakeholders: Create an online distribution channel for APS news and researcho GMC: Establish social networking spaces to increase collaborative thought partnership

Research Agenda:Collaborate with the Program Officer on developing a research agenda that explores bestpractices, identifies gaps, and advocates opportunitiesPolish research findings for public circulation and standardize dissemination processPartner on data collection and writing of case studiesStrengthen relationships and assess partnerships with research institutes, consulting firms,and market research vendors

Brand Management:Establish GMC brand and oversee marketing in IndiaDevelop print collateral, press packages, and common templates for distributionServe as a liaison to the GMCs Enterprising Schools awareness initiative

Event Planning:Oversee logistics and PR materials for leadership conferences, symposiums, and socialaction workshops.

Skills: Ability to write professionally for an international audience Proficient use of design software (Illustrator, Photoshop etc), web site development, and

social networking tools Comfortable working in both low income communities and corporate environments Strong self-motivation, enthusiasm, the ability to work cross-culturally Superior organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks Excellent listening skills, and strong written and communication skills

Qualifications : BA level degree or equivalent in relevant field and minimum 4 years work experience Strong background in communications, marketing, brand management, research and public

relations Telugu/Hindi language (spoken)

Working Conditions:Position will be based in Hyderabad, India and will require frequent visits to low income communities.The GMC culture is results-oriented and similar to a start-up. A competitive Indian salary and benefitspackage (medical and dental insurance, life and disability insurance) will be provided.


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Application Instructions: To apply, send the following items to Molly McMahon at [email protected]. Pleasestate the position in the email subject heading. Applications must be received before May 20 th .

1) Cover letter with responses (max 2 pages) to the following questions: What do you believe is the role of private schools for the poor in India? Please describe how you would leverage various forms of media to raise awareness of

the APS market and drive consensus on quality education standards.

2) CV (max 2 pages) Please tailor CV to this specific position and include contact information for two

references

gmc_communications and research associate

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