Manager, Development Partner (contract appointment until 31 March 2029), SMU-X

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

Job summary

Singapore Management University (SMU) seeks a seasoned professional to lead partnership development and industry engagement for SMU-X and SMU-XL initiatives. You will cultivate industry relationships with senior stakeholders, design collaboration opportunities, and manage multi-project portfolios with clear objectives and deliverables.

The role requires strong negotiation, strategic planning, and excellent communication skills, with the ability to operate in a dynamic university environment and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 5+ years in business development, partnerships, corporate relations, or stakeholder management
• Master's degree in business, management, education, or related discipline is preferred
• Experience with industry partners, preferably in education, innovation, or skills development contexts
• Strong strategic thinking and execution capability in partnership development
• Proven ability to build and sustain senior-level stakeholder relationships
• Excellent negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder management skills
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal), including proposal writing and presentation
• High level of organisational and project coordination skills
• Ability to translate industry needs into collaboration opportunities
• Adaptive, proactive, and comfortable working in dynamic environments

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a partnership development strategy aligned with SMU-X and SMU-XL objectives.
• Engage industry partners and cultivate relationships with senior stakeholders and project teams.
• Scope, structure, and coordinate industry projects for SMU-XL; manage timelines and deliverables.
• Track partnership performance and prepare reports for internal stakeholders; refine strategies accordingly.
• Manage financial matters related to partnerships including claims, reimbursements, and payments.
• Support the team to handle increasing project volume and foster proactive problem-solving.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Communication

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

About Us

Singapore Management University is a place where high-level professionalism blends together with a healthy informality. The 'family-like' atmosphere among the SMU community fosters a culture where employees work, plan, organise and play together - building a strong collegiality and morale within the university.

Our commitment to attract and retain talent is ongoing. We offer attractive benefits and welfare, competitive compensation packages, and generous professional development opportunities - all to meet the work-life needs of our staff. No wonder, then, that SMU continues to be given numerous awards and recognition for its human resource excellence.

Job Description

• Partnership Development & Strategy
  • Develop and execute a partnership development strategy aligned with SMU-X and SMU-XL objectives.
  • Identify, engage, and cultivate relationships with industry partners across priority sectors.
  • Conduct market and industry scanning to identify emerging trends, needs, and collaboration opportunities.
  • Design partnership propositions that align institutional goals with industry needs.
• Industry Engagement & Relationship Management
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for industry partners, ensuring strong, trusted, and professional relationships.
  • Build and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders, decision-makers, and project teams in partner organisations.
  • Represent SMU at industry events, conferences, and networking forums to expand institutional visibility and partnerships.
  • Uphold high standards of professionalism, ethics, and institutional reputation in all engagements.
• Project, Operations & Collaboration Management
  • Work with internal stakeholders to scope, structure, and coordinate industry projects for SMU-XL.
  • Ensure clarity of project objectives, timelines, deliverables, and partner expectations.
  • Lead discussions and negotiations with partners on collaboration terms, including project agreements and NDAs.
  • Monitor project progress and partner engagement, addressing issues proactively to ensure successful outcomes.
• Governance, Reporting & Performance Tracking
  • Track partnership performance, outcomes, and impact using relevant metrics and data.
  • Prepare reports and updates for internal stakeholders on partnership pipeline, progress, financial status, and results.
  • Use data and insights to refine partnership strategies, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen collaboration effectiveness over time.
• Financial Administration & Claims Processing
  • Manage and process financial matters related to industry partnerships and SMU-X projects, including claims, reimbursements, and payments.
  • Prepare, verify, and submit claims and financial documentation in accordance with university policies and procedures.
  • Liaise with internal finance, procurement, and administrative units to ensure timely and accurate processing of payments and claims.
  • Track project-related expenditures, maintain proper records, and support basic budget monitoring for partnerships and projects.
  • Ensure compliance with institutional financial governance, audit requirements, and documentation standards.
• Team Support
  • Support the existing team in managing the increased volume and diversity of projects.
  • Help mitigate operational bottlenecks and ensure timely delivery of projects.
  • Foster a proactive and innovative approach to problem-solving within the team.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in business development, partnerships, corporate relations, or stakeholder management.
• Master's degree in business, management, education, or related discipline is preferred.
• Experience working with industry partners, preferably in education, innovation, or skills development contexts.
• Familiarity with the digital economy, innovation, or applied learning ecosystems is an advantage.
• Strong strategic thinking and execution capability in partnership development.
• Proven ability to build and sustain senior-level stakeholder relationships.
• Excellent negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal), including proposal writing and presentation.
• High level of organisational and project coordination skills.
• Strong market awareness and ability to translate industry needs into collaboration opportunities.
• Adaptive, proactive, and comfortable working in dynamic, evolving environments.
• High integrity, professionalism, and commitment to institutional values and outcomes.
• Results-oriented, with a focus on delivering measurable impact for both partners and the university.