Damini V. Karode
Mumbai
Summary
Dedicated and empathetic professional with 9+ years of experience in managing Financial Aid & scholarships, donor relations, and CSR initiatives, especially in the education and social impact sectors. Proven ability to lead end-to-end financial aid operations, develop transparent policies, coordinate multi-stakeholder projects, and drive measurable outcomes for underserved communities. Adept in strategic thinking, communication, and collaboration, with a passion for inclusive development.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager – Financial Aid & Scholarships
Somaiya Vidyavihar University
04.2024 - Current
- Manage and monitor an annual financial aid and scholarship budget of ₹10 crore, ensuring optimal allocation, financial discipline, and donor compliance across multiple institutions.
- Lead strategic outreach to increase access to scholarships for underprivileged students, resulting in support to over 350+ beneficiaries annually.
- Build and maintain long-term partnerships with key stakeholders including EVONIK India, VFS Global, Anand Rathi and local NGOs, aligning CSR goals with impactful student programs.
- Co-lead and execute purpose-driven initiatives such as Impact Day-style events, personality development training, and student-donor meetups, enhancing institutional visibility.
- Develop transparent scholarship policies in line with institutional priorities and regulatory frameworks, ensuring equity and timely disbursement.
- Oversee project planning, budget tracking, and reporting of key metrics to internal leadership and external donors.
- Prepare detailed financial and narrative reports for audits, donor communication, and impact tracking.
- Supervise and mentor a small team; coordinate interdepartmentally to ensure seamless implementation of aid programs.
- Organized multiple stakeholder events to honor long-term CSR contributors, fostering sustained donor engagement and increased funding commitments.
Financial Aid & Scholarships Officer
Somaiya Vidyavihar University
01.2022 - Current
- Lead financial aid operations and scholarship strategies for the university, serving over 150 students annually through external and internal donor partnerships.
- Formulate and implement policies, procedures, and evaluation.
Mentor (Part-Time)
Freedom Employability Academy (FEA)
07.2020 - Current
- Mentor disadvantaged youth from rural regions in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
- Focus on English communication, personality development, and non-cognitive skills to improve employability.
- Support students’ transformation journeys through structured mentoring sessions and regular feedback.
Consultant
Godavari Biorefineries Limited
03.2020 - Current
- Provide strategic direction for CSR initiatives including Sahas and Maskati projects in the Mumbai region.
- Assist in planning and execution of CSR award functions, recognition events, and stakeholder engagement.
Executive Assistant to the Chairman / Scholarships Head
Somaiya Vidyavihar University
05.2017 - 02.2022
- Managed day-to-day administrative responsibilities, maintained information flow, and served as liaison between departments and senior leadership.
- Participated in board meetings, training programs, and governing council meetings, contributing to policy decisions and project planning.
- Coordinated scholarship operations including student selection, donor reporting, and beneficiary engagement.
- Maintained stakeholder relationships with donors, corporate CSR teams, students, and internal teams.
- Prepared presentations, MIS reports, annual trust documents, and supported research initiatives.
- Organized workshops, lectures, and student training sessions. Oversaw transparent and timely scholarship processes and ensured student support policies were implemented effectively.
Process Associate
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
04.2014 - 05.2015
- Managed customer service for Qantas Cargo revenue accounting; resolved billing disputes and inquiries.
- Provided daily client support and assisted senior team members in delivering high-quality service.
- Participated in associate-level training programs to improve process knowledge and soft skills.
Education
PGDM - Operations Management
Welingkar Institute of Management
MSW - Social Work
College of Social Work Nirmala Niketan
Bachelor of Arts - undefined
Mumbai University
Skills
- Financial Aid Administration
- Scholarship Policy Development
- Donor Relationship Management
- CSR Strategy
- Project Coordination
- Budgeting & Reporting
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Student Mentorship
- MS Office
- German (Learning Basic, A1 level)
Timeline
Manager – Financial Aid & Scholarships
Somaiya Vidyavihar University
04.2024 - Current
Financial Aid & Scholarships Officer
Somaiya Vidyavihar University
01.2022 - Current
Mentor (Part-Time)
Freedom Employability Academy (FEA)
07.2020 - Current
Consultant
Godavari Biorefineries Limited
03.2020 - Current
Executive Assistant to the Chairman / Scholarships Head
Somaiya Vidyavihar University
05.2017 - 02.2022
Process Associate
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
04.2014 - 05.2015
MSW - Social Work
College of Social Work Nirmala Niketan
Bachelor of Arts - undefined
Mumbai University
PGDM - Operations Management
Welingkar Institute of Management
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