Senior Manager (3-year contract), Centre for Teaching Excellence

Singapore Management University; Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Singapore is seeking a Senior Manager to lead professional development initiatives that enhance adult educators' instructional quality. The role focuses on establishing quality benchmarks, offering consultative support, and fostering innovation through collaborative efforts. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in adult learning principles and extensive experience in educational development. This is a full-time position located on-site at the university.

Qualifications

• At least 8 to 10 years of relevant work experience in education or adult learning.
• Strong track record in designing professional development programmes.
• Demonstrated experience in managing change in education settings.

Responsibilities

• Lead professional development initiatives for adult educators.
• Establish quality benchmarks for training impact.
• Offer consultative support on adult learning principles.

Skills

Adult learning principles

Stakeholder engagement

Curriculum innovation

Interpersonal skills

Facilitation techniques

Strategic thinking

Innovative mindset

Education

Degree relevant to Education or Adult Learning

Professional certification in adult education or instructional design

Job description

Senior Manager (3-year contract), Centre for Teaching Excellence

• Lead and drive professional development initiatives that enhance instructional quality, andragogical competence, and adult learning effectiveness of adult educators across SMU.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate educational development frameworks and programmes that that support faculty and trainers in applying adult learning principles, integrating innovative pedagogies, and continuously improving teaching effectiveness through evidence-based practices.
• Establish and monitor quality benchmarks and frameworks that measure training impact beyond content delivery, with emphasis on workplace application, organisational outcomes, and alignment with Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ), SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) standards, and other relevant national quality frameworks.
• Introduce data collection and evaluation approaches to track programme effectiveness, learner outcomes, and teaching impact, translating insights into actionable strategies for continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making.
• Champion evidence-informed, reflective, and innovative teaching practices through workshops, seminars, and communities of practice that foster continual improvement and professional growth.
• Offer consultative support to faculty and trainers on adult learning principles, facilitation techniques, assessment design, and learner engagement strategies.
• Support curriculum renewal, integration of workplace learning, and adoption of technology-enabled and blended learning approaches.
• Assist the Senior Assistant Director (Faculty Development) in strategic communication with senior management, academic leaders, and cross-functional stakeholders by preparing reports, delivering presentations that highlight PCE programme effectiveness and alignment with institutional goals.
• Position SMU as a leader in adult education by curating and sharing insights, participating in applied research, and representing the university in local and regional knowledge networks.
• Collaborate with industry partners, internal stakeholders, and trainers to align learning initiatives with institutional priorities and emerging workforce needs, ensuring relevance and impact.
• Identify opportunities to enhance trainer engagement and professional identity through innovation, reflective practice, and recognition of excellence.
• Build cross-departmental collaborations (such as SMU Academy, Executive Education) to embed adult learning best practices into SMU's broader educational ecosystem.
• Oversee the educational development and training of PhD candidates and Graduate Instructors, ensuring they are equipped with foundational teaching competencies and support structures for their instructional roles.
• Perform other duties as required to advance SMU's mission in lifelong learning and educational excellence.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• A recognised degree with relevance to Education, Adult Learning, or a related discipline.
• Professional certification in adult education, instructional design, or educational technology (e.g., ACLP, ACTA, DACE or equivalent) will be an advantage.
• At least 8 to 10 years of relevant work experience in education, adult learning, or faculty development.
• Strong track record in designing and implementing professional development programmes for adult educators.
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement, industry collaboration, and managing change in education settings.
• Experience in curriculum innovation, pedagogy for adult learners, and technology-enabled learning is highly desirable.
• Exposure to research and evaluation of teaching and learning effectiveness will be an added advantage.
• Deep understanding of adult learning principles and andragogical practices.
• Strong interpersonal, facilitation, and communication skills.
• Strategic thinker with ability to align initiatives to institutional and industry needs.
• Innovative mindset with openness to adopting and promoting new educational practices.

Other Information

Candidates who do not possess the stipulated qualifications but have relevant work experience may still apply. Remuneration and appointment terms shall commensurate with qualifications and experience. SMU reserves the right to modify the appointment terms where necessary.