Manager, Development Partner (Contract until 31 March 2029), SMU-X

Job Description

• Partnership Development & Strategy:
• Develop and execute a partnership development strategy aligned with SMU-X and SMU-XL objectives.
• Identify, engage, and cultivate relationships with industry partners across priority sectors.
• Conduct market and industry scanning to identify emerging trends, needs, and collaboration opportunities.
• Design partnership propositions that align institutional goals with industry needs.
• Industry Engagement & Relationship Management:
• Serve as the primary point of contact for industry partners, ensuring strong, trusted, and professional relationships.
• Build and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders, decision-makers, and project teams in partner organisations.
• Represent SMU at industry events, conferences, and networking forums to expand institutional visibility and partnerships.
• Uphold high standards of professionalism, ethics, and institutional reputation in all engagements.
• Project, Operations & Collaboration Management:
• Work with internal stakeholders to scope, structure, and coordinate industry projects for SMU-XL.
• Ensure clarity of project objectives, timelines, deliverables, and partner expectations.
• Lead discussions and negotiations with partners on collaboration terms, including project agreements and NDAs.
• Monitor project progress and partner engagement, addressing issues proactively to ensure successful outcomes.
• Governance, Reporting & Performance Tracking:
• Track partnership performance, outcomes, and impact using relevant metrics and data.
• Prepare reports and updates for internal stakeholders on partnership pipeline, progress, financial status, and results.
• Use data and insights to refine partnership strategies, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen collaboration effectiveness over time.
• Financial Administration & Claims Processing:
• Manage and process financial matters related to industry partnerships and SMU-X projects, including claims, reimbursements, and payments.
• Prepare, verify, and submit claims and financial documentation in accordance with university policies and procedures.
• Liaise with internal finance, procurement, and administrative units to ensure timely and accurate processing of payments and claims.
• Track project-related expenditures, maintain proper records, and support basic budget monitoring for partnerships and projects.
• Ensure compliance with institutional financial governance, audit requirements, and documentation standards.
• Team Support:
• Support the existing team in managing the increased volume and diversity of projects.
• Help mitigate operational bottlenecks and ensure timely delivery of projects.
• Foster a proactive and innovative approach to problem-solving within the team.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (Master's degree in business, management, education, or related discipline is preferred) with at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in business development, partnerships, corporate relations, or stakeholder management.
• Experience working with industry partners, preferably in education, innovation, or skills development contexts.
• Familiarity with the digital economy, innovation, or applied learning ecosystems is an advantage.
• Strong strategic thinking and execution capability in partnership development.
• Proven ability to build and sustain senior-level stakeholder relationships.
• Excellent negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal), including proposal writing and presentation.
• High level of organisational and project coordination skills.
• Strong market awareness and ability to translate industry needs into collaboration opportunities.
• Adaptive, proactive, and comfortable working in dynamic, evolving environments.
• High integrity, professionalism, and commitment to institutional values and outcomes.
• Results-oriented, with a focus on delivering measurable impact for both partners and the university.

• Partnership Development & Strategy:
• Develop and execute a partnership development strategy aligned with SMU-X and SMU-XL objectives.
• Identify, engage, and cultivate relationships with industry partners across priority sectors.
• Conduct market and industry scanning to identify emerging trends, needs, and collaboration opportunities.
• Design partnership propositions that align institutional goals with industry needs.
• Industry Engagement & Relationship Management:
• Serve as the primary point of contact for industry partners, ensuring strong, trusted, and professional relationships.
• Build and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders, decision-makers, and project teams in partner organisations.
• Represent SMU at industry events, conferences, and networking forums to expand institutional visibility and partnerships.
• Uphold high standards of professionalism, ethics, and institutional reputation in all engagements.
• Project, Operations & Collaboration Management:
• Work with internal stakeholders to scope, structure, and coordinate industry projects for SMU-XL.
• Ensure clarity of project objectives, timelines, deliverables, and partner expectations.
• Lead discussions and negotiations with partners on collaboration terms, including project agreements and NDAs.
• Monitor project progress and partner engagement, addressing issues proactively to ensure successful outcomes.
• Governance, Reporting & Performance Tracking:
• Track partnership performance, outcomes, and impact using relevant metrics and data.
• Prepare reports and updates for internal stakeholders on partnership pipeline, progress, financial status, and results.
• Use data and insights to refine partnership strategies, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen collaboration effectiveness over time.
• Financial Administration & Claims Processing:
• Manage and process financial matters related to industry partnerships and SMU-X projects, including claims, reimbursements, and payments.
• Prepare, verify, and submit claims and financial documentation in accordance with university policies and procedures.
• Liaise with internal finance, procurement, and administrative units to ensure timely and accurate processing of payments and claims.
• Track project-related expenditures, maintain proper records, and support basic budget monitoring for partnerships and projects.
• Ensure compliance with institutional financial governance, audit requirements, and documentation standards.
• Team Support:
• Support the existing team in managing the increased volume and diversity of projects.
• Help mitigate operational bottlenecks and ensure timely delivery of projects.
• Foster a proactive and innovative approach to problem-solving within the team.
• Other duties as assigned.