Impact Manager, Academy

Acumen is seeking an Impact Manager with at least 10 years of relevant experience to support the Associate Director of Impact in strengthening how we understand, measure, and advance the impact of Acumen Academy’s programs.The ideal candidate brings strong analytical judgment and the ability to translate data into meaningful insights while discerning what the evidence tells us, what it means for our programs, and how it can inform strategic decisions. This role goes beyond the mechanics of data collection and management. It requires someone who can interpret findings and translate them into actionable recommendations that strengthen program effectiveness and impact.

About Acumen

Acumen is a global force of entrepreneurs, investors, philanthropists, and social innovators working together to build a world based on dignity. 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 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. Learn more at acumen.org.

About the role

Acumen is looking for an Impact Manager to partner with the Associate Director of Impact and lead impact measurement across the Academy programme. You will work out what the data tells us, what it means for the programme, and how we use that evidence to make decisions and tell the impact story, going beyond the mechanics of collecting and managing data.

This is a dynamic, global environment. You are a self-starter who solves problems independently, works with colleagues across time zones, and brings a consultant’s rigour (structuring ambiguous problems, managing delivery, influencing stakeholders) to impact work. You report to the Associate Director of Impact, who is based in London. Acumen operates under a hybrid work arrangement, with a minimum of three days per week in the Mumbai office.

Accountabilities

• Stakeholder alignment: Work with Academy leadership and regional teams to clarify programme goals, agree measures of success, and ensure frameworks reflect how programmes are really delivered.
• Framework design: Co-develop with the Associate Director of Impact the Academy Evidence and Measurement Framework, and the Theory of Change, logframes and impact measurement plans for all projects. Ensure every project has SMART objectives and indicators. Design performance management plans, including data flow and analysis (with the data team).
• Data collection: Develop, test and validate quantitative, qualitative and quality assurance tools in line with sector best practice. Lead Annual Lives Impacted reporting.
• Monitoring and reporting: Build indicator tracking tables and dashboards (Salesforce or similar) to track targets against actuals. Forecast targets and flag deviations to project leads. Respond to ad hoc data requests, and keep an impact issues log to improve how Academy manages impact.
• Analysis and insights: Run quantitative and qualitative analysis to produce actionable insights. Create and present insight pieces (case studies, themed reviews, interviews) for internal and external audiences.
• Adaptive management: Ensure data is used for decisions and programme improvement, and build other staff’s capacity in impact measurement.

Required

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience with Theories of Change, logframes/logic models, and impact frameworks
• Experience developing Evidence and Measurement Frameworks and operational tools such as indicator trackers and results-based monitoring
• Experience working with project teams, including project planning, Gantt charts and risk management
• Experience collaborates effectively with stakeholders across timezones and geographies 
• Experience building and managing systems (processes, technical systems, resourcing, ways of working)
• Ability to influence decisions and drive outcomes without formal authority and build stakeholder alignment
• Comfort with data analysis and visualisation tools, including AI, or willingness to learn
• Permanent authorisation to work in India, Ideally based in Mumbai or Bengaluru 
• Proactive self-starter who thrives in ambiguity, takes initiative to solve problems, and helps drive how a program measures and delivers impact
• Self-reflective and aligned with Acumen’s values

Strongly Preferred

• Consulting background (management, strategy, impact or development), with a record of delivering projects on scope and on time
• Experience in client- or funder-facing roles
• Ability to translate Vision into strategies that advance the Academy’s impact and fundraising goals

Deadline

Applications are reviewed manually on a rolling basis through November 20.

Given the high volume of applications we receive, we kindly request that you refrain from submitting multiple applications. Unfortunately due to a high volume of applications, we are unable to respond to direct messages or email outreach. 

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