Service Opportunity

[Guest guest]

Dandavad. Prabhupada kijaya!

 

First let me introduce myself. I am the current executive director of Sri

Mayapur Vikas Sangha, an NGO (non-government organization) dedicated to

serve the Sri Mayapur Project in the area of sustainable development for the

region. We receive funding from the United Nations, Govt of India, German

Govt., and other agencies for our work in health, education, livelihoods and

community.

 

About a year ago, I relocated my family from Mayapur to the Alachua

community in the US. Still, I am trying to keep up my work for Mayapur and I

am gradually establishing a program that will allow me to maintain my family

here while serving Mayapur and other projects in India.

 

When I am not in Mayapur, I have been ably assisted by Bhakti Yoga prabhu

who is the Acting Director . Unfortunately he may also have to leave India

for at least several months after March.

 

We urgently need to find an able person to take over as Executive Director.

 

The position comes with a reasonable salary for living in India and

accommodations. Relocation expense is also possible.

 

The following are some of the main qualifications I believe are important

for being successful in this position,

 

** A deep interest in social work and sustainable development

 

The most important qualification is a deep interest in the type of work that

we do in SMVS (you can read more about our work on our web site at

www.SMVS.org). Of course, prior experience in our area of work is very

valuable, but even if someone has no experience if there is a very deep

interest and willingness to learn then such a person can still be

successful.

 

** Leadership

 

This position calls for an ability to lead a diverse team of professionals

and fieldworkers towards both the development of SMVS' broad vision and the

practical goals of specific projects.

 

** Management

 

The primary responsibility of this position is to manage the progress of

projects through establishing clear tasks and delegating activities

throughout the project team. This requires supervision both within the

office and out in the field where the project work is taking place.

 

** Communications

 

This position involves managing regular reports and communications through

e-mail. Strong writing skills are very valuable. Familiarity with

computers is essential.

 

** Financial acumen

 

A good knowledge of budgets, cash flows and accounting is important. There

are members of the team to do the practical work in these areas but as

EXecutive Director this person would have to make some financial decisions

that require a good understanding of financial management.

 

** Commitment

 

We're looking for someone who can commit to at least five years service in

this position. We expect that there will be a reasonably steep learning

curve for anyone taking up this responsibility especially if they have not

worked in India before. Of course, we would like to have a trial period to

see that we are a good fit.

 

** Education

 

We are not much concerned with educational qualifications although having a

degree in a related field like social work would be a great plus.

 

** Experience

 

We are mostly looking for experience in leadership and management.

 

** A special note to devotees

 

It is important for devotees involved in our organization to appreciate the

ultimate spiritual benefits that our work leads to. Although our work does

not provide the same sort of direct spiritual benefits as provided by

harinam, prachar and prasadam we believe it contributes to the

re-spiritualization of society by helping to create receptivity to spiritual

leadership and practice.

 

If ISKCON's regular work is mostly "brahminical" we see our work as more

akin to the "ksatriya" work of caring for society inspired and guided by the

principles of Krishna consciousness.

 

 

If you or anyone you know is interested in this position please write to me

as soon as you can so we can begin to explore the possibilities. THere are

other positions available in different levels of our organization, too.

 

If you're interested in social development and living in Mayapur than we're

interested in helping you to do that.

 

Your servant,

Pancaratna das