Manager / Assistant Manager (NS Gallery Development)

THIS IS A 2-YEAR RENEWABLE / CONVERTIBLE CONTRACT ROLE.

The jobholder will be part of a team that conceptualises, strategises and develops a world-class NS-themed gallery (NSG) till its opening in 2029. The NSG aims to be a world-class exhibition that impart audiences with an understanding of Singapore's immutable vulnerabilities, the importance and significance of NS, and why we ourselves must defend Singapore.

Key project components include (a) curating and executing large platforms display at the NS Square Atrium; (b) curating and executing NSG content, gallery design and fabrication across 4000 square metres of exhibition space; (c) conceptualising other museum-related planning and operations - e.g. special exhibitions.

The jobholder may also be asked to contribute in other areas: (a) strategising and obtaining sponsorship and partners to optimise resources and reach; (b) developing and planning public programming, education and events around NSG.

Specific to the jobholder, he/she will work with the NSG development team to drive and ensure project delivery in the following areas (non-exhaustive):

(a)  Content research, curatorial and exhibition design of the NSG – including research, guidance of the appointed firm in translating research materials into immersive and engaging content and exhibits for effective visitor experience;

(b)  Large platform display at the NS Square Atrium – including its narrative messaging, content design and some technical coordination; and

(c)   Management of the gallery design and fabrication firm.

As part of overall project management, the jobholder is expected to manage the overall project timelines and support reports to senior management.

1.   Conduct Content Research and Development Efforts

• Keep abreast of developments in the defence/security landscape that could be incorporated into the storyline.
• Support Assistant Director (NS Gallery) to chart out and manage the required timelines and plans, including the liaison and management of content researcher(s) to develop the gallery exhibition content.
• Assess the sufficiency of the mapped out inventory of exhibition assets (artefacts and multimedia) for display in the NSG; and how to acquire where needed.
• Evaluate and access MINDEF/SAF archival materials and liaise with various government entity to facilitate access.
• Liaise and work with relevant internal and external stakeholder – including MINDEF/SAF agencies, WOG agencies/Ministries, and Defence Collective Singapore – for exhibition, Collection Acquisition and Management.

2.   Conduct Curatorial and Museum Design Efforts

• Support Assistant Director (NS Gallery) to manage and work closely with the museum exhibition design vendor; chart project timelines and work with vendor to ensure the timely and successful delivery of the NSG in 2027/28.
• Track, manage and meet timelines for the content, curation, museum design and other design-related proposals.
• Manage vendors for research and marketing for the content focus group discussions to ensure timely delivery of findings and update to management.
• Help conduct and integrate findings from necessary focus group discussions on the gallery content and visitor experience into the overall gallery planning.

3.   Project Management for the Design and Fabrication phase of the Main Exhibition Gallery; and Large Platform Displays.

• Work closely with stakeholders, to ensure that the deliverables are on track. This includes liaising with (a) NS Square Project Office to obtain information on larger NS Square development; (b) SAF and Home Team on the delivery of the Atrium large platforms; and (c) museum design firm on the design approaches and desired visitor experience.
• Work on the narrative and creative design/depiction of the large platforms displayed
• Review and proofread copywriting for the exhibition content.
• Monitor and track the necessary budget usage, procurement and contract matters related to the vendor/contract

4.     As part of understanding audiences for better curation, work closely with key defence stakeholders, other target groups and general public to ensure content resonance.

• Plan and implement the engagement sessions with desired target audience to generate support for NSG's content.
• Liaise with various agencies (e.g., MHA/Home Team, MOE, PA, SDC, MCCY etc) to set up engagement sessions with stakeholder groups under their purview.
• Analysis data and feedback to make recommendations to the NS Gallery design, concept and storyline.
• Support traveling exhibitions as part of audience testing for the content and design of the gallery.

5.     Provide updates to NS Gallery Task Force and Working Groups

• Support Assistant Director (NS Gallery) to provide regular updates, where relevant and required, to MINDEF/SAF management and other inter-agency platforms; including raising issues of concerns and recommending the course of actions.
• Draft the minutes for key NSG fora.

Challenges:

As the gallery is a high-profile project involving many agencies, the key challenge would be to balance the needs and requirements of different stakeholders and effectively managing the design firm. He/she needs to ensure that the project remains on schedule and within budget, and the gallery meets its overall intent and objective.

Job Requirements

• Educational Requirements: A good honours or postgraduate degree in Arts or Social Sciences, with a keen interest in Singapore's social and military history.
• The jobholder should preferably have 7 years of relevant work experience in content research and development, as well as prior museum or curatorial experience.
• The jobholder should have a strong command of both spoken and written English. The jobholder should also preferably be proficient in one other vernacular language.
• The jobholder should have excellent communication, organisational and project management skills. Prior experience in project management in related areas is also an advantage.
• The jobholder should be mature and possess excellent interpersonal skills, patience and a pleasant disposition.
• The jobholder should be meticulous and detail-oriented.
• The jobholder should take a problem-solving perspective on issues, and help the team move towards viable solutions in a timely manner.
• The jobholder should be comfortable with multi-tasking and tracking and driving multiple workstreams concurrently.
• The jobholder should take the initiative in leading the team and be able to work collaboratively with different partners.