Assistant Director, Educational Programmes

Yayasan MENDAKI; Singapore; On-site; SGD 20,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused organization in Singapore seeks a capable professional to support the strategic planning and management of educational programmes for students aged 7 to 17. The role requires strong leadership in programme delivery, stakeholder engagement, and performance monitoring. Ideal candidates should possess 5-8 years of experience in education or community development, with proven supervisory skills. A degree in relevant fields is essential, and a postgraduate qualification would be advantageous. This primarily office-based role may require evening and weekend work for events, alongside occasional travel.

Qualifications

• 5 – 8 years of relevant professional experience in education, youth development, or community programmes.
• Min 2-3 years in supervisory or managerial experience.
• Strong understanding of Singapore's education landscape.

Responsibilities

• Support the HOD in executing departmental strategies and workplans.
• Oversee daily programme operations to ensure execution and quality delivery.
• Support budgeting and expenditure tracking for departmental programmes.

Skills

Strategic thinking

People leadership

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Organisational skills

Education

Degree in Education, Public Policy, Business Administration, or Social Science

Postgraduate qualifications or leadership certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Programme management systems

Job description

Job Summary

The jobholder (2-year contract) supports the department HOD in the strategic planning, management and people leadership for education programmes catered for primary and secondary students (7 to 17 years old). The role focuses on operational leadership, programme delivery excellence, stakeholder coordination, and performance monitoring, translating strategic intent into effective execution on the ground.

The AD enlivens departmental strategies and KPIs into actionable workplans, supporting daily operations, and ensures quality assurance, reporting, and continuous improvement across initiatives. He/She works closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure programmes are delivered effectively, on time, and within budget.

The team member is expected to work from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and may be required to work over weekends and public holidays to support organisation events. While the role is primarily office-based, frequent travel for meetings and programme visits is expected.

Key Responsibility Areas

Strategic and Operational Support

1. Support the HOD in executing departmental strategies, workplans, and KPIs.
2. Translate strategic priorities into operational plans, timelines and deliverables.
3. Track departmental performance indicators and prepare progress reports for management review.
4. Identify operational risks and propose mitigation strategies to ensure programme continuity.
5. Keep abreast of national education policies, parental engagement trends, holistic child development and community needs.

Programme Delivery and Development

1. Oversee daily programme operations to ensure smooth execution, quality delivery, and compliance with objectives.
2. Coordinate programme schedules, resources, and logistics across teams and partners.
3. Conduct periodic reviews and evaluation of programmes and make necessary recommendations for improvement.
4. Support the conceptualisation, development and implementation of new and innovative educational programmes and learning support initiatives.

Stakeholder and Partnership Management

1. Support the management of key stakeholders including schools, Self-Help Groups, M3 partners (MUIS and MESRA), government agencies (MOE, MSF, MCCY, MOH), and community partners.
2. Serve as an operational point‑of‑contact for partners to resolve implementation issues and improve collaboration processes.
3. Represent the team in internal and external meetings, committees, and forums.
4. Maintain and update repositories of programme resources, partners, and service offerings.
5. Support cross‑departmental collaboration to ensure integrated service delivery.

Financial and Resource Management

1. Support budgeting, forecasting, and expenditure tracking for departmental programmes.
2. Monitor programme spending to ensure alignment with approved budgets.
3. Assist in resource allocation, procurement coordination, and vendor management where required.
4. Prepare financial summaries and utilisation reports for the Head of Departmetn (HOD).

People Leadership and Capability Development

1. Support and mentor programme owners to ensure accountability and performance standards are met.
2. Guide team onboarding, coaching, and day‑to‑day problem‑solving.
3. Conduct performance check‑ins and contribute to performance appraisals.
4. Identify training needs and support workforce capability development initiatives.

Foster a collaborative, high‑performing team culture aligned with organisational values.

Requirements

1. 5 – 8 years of relevant professional experience, preferably in education, youth development, or community programmes
2. Min 2-3 years in supervisory or managerial experience required
3. Degree in Education, Public Policy, Business Administration, Social Science, or in any other relevant fields
4. Postgraduate qualifications or leadership certification will be an advantage.
5. Good understanding of Singapore’s education and youth landscape
6. Strong strategic thinking with the ability to translate strategy into operational execution.
7. Proven people leadership, coaching, and performance management capabilities.
8. Strong interpersonal and communication skills to manage stakeholders across different levels
9. Strong analytical and data‑informed decision‑making abilities.
10. Sound judgement, risk awareness, and problem‑solving skills in complex environments.
11. High level of accountability, resilience, adaptability and initiative.
12. Strong organisational and prioritisation skills in a fast‑paced, multi‑stakeholder context.
13. Able to work independently while collaborating closely with senior leadership
14. Proficient in Microsoft Office and relevant programme management or learning management systems.
15. Proven experience overseeing multi‑site or large‑scale education programmes will be an advantage.