📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Assistant Director, Business Development and Partnerships
🔹 Company: Nanyang Technological University Singapore
🔹 Location: NTU Main Campus, Singapore
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Education Administration Programs
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-28
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Providing strategic leadership to advance SCELSE’s research translation and innovation agenda
- Developing, managing, and fostering partnerships with various stakeholders
- Ensuring the Centre’s financial sustainability and operational excellence
- Representing SCELSE at national and international platforms
- Fostering a collaborative, innovative, and high-performance culture
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, strong interpersonal skills, and operational management expertise to drive SCELSE's success.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Provide strategic leadership to advance SCELSE’s research translation and innovation agenda, driving impactful applications of scientific discoveries.
✅ Develop, manage, and foster partnerships with government agencies, industry, and research institutions to facilitate collaborative R&D and translational opportunities.
✅ Ensure strong institutional alignment by coordinating interdisciplinary projects that support NTU’s and national research priorities.
✅ Lead operational governance, financial sustainability, and risk management to ensure Centre’s long-term effectiveness and compliance.
✅ Represent SCELSE at national and international platforms, contributing to policy and research dialogues.
✅ Foster a collaborative, innovative, and high-performance culture by mentoring researchers and promoting interdisciplinary teamwork.
ASSUMPTION: The incumbent will need to navigate complex stakeholder relationships, balance competing priorities, and make strategic decisions to drive SCELSE's success.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Postgraduate degree in Engineering, Sciences, or a related field.
Experience: Minimum 7 years of experience in research, innovation, or entrepreneurship with demonstrable impact.
Required Skills:
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build and maintain relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a strong interest in research translation and real-world application
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills to drive business initiatives and overcome challenges
- Proficient in managing interdisciplinary projects with contributions to strategic planning, research governance, and compliance frameworks
- Familiarity with financial sustainability models, compliance, and research operations
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team and independently with good analytical, planning, and management skills
Preferred Skills:
- Additional qualifications or training in innovation management, entrepreneurship, or business strategy
- Prior experience in research or academic leadership roles
- Experience in strategic planning, programme development, or policy-related initiatives
- Involvement in institutional or national research advisory bodies, innovation platforms, or global R&D networks
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in higher education, research institutions, or related fields may have an advantage in understanding the nuances of this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The salary range for this role is typically SGD 120,000 - 180,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications. This estimate is based on market research and comparable roles in Singapore's education and research sectors.
Benefits:
- Medical and dental benefits
- Provident fund contributions
- Leave encashment benefits
- Professional development opportunities
- Attractive staff training and development programs
Working Hours: Full-time position with standard office hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM), with flexibility for occasional evening or weekend work as needed.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate and may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and experience. Benefits are subject to change and may be confirmed during the interview process.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is a research-intensive public university in Singapore, ranked 12th globally in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2022. It is known for its strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.
Company Size: NTU has over 500 employees, providing a mid-sized university environment with ample opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Founded: NTU was established in 1959, with a rich history in education and research.
Company Description:
- NTU is committed to driving research and innovation that addresses global challenges and creates positive impact on society
- The university fosters a culture of entrepreneurship and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration
- NTU is home to several research centers of excellence, including SCELSE, focusing on environmental life sciences engineering
Company Specialties:
- Education and teacher training
- Research and development in various fields, including environmental life sciences
- Innovation and entrepreneurship
Company Website: http://www.ntu.edu.sg
ASSUMPTION: NTU's focus on innovation and entrepreneurship aligns well with the strategic and partnership-building aspects of this role.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, reporting directly to the Research Centre Director.
Reporting Structure: The incumbent will oversee and manage partnerships, collaborations, and operational aspects of SCELSE, working closely with researchers, faculty, and other stakeholders.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role, with the possibility of occasional remote work for meetings or events.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to shape SCELSE's strategic direction and contribute to its long-term success
- Opportunities to represent NTU at national and international platforms, enhancing personal visibility and networks
- Chance to mentor and develop researchers, fostering a high-performance culture
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to make a tangible impact on SCELSE's success.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: NTU's main campus is a vibrant, green, and modern university setting, providing a stimulating work environment.
Office Location(s): NTU Main Campus, Singapore
Geographic Context:
- Singapore is a multicultural city-state and island country in Southeast Asia, known for its business-friendly environment and high quality of life
- The NTU main campus is located in the western part of Singapore, close to residential areas and amenities
- Singapore offers a tropical climate, with warm and humid weather year-round
Work Schedule: Standard office hours with flexibility for occasional evening or weekend work as needed.
ASSUMPTION: The NTU main campus provides a dynamic and engaging work environment, with ample opportunities for collaboration and networking.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other stakeholders
- Background check and reference checks
- Job offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and vision for SCELSE's research translation and innovation agenda
- Partnership development and stakeholder management skills
- Operational management and governance expertise
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Cultural fit with NTU and SCELSE
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of SCELSE's mission and research focus in your application materials
- Prepare examples of your past achievements in strategic leadership, partnership development, and operational management
- Be ready to discuss your vision for SCELSE's future and how you plan to drive its success
ATS Keywords: Strategic leadership, partnership development, research translation, operational management, financial sustainability, stakeholder engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, communication skills, entrepreneurial mindset, problem-solving, project management, innovation management, policy development, compliance, analytical skills, team collaboration
ASSUMPTION: NTU's hiring process is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their qualifications and fit for this role throughout the application and interview process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
- Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in using these tools is expected, and candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with relevant software during the interview process.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence in teaching and research
- Innovation and entrepreneurship
- Integrity and accountability
- Respect and inclusivity
- Collaboration and teamwork
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced environment
- Strong focus on collaboration and interdisciplinary work
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
- Supportive and inclusive work culture
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with NTU's core values?
- How have you demonstrated your ability to work effectively in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment in the past?
- How do you approach strategic planning and decision-making in a dynamic and uncertain environment?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong fit with NTU's values and work culture will be more likely to succeed in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Balancing the strategic, operational, and partnership-building aspects of the role
- Navigating complex stakeholder relationships and competing priorities
- Driving research translation and real-world impact in a dynamic and evolving research landscape
- Ensuring the Centre's financial sustainability and operational excellence in a resource-constrained environment
ASSUMPTION: The incumbent will need to be adaptable, strategic, and resilient to overcome these challenges and drive SCELSE's success.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on research translation and innovation in the environmental life sciences, but shares similarities with other senior management roles in research institutions and universities
- Compared to other senior management roles, this position places a stronger emphasis on partnership development and stakeholder engagement
- Career progression in this role could lead to other senior leadership or research management positions within NTU or other universities
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in similar roles or related fields may have an advantage in understanding the nuances of this position.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a strategic plan to translate SCELSE's research findings into practical applications and commercial products
- Forging and strengthening high-impact partnerships with industry, healthcare, and government bodies to facilitate collaborative R&D and translational opportunities
- Leading operational governance and risk management initiatives to ensure SCELSE's long-term effectiveness and compliance
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, partnership-building, and operational aspects of the role, and provide insight into the incumbent's day-to-day responsibilities.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into NTU's broader research agenda and strategic vision for SCELSE?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does NTU support the professional development and growth of its employees in this role?
- What are the most significant challenges facing SCELSE, and how can this role address them?
- How does NTU foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, and how can this role contribute to that culture?
ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate the candidate's interest in understanding the role's context, priorities, and growth opportunities, as well as their strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your past achievements in strategic leadership, partnership development, and operational management
- Be ready to discuss your vision for SCELSE's future and how you plan to drive its success
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
