Oorvani Foundation is a non-profit committed to civic engagement, citizenship and communities. We connect people who want better cities with civic information, tools, networks and resources they need to make it happen.

We invite enthusiastic, determined lifelong learners with an interest in urban and community issues. Our programmes include Citizen Matters civic media platform, Open City urban data platform, and a number of civic engagement and capacity-building initiatives.

Open Positions

1. Chapter Editor (Chennai)
2. Lead, Fundraising and Donor Relations
3. Programme Associate

Chapter Editor

Location: Chennai

EDITORIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Content ideation and planning
• Editorial research and networking
• Assignment and commissioning of stories and data
• Review and edit stories for content and copy, and publish on the CMS
• Events
• Support Communications team with information and inputs

MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Daily checkins with team and coordinate to execute monthly plan
• Work with Managing Editor on Content strategy and planning
• Track work and impact
• People management
• Support operations as required

Our expectations:

• Excellent command over English.
• Local language (Tamil) knowledge is important.
• Keen interest in urban and local topics like economy, sustainability, transport, water, waste, local governance and children.
• Ability to multitask
• Excellent communication and social media skills
• Prior experience in data journalism and hard reporting skills
• Experience: 5 – 7 years as a reporter and at least 1 year in an editorial capacity.
• Education: Graduate. Background in Journalism, Mass Comm. or English Literature preferred.

Lead, Fundraising and Donor Relations

Location: Remote / Bengaluru

Responsibilities:

• Developing goals/strategies to meet given fundraising target
• Planning annual calendar and targets
• Developing concept notes, proposals, grant applications and award submissions
• Identifying and engaging with CSR foundations, philanthropic organisations, HNI donors and other leads
• Fundraising events and campaigns, and retail fundraising
• Applying for certifications
• Donor communications (appeals, receipts, responses)
• Managing leads, donors and donations
• Gather and communicate programme activity and impact information
• Donor Reports and Fund Utilisation Reports

Our expectations:

• Self-learner, highly productive, efficient, capable of multitasking. Excellent communication skills
• Experience: 3 – 5 years

Programme Associate

Location: Bengaluru

Responsibilities:

• Programme Design and Planning 
• Program activity and training calendar
• Activity design and Toolkit development
• Impact Monitoring & Evaluation through metrics. Gathering feedback on organisation and program activities
• Programme performance review and Impact reports 
• Organising events, learning sessions, workshops
• Collaborations with partners
• Research and documentation
• Project Management: Tracking commitments and project reports

Our expectations:

• Self-learner, highly productive, efficient, capable of multitasking. Excellent communication skills
• Experience: 0 – 2 years

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process.
We strive to be an equal opportunity organisation with an open and inclusive environment. We do not discriminate on the basis of religion, ethnicity, caste, class, language, gender (identity/expression/status), sexual orientation, appearance, disability, age, beliefs or any other basis.

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Internships

Interns looking gain experience in media, community engagement, marketing or fundraising can reach out to us. These are 3-6 month opportunities.

Volunteering opportunities

Community Anchor

We are looking for people passionate about improving their cities. If you are a writer or editor, or knowledgeable civic activist, and want to contribute updates and highlight stories for an independent news platform committed to empowering citizens, we’d like to hear from you.

You’d need to commit 8-10 hours a month, and be based in any major city of India. Do send us a note about yourself and why you’d like to help.

Citizen Journalists

We work with a large pool of citizen contributors who share stories of change from their own neighbourhoods or spheres of work. Citizen Matters has been recognised for its innovative model combining professional journalism and community stories with high standards of editorial stewardship! We believe citizens have better knowledge and context of what is going on in their own neighbourhoods. Citizens have a point of view — “what is in it for me and my community” that drives their commitment and action. Citizens can also connect the dots between policy and how it impacts them. (See: What is Cognitive Surplus)

You could share an update on a local happening, or have in-depth knowledge of a field that you could share with others. You can write, contribute photo essays or make short films! It could be a report, opinion, analysis, interpretation, or a  commentary on a local development, written with balance, fairness and an open attitude.  If you have a story to share, click here.

Note: Citizen contributions are voluntary.

Researchers

We also welcome volunteers who can support us with research and data analysis. Email hr@oorvani.in explaining your interest, expertise and time commitment.