Assistant Manager

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 2028. 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) developing and planning public programming, education and events around NSG; (b) strategising and leading business development and partnership plans, and (c) cultivating and obtaining sponsorship and raise funds to optimise resources.

The jobholder will also contribute and be involved in these other areas: (d) curating and executing a large platforms display at the NS Square Atrium; (e) curating and executing NSG content, gallery design and fabrication across 4000 square metres of exhibition space; (f) directing branding and comms efforts; and (g) conceptualising other museum-related planning and operations - e.g. special exhibitions.

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) public programming, education and events around/for the NSG, for the purposes of place-making and buzz-generation.

(b) volunteer management for the NSG;

(c) business development (including retail strategies) and partnership to ensure business continuity.

(d) fundraising and sponsorships efforts to cultivate strong support for the NSG; and

(e) internal and external-to-MINDEF/SAF stakeholder engagement to gather feedback on the gallery. As part of overall project management, the jobholder is expected to manage the overall project timelines; work with the team to clear project fora where required; and front frequent and timely reports to senior management.

The following key responsibilities will be distributed among the NSG development team, with specific assignment determined as the project develops:

1.    Conduct Public Programming, Education and Events for NSG place-making.

• Support AD (NS Gallery) to develop a holistic and integrated public programming strategy and plan to complement NSG exhibitions for all year-round activations. This includes collaborating with curatorial team to put together innovative programmes that meet the diverse audiences' needs.
• Work with stakeholders on collaboration opportunities and programming efforts such as learning journeys with schools and relevant educational institutions.
• Find suitable partners and events for NSG and NS Square placemaking objectives.
• Evaluate programme and outreach effectiveness, and manage audiences' feedback, to inform future offerings.

2.    Plan and operationalise Volunteering Efforts for the NSG.

• Support AD (NS Gallery) to develop a stable of roles for volunteers to take up at the museum; plan and operationalise the training and other requirements that would be needed to ensure that volunteers are ready and able to contribute to the NSG
• Develop and implement volunteer policies, role descriptions, training materials, and evaluation tools.
• Recruit, screen, and onboard volunteers for various roles across the NSG, including visitor tours, education, events/special projects.
• Plan and host volunteer appreciation events and recognition programmes.
• Coordinate internally across departments to assess volunteer needs, ensure effective placement and supervision.

3.    Develop and operationalise the Business Development plans, including the development of a physical and online gift shop.

• Support AD (NS Gallery) to identify and form strategic partnerships and collaborations to enhance NSG visibility and impact.
• Implement strategies to diversify revenue streams and business opportunities.
• Monitor and analyse performance metrics for business initiatives.
• Support AD (NS Gallery) to develop retail and merchandise strategy and plans that tie in with the overall branding and objectives of the NSG and NS Square (e.g. prioritise/recognize NSmen).
• Develop and operationalise Viable physical and online gift shop.
• Procure vendor to manage pop-ups, shop and souvenir production
• Manage vendor to ensure suitable merchandise curation and selection as well as production (where necessary), overseeing revenue KPIs from the vendor to ensure commercial viability and success.

4.    Develop the Fundraising and Sponsorship and plans for the NSG.

• Support AD (NS Gallery) to identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with sponsors, donors, and foundations, which include planning and organising engagement events/opportunities.
• Develop compelling sponsorship proposals and customised partnership packages.
• Plan and execute donor events and annual giving programmes.
• Develop and operationalise an attractive Membership programme for the NSG, to encourage key behaviours & achieve key outcomes (e.g. recognize NSmen; encourage repeat visitors; encourage word-of-mouth; encourage donations etc).
• Plan and execute fundraising campaigns.
• Ensure compliance internally and externally (with funders' requirements).

5.  Work closely with internal and external stakeholders from partners, sponsors, donors, and fundraisers, to key defence stakeholders and other target groups (including general public), and provide updates to NS Gallery Task Force and Working Groups

• Liaise with various agencies (e.g., Service Engagement Branches, MHA/Home Team, MOE, PA, SDC, MCCY etc) for the deliverables.
• Help out with the planning and implementation of the roving exhibitions.
• Assist in providing 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:

The NSG is a large-scale government project, which aims to showcase the nation's NS and defence story and is situated in the Downtown Core area of Marina Bay. A key challenge is to ensure the programming and offerings are of quality that live up to Singapore's reputation and be able to attract repeat visitors.

The NSG is a high-profile project which involves many agencies. Another key challenge would be to balance the needs and requirements of different stakeholders. 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 programming, business development and fundraising, sponsorship and/or related fields.
• 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.