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This is a remote position.
Lead, State Policy and Advocacy Location: Remote | Frequent travel across states
Type: Full-time
Expected Start Date: As soon as possible
About Rocket Learning
Rocket Learning is one of India's fastest-growing ed-tech non-profits, focused on transforming early childhood education at scale. Working closely with central and state governments, we reach over 6 million children across the country. Our approach combines simple, accessible technology with deep community engagement, empowering caregivers and educators to build strong early learning habits. With a diverse, high-performing team and support from leading funders, we are on a mission to reimagine early learning for every 0–6 years old in India. About the Role
This is a senior, full-time leadership role reporting directly to the Co-Founders. The position sits at the intersection of Early Childhood Development (ECD), public policy, and ecosystem strengthening. Rocket Learning has been supporting the Central Government and multiple State Governments on key initiatives within the Anganwadi system, and we are now expanding this work.
The Lead, State Policy and Advocacy will be responsible for driving and managing these strategic partnerships across priority states. The candidate will work closely with the Co-Founders to anchor, deepen, and scale collaborations with State Governments, particularly the departments of Women and Child Development and Education. They will also oversee state-level policy teams, ensuring high-quality support to government counterparts.
In addition, the role involves responding to government requests, coordinating across internal functional teams, and mobilising institutional resources to enable seamless execution of state partnerships and policy initiatives Key Responsibilities
Build and sustain trusted relationships with senior government stakeholders in states to strengthen the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) ecosystem Lead and manage State Program Management Units (PMUs) to design, operationalize, and monitor ECD-related policies and initiatives in partnership with state departments
Support state operations teams by engaging with key stakeholders to advance Rocket Learning ’s initiatives, including digital interventions, events, training programmes, and curriculum development
Develop high-quality knowledge products such as briefs, strategy notes, policy documents, file notings, proposals, and research reports to inform and support government decision-making on ECCE
Provide end-to-end support to state government partners , including planning, coordination, drafting, research, report writing, speech writing, and M&E activities aligned with strengthening ECCE, particularly within the Anganwadi system
Collaborate closely with Rocket Learning ’s National Initiatives & Policy team , as well as functional and operational teams, to provide policy inputs, conduct comparative state analyses, document best practices, coordinate field visits, and support state-level priorities.
Demonstrate ownership, initiative, and agility , consistently delivering high-quality outputs in dynamic and unpredictable environments.
Key Outcomes
Strengthened ECD ecosystem resulting in measurable improvements in developmental and learning outcomes for children aged 0-6 years
High-impact state-level policies and initiatives that drive meaningful structural reform and sustained action for Early Childhood Development
Robust, trust-based partnerships with senior government officials and key civil society stakeholders, enabling long-term collaboration and system-wide change
Required Qualifications
8-10 years of total work experience, including 3-5 years in a senior role within government or in leading government-facing partnerships for private or non-profit organizations Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline such as public policy, economics, management, or related fields Exceptional ability to think, synthesize, and communicate with clarity while navigating complex systems and multi-stakeholder environments Strong writing and analytical skills, including research, structuring, and drafting, with the ability to deliver high-quality outputs quickly Proven ability to manage multiple workstreams, solve problems independently, and operate effectively in fast-paced, high-pressure settings Deep alignment with Rocket Learning ’s values and mission, including a commitment to equity, systems change, and collaborative working Willingness to travel extensively (7-10 days per month) to state capitals, including at short notice, to support urgent government requests and engagements.
Preferred Criteria
Experience in early childhood care and education
Mission driven, enthusiastic and optimistic - committed to transformation
Enthusiasm and skills to deal with the opportunities and challenges of supporting governments
Experience working in State governments, internships included
