Location: State Capital | Frequent travel across statesType: Full-timeExpected Start Date: As soon as possibleAbout Rocket LearningRocket Learning is a high growth ed-tech non-profit with the mission of catalyzing early childhood education and community engagement in India. We work with the central government and state governments and are currently impacting over 4 million children. Established by a passionate founding group (IIT, IIM, HBS, Rochester, MBB, start-up alumni) and backed by reputed funders, we are a diverse team of passionate, energetic and optimistic folks with a shared ambition of transforming India’s education system.About the RoleThis is a high-ownership, mid-senior role at the intersection of government partnerships, policy design, and execution. The Senior Program Manager (SPM) – State PMU will work closely with the Department of Women and Child Development / ICDS in the state and help drive Rocket Learning’s work on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE).The SPM will work closely with senior government stakeholders, while also coordinating across Rocket Learning’s internal teams (product, operations, policy, and research) to ensure effective implementation, scale-up, and institutionalization of ECCE initiatives.This role is ideal for someone who can navigate government systems, drive execution, and contribute to shaping program strategy at the state level.Key ResponsibilitiesBuild and sustain trusted relationships with key government stakeholders in the state to strengthen the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) ecosystem.Lead and manage the State PMU to support the design, implementation, and monitoring of ECCE-related initiatives in partnership with state departments.Develop high-quality knowledge products such as briefs, strategy notes, presentations, review documents, proposals, and reports to support government decision-making and program implementation.Collaborate closely with Rocket Learning’s National Initiatives & Policy team, as well as functional and operational teams, to provide implementation inputs, document best practices, coordinate field visits, and support state-level priorities.Use data and field insights to track progress and solve problems, ensuring that programs are implemented effectively and aligned with government priorities.Demonstrate ownership, initiative, and agility, consistently delivering high-quality outputs in dynamic and unpredictable environments.Key OutcomesStrong partnerships with state and district government stakeholdersHigh-quality implementation of Rocket Learning’s ECCE programmes in the stateSmooth coordination between government priorities and Rocket Learning’s workStronger systems for monitoring, problem-solving, and program deliveryProgress towards improving ECCE outcomes for children aged 0–6 yearsRequired Qualifications6-10 years of work experience in program management, policy, government partnerships, or implementation rolesAt least 2-3 years of experience working closely with government departments or in a government-facing roleBachelor’s degree in public policy, economics, management, education, social sciences, or a related fieldMaster’s degree is preferredStrong communication and stakeholder management skillsStrong writing and problem-solving skillsAbility to manage multiple tasks and work well in a fast-paced environmentComfort with data, reporting, and structured programme trackingFluency in English / Hindi / TeluguPreferred CriteriaExperience in education, ECCE, child development, or related social sectorsExperience working with State Governments, especially WCD / ICDS / Education departmentsExperience managing field implementation and state coordinationOther RequirementWillingness to travel regularly across districts in the stateAbility to work both independently and with cross-functional teamsComfort working in dynamic and sometimes unpredictable government environments