Manager, Curatorial and Museum Design (NS Gallery Development)

THIS IS A 2-YEARS RENEWABLE / CONVERTIBLE CONTRACT ROLE

Job Synopsis

The jobholder will be part of a team that conceptualises, strategises and develops a world-class NS-themed gallery (NSG) 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) curating and executing NSG content, gallery design and fabrication across 4000 square metres of exhibition space (b) 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:

(a) procurement and management of the gallery design and fabrication firm

(b) content research, curatorial and exhibition design of the NSG - including guiding the appointed firm to translate the desired messages and outcomes into immersive and engaging content and exhibits for an effective visitor experience

(c) Large platform display at the NS Square Atrium - including its installation, design fabrication and narrative messaging.

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 Curatorial and Museum Design Efforts.

• Manage the museum exhibition design vendors 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 and fora clearance requirements for the museum design and other design-related proposals.

• Help conduct and integrate findings from necessary focus group discussions on the gallery content and visitor experience into the overall gallery planning.

2. Conduct Content Research and Development Efforts

• Chart out the required timelines and plans and manage content researcher and the research team (inhouse, DCS, interns etc) to flesh out the NSG content narrative, and develop the final 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 procure more if needed.

• Evaluate and endorse the team's assessment on the need for appointed content researcher to access MINDEF/SAF archival materials and liaise with various government entity to facilitate access.

• Keep abreast of developments in the defence/security landscape that could be incorporated into the storyline.

• Liaise and work with relevant internal and external stakeholder - including MINDEF/SAF agencies, WOG agencies/Ministries, and Defence Collective Singapore - on the content research effort, as well as requests for loans or acquisitions of objects needed to support the exhibits.

• Assess and recommend the necessary resources that team requires, including HR and external expertise (NHB consultants FGDs etc).

3. Project Management for the Design, Fabrication and Installation of the Large Platforms at Atrium, and Main Exhibition Gallery

• Work closely with stakeholders, to ensure that the deliverables are on track. This includes liaising with (a) NS Square Project Office on larger NS Square development, SAF and Home Team as well as (b) museum design firm on the design approaches and desired visitor experience.

• Review and proofread copywriting for the exhibition content.

• Work on the narrative and creative design/depiction of the large platforms displayed in Atrium, as well as in the main Gallery (exhibition and non-exhibition) spaces.

• Monitor and track the necessary budget usage, procurement and contract matters related to the vendor/contract.

4. 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.

5. Work closely with internal tribe, key defence stakeholders, other target groups and general public to generate support for NS Gallery and ensure resonance.

• Plan and implement the engagement sessions with desired target audience to generate support for NSG's content.

• Liaise with various agencies (e.g., Service Engagement Branches, MHA/Home Team, MOE, PA, SDC, MCCY etc) to set up engagement sessions with stakeholder groups under their purview.

• Conduct analysis of the data and feedback collated during the engagement sessions, as well as the recommended changes, to the NS Gallery design, concept and storyline.

• Plan and implement traveling exhibitions as part of audience testing for the content and design of the gallery.

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: Degree in Arts or Social Sciences, preferably history, with a keen interest in Singapore's social and military history.

• The jobholder should preferably have minimum 5 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.

• 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.