Head, Communications & Partnerships

About the College

The College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CoHASS) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) aims to be Asia’s leading centre for innovative, interdisciplinary humanities, arts and social science teaching and research. Through its four schools and research centres, the College explores human agency, society and culture in a world of rapid change. As part of a technological university, it works with scientists, engineers and creators to make sense of our technological society.

CoHASS is advancing its strategy, “Shaping the Human Future”, through four interdisciplinary research themes: AI and Digital Cultures; Global Asia; Health, Culture and Society; and Art, Science and Ecology. Each is anchored in a research centre and supported by partners across Asia, Europe and the US. We are seeking an accomplished and forward-looking leader to join us as Head, Communications and Partnerships, to strengthen the College’s profile, global reach and strategic relationships.

Head, Communications and Partnerships

The Head, Communications and Partnerships leads the College’s communications and strategic partnerships, shaping how CoHASS is seen and building the relationships that extend its reach and impact. You will turn the College’s academic, research and educational strengths into compelling stories, raise its global reputation, and develop high-value partnerships locally and internationally.

Working closely with the Dean’s Office, School and Centre leaders, central University offices and external partners, you will build a College-level function that brings coherence, storytelling and strategic partnerships to a diverse academic community.

The incumbent reports to the Director, College Strategy and Operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Communications and Positioning

• Lead an integrated College-wide communications and branding strategy aligned with the College’s vision and NTU’s identity.
• Translate the College’s academic, research and societal contributions into compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• Set editorial and visual standards, and drive alignment across schools, centres and central University communications.
• Advise College leadership on positioning, reputation and sensitive issues, including crisis communications.

Content, Digital and Global Profile

• Direct content across the College’s website, social media, newsletters, video and publications.
• Lead campaigns that showcase the College’s research themes and attract top students, alongside alumni engagement and outreach.
• Build the College’s international profile through media, thought leadership and academic networks, including on AI and the human future, contributing to NTU’s global standing.
• Use analytics to measure impact and refine strategy.

Strategic Partnerships

• Build and lead a portfolio of partnerships with universities, research institutes, industry, government, and healthcare and cultural organisations, aligned with the College’s research themes.
• Identify and assess opportunities, and develop mutually beneficial propositions with College and School leaders.
• Cultivate senior-level relationships with local and international partners.
• Track partnership outcomes, deepen existing relationships, and support major collaborative research funding bids.

Stakeholder Engagement and Leadership

• Lead engagement with staff, students, alumni, donors, industry and government, including internal communications and high-profile College events.
• Represent the College at external forums and networks.
• Lead and develop the Communications and Partnerships team, and manage budgets and vendors.
• Anticipate developments in higher education and communications, including the implications of artificial intelligence.

Requirements:

• A recognised Bachelor’s degree in Humanities, Social Sciences, Communications or a related discipline; a relevant postgraduate qualification is advantageous.
• At least 10 years of experience in strategic communications, public relations, corporate affairs or external relations, including at least 5 years in a leadership role, preferably in a university, research institution or public-sector organisation.
• Proven track record in developing and managing strategic partnerships with senior stakeholders across academia, industry, government or international institutions.
• Strong experience in brand management, media relations, digital communications and issues management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence in complex, matrixed environments with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent writing, storytelling and editorial judgement, with the ability to make complex ideas accessible to diverse audiences.
• Experience managing teams, budgets and vendors.
• Strategic, creative and globally minded, with the professional presence to engage senior academic and external leaders. with credibility, judgement and communication skills to engage effectively with senior academic and external leaders.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.