Job Description

Job Title: Project Head, Campus Cares - Mental Health in Higher Education Initiative

Reports to: Dr. Arvinder Singh, Founder Director Ashoka Centre for Wellbeing

Location: New Delhi

Experience: 15+ years

Project: Campus Cares - Mental Health in Higher Education Initiative

The Mental Health in Higher Education Initiative is a collaborative effort supported by the Ashoka University Centre for Wellbeing and Aikyam Foundation, designed to address the increasing mental health challenges faced by students in higher education institutions across India. The project aims to bridge the gaps in mental health support by conducting a comprehensive survey of 100 universities to evaluate existing resources and identify areas for enhancement.

The findings will inform the development of a State of the Sector Report and a resource toolkit that universities can use to establish or strengthen their mental health programs. Additionally, the initiative will host annual convenings and in-person training sessions to share best practices, offer hands-on training, and foster collaboration among institutions.

Goals, objectives and core activities of the initiative:

Expand Mental Health Services in Higher Education Institutions:

• Conduct a comprehensive survey of 100 higher education universities in India to assess current mental health initiatives and identify gaps in resources, training, and support systems.
• Develop and disseminate actionable resources, including training modules and best practices, to enhance mental health support across universities.

Preventive and Promotional Mental Health:

• Shift the focus from crisis management to preventive care by providing resources and training for faculty, staff, and student leaders to identify and address mental health challenges early.
• Promote mental health awareness and skill-building among students through peer support programs, workshops, and well-being centres.

Research and Resource Development:

• Create a State of the Sector Report on mental health in higher education, based on the survey findings, to inform universities and policymakers about current gaps and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop a comprehensive resource toolkit, including guidelines for establishing well-being centres, training modules, external resource lists, and best practices from successful mental health programs.

Partnerships and Outreach:

• Collaborate with universities, mental health professionals, and external partners to implement mental health strategies across campuses.
• Foster ongoing collaborations through an annual convening and training session to share best practices, provide hands-on training, and build a network of mental health professionals and university administrators.

Capacity Building and Peer Support:

• Strengthen peer-led support initiatives by training student leaders, resident assistants, and cohort leaders to act as mental health gatekeepers.
• Expand the capacity of universities to offer preventive mental health care and crisis support through structured programs and a collaborative network.

Thought Leadership and Influence:

• Lead efforts to destigmatize mental health challenges within higher education institutions by promoting open conversations and advocacy initiatives.
• Influence mental health policy by disseminating research findings and case studies from the project and hosting annual convenings to foster collaboration.

Roles & Responsibilities:

Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing the state of the sector survey and developing the State of the Sector Report on mental health in higher education.
• Developing the resource toolkit and ensuring its dissemination to universities across India.
• Building and maintaining partnerships with higher education institutions, mental health professionals, and policymakers.
• Organising the annual convening and in-person training at Ashoka University to ensure effective implementation of the toolkit.
• Managing the projects budget, securing additional funding, and ensuring compliance with financial and ethical guidelines.

Qualifications and Experience:

1. A masters degree in public health, psychology, education, management, or a related field with at least 15 years of experience in project management, research, or nonprofit leadership.
2. Strong interest in mental health and education; prior experience in these fields is beneficial but not required.
3. Demonstrated experience in managing large-scale projects, including research initiatives or similar efforts.
4. Proven ability to build partnerships and collaborations with universities, professionals, and external stakeholders.
5. Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
6. Experience in budget management.
7. Ability to work effectively in a diverse and inclusive environment.