Assistant Director, Business Operations (Finance, Marketing & Strategy)

About NTU
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is a leading global university known for its excellence in research, innovation, and education.

About the Role
We are seeking a dynamic and strategic professional to join as Assistant Director, overseeing communications, strategy, outreach, and operations for the institute. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with leadership to shape institutional positioning, drive impactful initiatives, and engage a wide range of stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Institute Development

• Support the Director in shaping and executing GIFTS’ medium- and long-term strategies to strengthen Singapore’s international trading ecosystem.

• Translate institutional and national objectives into clear plans, initiatives, and KPIs, ensuring effective execution and measurable outcomes.

• Identify strategic opportunities for growth, partnerships, and new initiatives that enhance GIFTS’ relevance and impact.

Industry Development & Corporate Engagement

• Lead and deepen strategic partnerships with government agencies, corporate partners, and industry stakeholders.

• Drive initiatives that enhance industry collaboration, experiential learning, and ecosystem development.

• Represent GIFTS as a credible and trusted partner within the international trading and policy ecosystem, both locally and globally.

Student, Alumni & Talent Development

• Oversee initiatives that enhance student engagement, industry exposure, and career readiness across the programme lifecycle.

• Guide the development and continuous improvement of platforms and programmes supporting internships, careers, mentorship, and alumni engagement.

• Leverage alumni networks to strengthen industry ties and long-term ecosystem outcomes.

Fundraising & Financial Sustainability

• Ensure GIFTS remains financially sustainable and self-funding through effective corporate partner engagement.

• Cultivate, retain, and expand corporate funding relationships by demonstrating clear value, relevance, and impact.

• Oversee contribution agreements, funding initiatives, and donor-related engagements in alignment with strategic priorities.

Strategic Communications, Branding & Media Oversight

• Provide strategic direction on communications, branding, and outreach to position GIFTS as a leading hub for international trading education and engagement.

• Oversee media, digital, and public engagement efforts, ensuring clear, consistent, and responsible messaging.

• Manage reputational risks and advise leadership on communication strategies and public positioning.

Events, Engagement & Executive Support

• Conceptualise and oversee high-impact events, including industry dialogues, conferences, experiential learning programmes, and donor engagements.

• Ensure events are strategically leveraged for visibility, partnerships, fundraising, and thought leadership.

• Support senior leadership in strategic engagements, external representation, and VIP or high-level stakeholder interactions.

Governance, Planning & Performance Management

• Oversee planning, reporting, and governance processes, including KPIs linked to student outcomes, partnerships, and funding.

• Ensure compliance with institutional, donor, and government requirements, including audit readiness.

• Support continuous improvement of programmes, processes, and operational effectiveness.

Stakeholder, Team & Vendor Management

• Work effectively across the university ecosystem, including NBS, Finance, UAO, CAO, and other units, to ensure alignment and smooth execution.

• Influence and align stakeholders in a matrixed environment without direct authority.

• Manage external vendors and service providers to ensure quality delivery and value for money.

• Provide guidance, mentorship, and leadership to team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to work at the intersection of academia, policy, and industry

• Exposure to senior leadership and high-impact initiatives

• Collaborative and dynamic work environment

Requirements
GIFTS aims to provide a well-qualified talent pipeline for and build a strong linkage between the university and the international industry. It is looking for a Assistant Director (AD) who will work closely with various parts of the university and the industry to achieve its goals.  This position provides the platform for the AD to play an important part in creating future leaders in the international industry, and to exert his or her abilities to build a strong linkage between the university and the industry.  

The candidate should have:

• A good bachelor’s degree and proven high quality academic achievements.  

• At least 12-15 years of work experience, prior relevant experience will be an added advantage.

• Knowledge and experience in business development and programme/operations management.

• Strong strategic thinking and possess an analytical mind.

• Excellent writing, communication and organizational skills.

• Confident and proactive with demonstrated dynamism and resourcefulness in problem solving.

• Ability to work with people of various levels and cultures, with excellent interpersonal skills.

• Good commercial understanding of the local marketplace, coupled with an ability to establish wide networks and strong relationships with management of different companies.

• Strong influencing skills, with a proven ability to provide pragmatic solutions.

• Ability to proactively identify and prioritize tasks and be able to escalate matters of significance while retaining the responsibility for them.

We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.