Programme Head, PIER71

Overview

A unique opportunity to lead the PIER71 (Port Innovation Ecosystem Reimagined at BLOCK71) initiative, driving innovation in the maritime and related industries. The role focuses on attracting top innovative talent and startup founders, facilitating knowledge exchange, securing startup investments, and accelerating entrepreneurial ventures within the ecosystem. We seek an individual who balances visionary leadership with operational excellence. Exceptional communication skills and the ability to navigate diverse stakeholder needs are essential, alongside qualities such as determination, intelligence, resourcefulness, and humility.

Your responsibilities include managing and enhancing PIER71's reputation and brand, actively expanding local and global presence, and contributing to the strategic direction of the programme. This is an ideal role for someone passionate about creating impact and shaping the future of maritime innovation.

Your main role involves leading a ground team in executing, measuring, and driving the success of our programmes. As the PIER71 lead, you will oversee a ground team responsible for executing, measuring, and driving the success of our programmes. Working closely with the Ecosystem Development Director (NUS Enterprise) and the Industry, Talent, Tech Development Director (MPA), you will build strategic partnerships with collaborators, founders, mentors, investors, and other key stakeholders, both internal and external.

Your responsibilities also encompass maintaining and enhancing the reputation and brand of PIER71, actively expanding our presence both locally and globally, and contributing to the strategic guidance of the programme.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Partnership Management: Develop strategic plans for partnerships to align with the objectives of both founding organizations
• Lead negotiations for partnership renewals and budget planning
• Offer insights and support on public relations matters
• Monitor and report on partnership progress, ensuring objectives and KPIs are met
• Lead preparations for advisory and steering committee meetings
• Foster strong and trusted relationships with various external partners, including industry, research, educational, entrepreneurship, and government organizations
• Engage in negotiations and formalize partnerships

• Strategy: Develop and integrate new products, programmes, and partnerships into PIER71, ensuring alignment with its core objectives

• Team Leadership and Resource Management: Lead and oversee recruitment, onboarding, and management of full/part-time team members and contract staff/vendors, covering roles like programme managers, community and partnership manager, marcomms specialist, and administrative executive
• Provide clear direction, support, and guidance
• Conduct regular team meetings to monitor progress and address issues
• Efficiently allocate and manage resources, including budgets, personnel, and materials
• Monitor expenses to ensure financial responsibility

• Programme Management: Spearhead the flagship annual Innovation Leadership Round Table, assembling prominent leaders in the maritime sector to discuss and establish priority areas for innovation
• Develop an annual work plan outlining key activities and events to position PIER71 as a global maritime innovation thought leader
• Ensure the smooth operation of flagship programmes such as the Innovation Leadership Roundtable, PIER71 Smart Port Challenge, PIER71 Accelerate, PIER71 Ascend, PIER71 Landing Pad, PIER71 Alumni Circle, and PIER71 Explore

• Programme Branding & Marketing: Collaborate with an external marketing and communications expert to maintain cohesive branding, marketing, and communication initiatives

Representing PIER71

As the PIER71 programme's public face, you’ll occasionally host events and serve as a panelist to convey core messages. You will also be responsible for hosting delegations and visitors, with potential support from Community & Partnerships Managers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 8-10 years of pertinent experience
• Prior expertise in overseeing and advancing incubation and accelerator programs, including facility and operational management, is advantageous
• Proficiency in navigating regional and global startup landscapes
• Demonstrated resourcefulness and adaptability within dynamic settings
• A deep passion for entrepreneurship
• Experience working in the maritime industry and understanding its innovation landscape will be an advantage
• Proven track record of effective collaboration within diverse cultural contexts
• Exceptional communication skills, including a strong command of written and spoken English (additional languages are a plus)

Join us as a Programme Head, leveraging your extensive experience and capabilities to shape the future of our programs and contribute to our dynamic ecosystem.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.