Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic
Damini V. Karode

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
Damini V. Karode