Assistant Director, Business Operations Management

Established as a partnership between Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and the National Healthcare Group (NHG), the Asian Centre for Health Behavioural Insights & Interventions (HABITS) aims to improve population health through multidisciplinary and translational research to support interventions, policy and programmes; strengthen national capabilities through the integration of translational research into health intervention processes; and increase Singapore's regional and international profile as a centre of excellence for health behavioural sciences. This centre seeks a candidate for Assistant Director, to lead the centre's administration. This high-level role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships, fostering partnerships, overseeing multi-stakeholder projects, and representing the centre on regional and global platforms. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping the centre's growth, building its reputation, and delivering measurable impact. The Assistant Director will play a pivotal role in overseeing the operations of the research centre, including the execution of the centre's strategy, fostering local and regional partnerships, securing research funding, and organising academic and community events. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic leader with strong organisational skills, a passion for research and behavioural health, and the ability to manage complex projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of the research centre's mission, objectives and targets
• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and reporting to ensure compliance and accountability
• Identify and secure funding opportunities from grants, partnerships and commercialisation
• Develop relationships with academic, industry, government, and community partners in Singapore and across Asia
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities for team members.
• Set performance expectations, monitor progress, and drive team alignment with organisational goals
• Collaborate with researchers, clinicians and university stakeholders to drive innovative research
• Represent and promote the research centre at local and international meetings and conferences
• Host and facilitate high-level discussions with stakeholders and present the centre's achievements nationally and internationally
• Manage daily operations, including budgets, expenses, resources, etc.
• Track and analyse the research centre's key performance indicators
• Lead projects, ensuring smooth and timely deliverables across stakeholders
• Promote and communicate the research centre's achievements, research and societal impact through publications, presentations and media engagement
• Manage the centre's public image, overseeing media relations and social media communication.
• Develop and manage the research centre's digital brand assets, including websites, blogs and social media
• Maintain a database of partners and participants for continuous engagement and relationship management.
• Undertake any additional duties as required by the research centre's Directors

Key Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD degree, preferably in public health, health communication, psychology or business
• At least 20 years of professional experience, with 10 years of experience in leadership and supervisory roles
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement and multi-stakeholder project management
• Proven track record of securing partnerships and advancing organisational goals locally and internationally
• Advanced strategic thinking, leadership, administrative and project management skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with at least 5 years of experience in media and public relations
• Proficiency in financial planning, reporting, and compliance
• Knowledge of healthcare and research landscape in Singapore
• Bias to efficiency, inclusiveness and timeliness
• Proven track record of developing strategic and collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders, including governments, academe, industry and international bodies across Asia

We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Hiring Institution: NTU