Assistant Director, Educational Assistance

Job Summary

The jobholder (2-year contract) is the team lead and supports the HOD on education support matters for Malay/Muslim students in post-secondary institutions and Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs). The jobholder is responsible for the engagements of students and parents, as well as the management and disbursement of Educational Assistance Schemes (EAS) which includes Tertiary Tuition Fee Subsidy (TTFS), Study Loans, Anugerah, Scholarships and Bursaries.

Key Responsibility Areas

a. Strategic and Partnership Management

1) Lead the strategic planning and implementation of educational financial schemes, bursaries, study/training loans, scholarships and awards across MENDAKI, as a strategy to enhance employability and employment for our M/M community.

2) Keep abreast of educational issues and trends for Malay/Muslim post-secondary youth at community, national and global levels.

3) Identify and strengthen gaps in education support initiatives for student and post-secondary population to support the aspirations towards a Community of Success

4) Work with MCCY, MENDAKI Partnerships and RPEO departments and other stakeholders to regularly review and update policies and criterias for educational funding and scholarships through analysis of service users data.

5) Oversee partnerships and engagements with the Tertiary institutions to ensure that students benefit from the education support initiatives in MENDAKI.

b. Management and Disbursement of Education Support Initiatives

1) Oversee the approval and efficient management and disbursement of MENDAKI's education support initiatives for post-secondary and IHL students. These include TTFS, study loans, Anugerah, scholarships and bursaries.

2) Enable team to submit monthly and quarterly reports or ad-hoc audit reports for grants and funding, including reports on the various EAS e.g. study loans disbursements, TTFS payments to institutions etc.

3) Oversee interview sessions and assessments for scholarship applications.

c. Engagement of Students and Parents

1) Work with the team in providing educational planning and career guidance to students and parents and support them in making decisions to fund their educational aspirations.

2) Ensure that student databases are securely and effectively managed to facilitate a data-driven approach to engagement.

3) Partner Future Ready sub-units to ensure that students are meaningfully engaged and equipped with Future Ready and employability skills.

d. Team Leadership and Management

1) Provide leadership, direction, and mentorship to the team to ensure strategic alignment and operational excellence.

2) Set clear performance goals, monitor progress, and provide developmental feedback to build high-performing teams.

3) Lead team's forecasting, planning and budgeting activities to ensure optimal resource allocation and efficiency.

4) Oversee budget management, utilisation, and reporting for all team's schemes and initiatives.

5) Foster a collaborative, innovative, and mission-driven team culture aligned with MENDAKI's organisational values and strategic direction.

Requirements

1) Relevant degree from a recognised institution preferred.

2) 6-8 years of relevant experience in team management and process management.

3) Proven leadership experience in strategic planning, programme management, and partnership development.

4) Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and presentation skills.

5) Meticulous, resourceful, and able to work effectively in a fast-paced, multi-stakeholder environment.

6) Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage budgets, and deliver measurable outcomes.