Operations - Office of the Chief Operating Officer

Acumen is seeking an Associate with at least 5 years of experience in strategy, consulting, operations, program management, or an executive support role to join the Acumen team. This role will be based out of our Mumbai office and will play a key role in supporting senior leadership and ensuring the smooth day-to-day functioning of the Chief Operating Officer’s office.

About Acumen

Acumen is a global force of entrepreneurs, investors, philanthropists, and social innovators working together to build a world based on dignity. We were founded by Jacqueline Novogratz on the radical idea that business, when cultivated with moral imagination, can break the cycle of poverty. We invest in transformational companies, build sustainable markets, and prepare leaders with the tools they need to create a more just and inclusive future. Since 2001, we have scaled companies and shaped markets in some of the hardest-to-reach communities on the planet, impacting over half-a-billion lives. To learn more visit acumen.org.

About the role
The role works closely with the Chief Operating Officer for Acumen . The COO currently serves a dual role as Chief of Operations in a new organization wide investment governance function (CIO Function) and is also responsible for India operations as the India Country Director.

The role works closely with the COO to help set priorities, track progress against key goals, and ensure important initiatives move forward effectively. The role supports the COO by preparing for key meetings, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, and managing day-to-day priorities. It also involves conducting research, tracking follow-ups, and helping improve systems and processes to support smoother operations. The growing demands of the new role of the Chief of Operations requires a team that can effectively respond to internal needs and the external work of Acumen.

Accountabilities:

• Work with the COO on setting priorities and driving execution against key KPIs. Identify opportunities & gaps in accountability, ownership, systems, and processes; propose and support improvements.
• Prepare high-quality meeting briefing materials, including background research on participants and relevant strategic context.
• Support direction and preparation/curation of key meetings of Acumen’s C-suite leadership, Acumen’s Board and the CIO Forum (as relevant)
• Attend key meetings, take detailed notes, and proactively track and follow up on action items with internal senior leadership and external stakeholders
• Support special projects and strategic initiatives as required
• Conduct research, benchmarking, and data analysis to develop insights and recommendations.
• Support all external engagement of the COO (including portfolio companies, funding partner engagement, and select stakeholders in the impact investing ecosystem).
• Manage and seamlessly coordinate the daily schedule, effectively balancing multiple, concurrent priorities across time zones
• Handle highly sensitive information with discretion; maintain accurate records, documentation, and filing systems
• Arrange and manage domestic and international travel, ensuring clear communication of preferences and timely delivery of comprehensive travel itineraries and briefing packs
• Prepare, submit, and track COO expense reports and ensuring adherence with organizational policies
• Conduct basic analysis and synthesize information to support leadership decision-making

Skills and Qualifications:

• At least 5 years of professional experience in strategy, consulting, operations, program management, or a similar role.
• Experience working in fast-paced, cross-functional environments supporting senior leadership is preferred.
• Exposure to project coordination, strategic initiatives, or organisational operations is desirable.
• Demonstrated prior experience preparing reports, presentations, or briefing materials for leadership teams of global organizations will be an advantage.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail with a quality-focused mindset
• Solutions-oriented problem solver with sound judgment
• Self-reflective, values-driven, and aligned with Acumen’s mission and values
• Permanent authorization to work in India

Deadline to apply

Acumen is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, age, differential ability, race, religion, sexual orientation, or background.

Applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis. 

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