Competency:

Narrative strategy, editorial judgment, media relations, policy storytelling:

ABOUT RIGHTWALK

RightWalk Foundation is a public policy implementation and state-capacity building organisation. We exist to ensure that progressive public policies actually work for people at scale — not just on paper, but in real lives, over time. Our RIGHT model — Redesign, Institutionalize, Ground, Hone, Transition — converts policy intent into sustained government-owned outcomes. We operate across 4 states, have impacted 2M+ lives and unlocked $2.2Bn+ in public funds.

ROLE PURPOSE

RightWalk's work is systematically undercommunicated for its scale and impact. We have impacted 1.2M+ lives, unlocked $2.2Bn+ in public funds, earned recognition from Ashoka, LSE, UK Parliament, and NITI Aayog — and most of the policy world still doesn't know our name. The Head – Strategic Communication will change that.

This role owns RightWalk's public narrative, media relationships, policy advocacy storytelling, and institutional positioning. It is a power infrastructure role — not a support function. This person sits alongside the CEO in shaping how RightWalk is understood by the world.

RightWalk’s work must be understood as systems change, not as scattered program activity.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Institutional narrative and positioning

- Own RightWalk's public narrative — what we stand for, how we talk about our work, and how we differentiate ourselves in the development sector.
- Build and maintain RightWalk’s core narrative as a policy-to-outcomes institution builder.
- Lead policy advocacy storytelling — translate RightWalk's program evidence into compelling narratives that influence government and donor audiences.
- Translate complex policy, systems and implementation work into clear public language.
- Ensure consistency across website, decks, reports, social media, media pitches and donor communication.
- Represent RightWalk at public forums, conferences,



and media opportunities — or prepare the Founders to do so with sharp briefings.

2. Policy and impact storytelling

- Work with Policy, Data and Program teams to identify stories that show systems change.
- Convert evidence and field insights into sharp, credible narratives.
- Develop case studies, founder notes, op-eds, speeches, media briefs and thought pieces.
- Coordinate with the Policy & Systems Head to ensure external communications reflect RightWalk's policy positions accurately.

3. Media and public engagement

- Build and execute a media strategy — print, digital, broadcast, and policy media. Build relationships with journalists, editors, and policy commentators.
- Prepare press notes, media kits and spokesperson briefs.
- Support founder and senior leadership visibility strategically, not performatively.
- Manage RightWalk's digital presence — website, social media, LinkedIn — ensuring consistency, quality, and impact.
- Produce high-quality long-form content: op-eds, policy briefs for public consumption, impact reports, and thought leadership pieces.

4. Communication systems and team leadership

- Lead the communications team and manage content calendar, campaign rhythm and quality control.
- Create approval workflows for sensitive government/donor/state communications.
- Build templates and systems for rapid but accurate communication.

5. Alignment with fundraising and government work

- Collaborate with the Fundraising Head on donor storytelling — ensure proposals and stewardship communications carry RightWalk's narrative voice.




- Ensure government-facing communication is respectful, strategic and aligned with partnership realities.
- Protect RightWalk’s credibility by avoiding exaggerated claims.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE — YEAR 1

- RightWalk is featured in at least 6 major national media outlets — with stories that accurately represent the organisation's work and positioning.
- A content calendar exists and is followed — the organisation publishes consistently and purposefully.
- At least 2 policy-facing thought leadership pieces are published under RightWalk or Founder bylines in credible forums.
- The Founders have sharp, consistent messaging they can deliver in any media or government setting.

WHAT THIS ROLE DOES NOT DO

- Does not turn every activity into a self-congratulatory LinkedIn post.
- Program delivery or policy design.
- PMU-level IEC and local campaign execution — that is PMU IEC Managers.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

- Experience: 12–18 years in strategic communications, journalism, public affairs, or policy communication. Prior experience in development sector, think-tanks, or government communications is strongly preferred.
- Narrative: Track record of building institutional narratives — not just producing content, but shaping how organisations are perceived.
- Editorial: Strong editorial judgement — can distinguish between a story that matters and one that merely happens.
- Writing: Exceptional writing ability — can write in multiple registers: policy brief, op-ed, social media, donor narrative.
- Network: Media network in India - existing relationships with journalists, editors, & policy media outlets.
- Partnership: Ability to work closely with the Founders — comfortable receiving and implementing high-level strategic direction while owning execution.

Success Traits: Sharp editor, narrative strategist, politically sensitive, grounded.

Department:

Communication

📌 Head - Strategic Communication (Delhi)
🏢 RightWalk Foundation
📍 Delhi