Director, College Strategy & Operations

Nanyang Technological University Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A major educational institution in Singapore is seeking an experienced Director of Operations to lead its administrative functions. You will oversee operational excellence, drive strategic initiatives, and work closely with senior leadership. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree, a postgraduate qualification is preferred, and 10-15 years of experience in higher education or large organizations. This is a critical leadership role that demands strong stakeholder management and operational acumen.

Qualifications

• 10–15+ years of experience in higher education administration or large organisations.
• Proven experience in leading cross-functional teams.
• Strong knowledge of governance, compliance, and financial management.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational planning and execution of College-wide strategic initiatives.
• Oversee delivery of student- and academic-facing services.
• Ensure compliance with University policies and mitigate risks.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Operational leadership

Stakeholder management

Project management

Analytical skills

Digital literacy

Education

Bachelor's degree

Postgraduate qualification in Management or Public Administration

Job description

The College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CoHASS) at NTU is seeking an experienced Director, Operations to lead and transform its administrative and operational functions. This is the most senior leadership role in the College’s administration with responsibility for overseeing all operational functions including academic, postgraduate, research, communications and external relations. You will have responsibility for driving operational excellence, delivering strategic initiatives, and enabling the Dean and College leadership to achieve their long-term priorities.

Role Impact and Opportunity

As Director, Operations, You Will

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team of senior administrators, including both direct reports and matrix teams across Schools and Centres, across all operational functions, including academic, postgraduate, research, communications and but not limited to external relations.
• Translate strategy into action by implementing cross-College initiatives, streamlining operations, and improving administrative and financial processes.
• Drive organisational change and operational innovation, creating more efficient, standardised, and scalable systems to support academic and research excellence.
• Collaborate across boundaries, building strong partnerships with Schools, Centres, and University leadership to enable interdisciplinary teaching, research, and shared operational goals.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the Dean and senior leadership on governance, risk, compliance, and institutional effectiveness, influencing decision-making and ensuring follow-through.
• Deliver measurable outcomes, ensuring that operational, financial, and strategic objectives are achieved efficiently, effectively, and sustainably.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Planning: Lead operational planning and execution of College-wide strategic initiatives.
• Shape long-term strategies and anticipate emerging needs in alignment with University priorities.
• Advise on policy, governance, and institutional effectiveness.

• Organisational Effectiveness & Change: Oversee the delivery of student- and academic-facing services, and back-office processes across all operational functions including academic, postgraduate, research, communications and external relations, in order to achieve the College’s objectives.
• Develop and refine administrative structures, business processes, and service delivery models.
• Drive cross-functional improvements and harmonise practices across Schools and Centres.

• Governance, Risk & Compliance: Ensure compliance with University policies and external regulations.
• Mitigate risks, maintain internal controls, and advise leadership on governance matters.

• Operations & Financial Stewardship: Oversee budgets, grants, procurement, and operational resources.
• Identify opportunities for operational enhancement and implement improvement initiatives.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships across academic, professional, and administrative units.
• Represent the College on University-wide committees, taskforces, and review boards.

• Leadership & Talent Development: Foster a high-performance, collaborative culture.
• Promote staff development, knowledge exchange, and innovation across administrative teams.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree; postgraduate qualification in Management, Public Administration, or related field preferred.
• 10–15+ years of progressive experience in higher education administration or large, complex organisations, with strategic and operational leadership.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and driving organisational change.
• Strong knowledge of governance, compliance, and financial management.
• Track record of building partnerships and influencing in a matrix environment.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic and operational leadership, translating vision into measurable outcomes.
• Strong people leadership, motivating and developing direct and matrix teams.
• Stakeholder management and collaboration across complex environments.
• Operational and financial acumen to manage resources effectively.
• Project and program management skills, ensuring initiatives are delivered with impact.
• Analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Agility, resilience, and ability to perform in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
• Digital literacy for effective coordination and reporting.

Personal Attributes

• Collaborative and diplomatic, building trust and strong relationships.
• Proactive and results-oriented, driving initiatives to completion.
• High integrity and discretion, handling sensitive information professionally.
• Adaptable and resilient, thriving under ambiguity and pressure.
• Innovative and solution-focused, continuously seeking improvements.