Strategic Partnerships Manager, Industry & Innovation

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

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