Title	Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Organisation	Indian Science & Technology Entrepreneurs Park and Business Incubators Association (ISBA)
Reports To	President and Vice Presidents, ISBA
Contract Type	2-Year Contract (Renewable subject to Governing Body approval)
Location	ISBA Secretariat (tbc)/Hybrid
Engagement	Full-Time

ABOUT ISBA

The Indian Science & Technology Entrepreneurs Park and Business Incubators Association (ISBA) is the apex national ecosystem representing Science & Technology Entrepreneurs Parks (STEPs), Technology Business Incubators (TBIs), and a wide spectrum of incubation and innovation support organizations across India. Its membership includes incubators supported by central and state government agencies, academic and research institutions, public–private partnerships, and corporate-backed innovation centres.

ISBA functions as a national knowledge hub, advocacy platform, and capacity-building catalyst for the incubation ecosystem. It facilitates collaboration among stakeholders, promotes best practices in incubation management, supports policy dialogue with government bodies, and strengthens the institutional capabilities of incubators through training, research, certification programs, and peer-learning initiatives. The association also plays a key role in fostering innovation-led entrepreneurship, enabling access to funding and networks, promoting technology commercialization, and representing India’s incubation community in global forums.

ISBA’s key initiatives span knowledge management, practitioner development, digital platforms, and flagship convening events, including:

• ISBA Knowledge and Resource Centre: Curating and disseminating best-in-class resources for incubation professionals
• ISBA Capacity Development Programmes: Structured learning journeys for incubation managers and ecosystem builders
• ISBA Hub: A digital platform connecting incubators, innovators, mentors, and investors
• ISBACON The Annual Conference: India’s premier annual gathering for the incubation and entrepreneurship ecosystem
• ISBA CXO Conclave: An exclusive leadership forum for CXOs and senior practitioners

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will be the principal executive officer of ISBA, responsible for translating the organisation’s strategic vision into operational reality. Reporting directly to the President and Vice Presidents of ISBA, the CEO will lead, build, and manage a high-performing team, oversee all programmatic and business initiatives, and hold complete accountability for the organisation’s financial health and growth.

This is a transformational leadership role that demands equal parts strategic thinking, entrepreneurial execution, stakeholder diplomacy, and institutional governance acumen. The CEO will serve as the external face of ISBA to government, industry, academia, and the broader innovation ecosystem.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Define and drive ISBA’s strategic roadmap in alignment with the vision set by the Governing Body and Leadership.
• Develop annual operating plans, performance metrics, and organisational goals.
• Identify and pursue new partnerships, revenue streams, and programme opportunities to expand ISBA’s national footprint.
• Represent ISBA in national policy forums, government engagements, and ecosystem events.

Programme & Initiative Leadership

• Provide executive oversight and strategic direction across all five ISBA flagship initiatives: Knowledge and Resource Centre, Capacity Development Programmes, ISBAHub, ISBACON, and CXO Conclave.
• Ensure cross-functional integration, quality delivery, and measurable impact across all initiatives.
• Drive innovation in programme design and delivery to maintain ISBA’s relevance and thought leadership.

Organisation Building & Talent

• Design and implement the organisational structure required to execute ISBA’s strategic priorities.
• Lead end-to-end talent acquisition, onboarding, and retention for key roles across the organisation.
• Build a culture of performance, accountability, innovation, and collaboration.
• Establish clear role definitions, reporting structures, and HR policies in consultation with Leadership.

Financial Management & P&L Accountability

• Hold full accountability for ISBA’s key financial metrics, budgets, financial projections, and reporting.
• Develop and implement fund raising, revenue generation and cost management strategies to ensure organisational sustainability.
• Present periodic financial performance updates and strategic progress reports to the President, Vice Presidents, and Governing Body.
• Oversee grant applications, sponsor relationships, membership revenues, and programme monetisation.

Stakeholder & Ecosystem Engagement

• Cultivate and manage relationships with ISBA’s member incubators, STEPs, TBIs, government bodies (DST, MeitY, DPIIT, NITI Aayog), corporates, industry, industry networks and international organisations.
• Act as the primary ambassador for ISBA at national and international platforms.
• Build advisory networks and leverage external expertise to strengthen ISBA’s programmes and influence.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory, and governance requirements applicable to ISBA.
• Facilitate Governing Body meetings, prepare agendas, and implement decisions effectively.
• Maintain transparent communication with the Governing Body, Leadership, and all stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Educational Background

• Post-graduate degree (MBA, M.Tech, M.Sc., or equivalent) from a recognised institution. Candidates with additional management or leadership qualifications will be preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 15 years of overall professional experience with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or CEO-equivalent role.
• Demonstrated experience in managing not-for-profit organisations, incubator, industry associations, or ecosystem-building platforms in the science, technology, or innovation domains.
• Proven track record of P&L management, revenue generation, and financial sustainability for organisations.
• Experience in building and scaling teams, designing organisational structures, and leading talent strategies.
• Strong background in programme design, delivery, and management across knowledge, capacity development, or conference verticals.
• Prior engagement with government bodies, funding agencies, or national ecosystem initiatives (DST/DBT/DPIIT/MeitY/BIRAC etc.) is highly desirable.

Skills & Competencies

• Visionary leadership with the ability to inspire teams and build institutional credibility.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and relationship-building capabilities.
• Strong financial acumen and business development orientation.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking, media engagement, and policy advocacy.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to operate effectively in a resource-constrained, high-impact environment.
• Strategic thinking combined with a bias for execution and results delivery.
• Deep understanding of the Indian startup, incubation, and innovation ecosystem.

CONTRACT TERMS & GOVERNANCE

• Nature of Engagement: Fixed-Term Contract for 3 Years (Full-Time)
• Renewal: Renewable at the end of the contract term, subject to performance evaluation and approval by the Governing Body.
• Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the President of ISBA
• Accountability: The CEO will present regular performance and financial reports to the Leadership and Governing Body
• Location: ISBA Secretariat (tbc) with travel as required across India and internationally

WHAT ISBA OFFERS

ISBA offers the successful candidate a rare and significant opportunity to shape the future of India’s incubation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. This role comes with:

• A mandate to build an institution of national importance from the ground up.
• Direct access to and support from ISBA’s distinguished Leadership comprising leading ecosystem builders, policy experts, and entrepreneurs.
• Competitive compensation commensurate with the seniority and scope of the role.
• A platform to engage with the highest levels of government, industry, and academia in the Indian innovation space.
• The opportunity to leave a legacy in the development of India’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following to the ISBA Leadership (president@isba.in):

• A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) with full employment history.
• A Cover Letter articulating your vision for ISBA and your suitability for this role.
• A brief Leadership Note (not more than 2 pages) outlining your proposed strategic priorities for ISBA in the first 12 months.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. ISBA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.