Senior Manager / Manager (Arts and Heritage – Ecosystem & Partnerships)

Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth in Singapore seeks a Policy Officer in the Ecosystem & Partnerships Team to develop cross-cutting policies for the arts and heritage sector. You will engage with cultural institutions, statutory boards, and partners to shape strategic policy directions and foster international engagement.

We value strong analytical writing, teamwork, and the ability to manage multiple portfolios while navigating a complex policy landscape to sustain a vibrant cultural

Qualifications

• Strong interest in arts and heritage sector.
• Ability to analyse and advise on arts and heritage policies.
• 1–5 years in policy, economics or public service preferred.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and review cross-cutting strategies and policies for the cultural ecosystem.
• Analyse, assess and advise on arts and heritage policies and related government policies.
• Collaborate with MCCY partners, public service agencies and cultural institutions.
• Oversee sector engagement with statutory boards and cultural institutions.
• Manage international partnerships and bilateral/multilateral engagements.
• Coordinate events and meetings with international partners.
• Support secretariat duties and administrative tasks.
• Engage with stakeholders across MCCY and partner organisations.

Skills

Arts interest

Policy analysis

Analytical thinking

Writing

Teamwork

Job description

What the role is:

This is a Policy Officer role in the Ecosystem & Partnerships Team within the Arts and Heritage Division. The Division's three teams - Arts, Heritage and Ecosystem & Partnerships (E&P) - oversee Singapore's Arts & Heritage policies by setting the policy agenda, overseeing the National Arts Council (NAC) and National Heritage Board (NHB), arts and heritage Companies by Limited Guarantee, and shape long-term sector strategies. AHD supports MCCY's efforts to build a caring people, cohesive society, and confident nation. The Ecosystem & Partnerships Team develops and reviews cross-cutting policies and strategies to develop and nurture Singapore's arts and heritage ecosystem. This includes work on sector & manpower development, data & technology, and philanthropy & fundraising. You will also be involved in collaborative efforts to develop and strengthen Singapore's culture, arts and heritage sectors, deepen relationships with arts and heritage groups, institutions, as well as the MCCY family, the wider public service and other relevant partners in the private and people sectors. The E&P team also oversees Singapore's cultural diplomacy efforts, and the officer will be involved in international relations work to cultivate strong ties and advance Singapore’s interests with international counterparts.

What you will be working on:

• As a Policy Officer at AHD, you will work on:
• Formulating and reviewing cross-cutting strategies and policies that would make an impact on the cultural ecosystem to support sustainability and vibrancy of the cultural sector. Some of these broad areas include workforce and industry development, the creative economy, technology and cultural philanthropy.
• Analysing, assessing and advising on arts and heritage related policies, as well as other government policies - including economic, trade, and industry policies - that may have a direct or indirect impact on the cultural sector, in alignment with MCCY and Whole-of-Government strategic direction. This includes drawing on knowledge of economic policy instruments such as grants, tax incentives, and financing frameworks to support sector development.
• Collaborating with MCCY family partners, public service agencies, cultural institutions and sector groups on cross-cutting issues
• Overseeing Arts & Heritage sector engagement efforts with Statutory Boards and cultural institutions
• Managing international partnerships, maintaining bilateral and multilateral diplomatic ties, and representing Singapore at international arts and culture fora.
• Coordinating, organising and staffing bilateral and multilateral engagements, coordinating sector-wide events involving international partners.
• Managing ad-hoc project and events, including but not limited to the coordination and organisation of bilateral events, courtesy calls, MOU signings etc
• Deepening engagement capabilities across the cultural sector to better inform, build understanding and trust in order to partner with stakeholders on policy issues
• Crafting strategic communications and crisis management messages and plans in consultation with relevant departments
• Supporting administrative tasks including secretariat duties, information collation, meeting coordination and staffing
• You will have the opportunity to work with Political Office Holders, senior management, officers within MCCY and other Ministries, key Statutory Boards (NAC, NHB), and cultural institutions including Esplanade, National Gallery Singapore, School of the Arts and Singapore Art Museum.

What we are looking for:

AHD operates in a complex policy environment with multiple stakeholders and difficult trade-offs. Success requires teamwork, continuous learning, adaptability, and commitment to building a vibrant, sustainable Arts & Heritage ecosystem for Singapore. Key requirements:

• Strong interest in arts and heritage sector
• Ability to analyse, assess and advise on arts and cultural ecosystem policies, including the application of economic analysis and evidence to evaluate policy trade-offs and sector outcomes.
• Sensibilities to navigate complex policy environments
• Synthesising of information and data - including economic data and research -to advise on policy trade-offs and impact
• Experience working on or with economic agencies or in roles involving economic policy, industry development, or workforce planning is advantageous, particularly where this experience can be applied to support the sustainability and growth of the arts and heritage sectors.
• Cultural sensitivity to Singapore's context
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Able to multi-task and willingness to be exposed to a breadth of portfolios
• Excellent analytical and writing skills with strategic perspective
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders across different levels both within and outside the organisation.
• Strategic Planning, Policy and Planning, Economic Policy and Analysis, and/or International partnership experience preferred
• At least 2 to 5 years' experience in a similar field; public service experience or experience in arts administration is advantageous

About Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth

We aim to build a cohesive and resilient society, deepening the sense of national identity and affinity for Singapore through strengthening community bonds, promoting of the arts and heritage, youth engagement, sports development, volunteerism and philanthropy.