Strategic Assistant Director, Fundraising & Donor Relations

Singapore Management University; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Singapore Management University invites a seasoned fundraising professional to lead strategic donor engagement and gift development. You will cultivate relationships with individuals, corporations and alumni to maximise long-term support for the University.

With at least 10 years of experience in fundraising or related fields, you will collaborate with academic and administrative leaders to secure resources and advance SMU's mission, while upholding the university’s values and stakeholder trust.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with at least 10 years of work experience.
• Excellence in fundraising, sales, business development, account management, communications, or relationship-based disciplines.
• Ability to engage with diverse stakeholders including donors, industry leaders, faculty, staff, students.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Influence large and small groups with conviction and enthusiasm.
• Proven ability to negotiate at high levels with resilience under pressure.
• Knowledge of major wealth sources in Singapore and the region is a plus.
• Passion for higher education and the nonprofit sector desirable.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop and implement strategies to meet fundraising goals.
• Develop gift opportunities and proposals matching donor interests to university needs.
• Interact with business and community leaders to increase donor involvement.
• Strategically advance the university's important relationships.
• Strengthen donor relationships for cultivation and stewardship.
• Coordinate with stewardship team to ensure timely donor communications.
• Collaborate with university administrators and academics to gain support while managing expectations and relationships.
• Foster a spirit of collegiality and distributed ownership of success.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Fundraising

Sales

Business development

Account management

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Relationship management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree

Job description

Singapore Management University invites a seasoned fundraising professional to lead strategic donor engagement and gift development. You will cultivate relationships with individuals, corporations and alumni to maximise long-term support for the University.

With at least 10 years of experience in fundraising or related fields, you will collaborate with academic and administrative leaders to secure resources and advance SMU's mission, while upholding the university’s values and stakeholder trust.