About The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (STSPMF)

The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (STSPMF) was started in 2000 as a community project initiated by The Straits Times to provide pocket money to children from low-income families to help them through school. The children can use this money for school-related expenses, such as buying a meal during recess, paying for transport or using it to meet other schooling needs. The financial help also eases the burden of the many parents who are already struggling to feed their families on their meagre incomes.

The Fund supports about 10,000 children and youth a year. Since the project started in 2000, STSPMF has disbursed more than $100m and helped over 220,000 cases of children and youths in providing them with monthly school pocket money.

STSPMF was established as a Trust on 20 October 2010 with a Board of Trustees and was granted charity status on 14 November 2011 with Institution of A Public Character (IPC) status effective from 1 January 2012.

The Fund works with the Ministry of Education, government/ independent/ religious/ special education schools, family service centres, youth centres and children's homes in disbursing pocket money to students from low-income families. Over the next few years, STSPMF hopes to grow the fund, expand the scheme to better meet the needs of the beneficiaries, streamline the operational processes for the applicants and administrators as well as widen its partnership network to enhance accessibility of support.

About the Role

This is a key management role, reporting to a Board of Trustees. The scope of responsibilities of the General Manager includes the following:

Strategic steering: Work with and support the Board on setting directions and monitoring the effectiveness of the organisation's programmes.
Corporate governance: Ensure compliance with Charity and Institution of a Public Character regulations, and the organisation's policies and procedures. Have oversight and be accountable for all corporate functions, including HR, Finance, Administration and IT.
Relationship management and donor engagement: Cultivate and strengthen relations with key partners and donors.
Communication and advocacy: Build trust and maintain good public profile and reputation of the Fund.
Leadership: Lead team in the delivery and implementation of the organisation's activities and services to meet the charity's mission.

Job Requirements

Qualification and Experience

At least a Bachelor's degree preferably in Business Management/ Finance/ Social Work or related field.
Minimum of 12 years of work experience with at least 5 years in a leadership role

Competencies

Interpersonal, negotiation and communication skills
Organisational and leadership skills
Being highly independent, resourceful, meticulous, adaptable and resilient
A good understanding of social service landscape and non-profit financials will be advantageous