Assistant Director, Administration

About the role

The Air Traffic Management Research Institute (ATMRI) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, was set up in 2013 by NTU and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore to conduct research in air traffic management. The Assistant Director, Administration reports to the Director and leads ATMRI's administrative functions, covering governance, finance, human resources, research programme administration, agreements, stakeholder engagement and institutional communications. The role ensures compliance with University and funding-agency requirements and supports the timely delivery of programme and institutional objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation and review of administrative policies, processes and operational plans.
• Oversee budget planning, expenditure monitoring, claims, financial reporting and audit readiness under NTU policies and funding requirements.
• Coordinate recruitment, onboarding, contract renewal, performance appraisals and other HR matters for research and administrative staff.
• Supervise and develop the administrative team, allocate responsibilities and ensure effective service delivery.
• Coordinate Governing Council and Scientific Advisory Panel appointments, meetings, papers, minutes, decisions and follow-up.
• Set up systems to monitor research programme budgets, milestones, KPIs, deliverables, risks and contractual obligations.
• Coordinate programme reviews, claims, audits and submissions to funding agencies and oversight bodies.
• Manage administrative coordination of MOAs, project agreements, variation agreements, MOUs and NDAs with NTU corporate offices and external partners.
• Maintain registers, records and evidence trails for governance, finance, agreements, programme reporting and compliance.
• Liaise with NTU corporate offices, government agencies, funding bodies, academic institutions and industry partners.
• Coordinate institutional communications, events, website content and outreach.
• Advise and support the Director and Institute Management Team on operational, governance and programme matters.

Required profile

• Recognised Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Public Policy, Human Resource Management or a related field; postgraduate qualifications such as an MBA or MPA are advantageous.
• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience preferred.
• Proven experience in administrative management, financial oversight, HR management, research programme management and stakeholder engagement in a research centre or university setting.
• Experience working with senior leadership, managing committees and coordinating large-scale institutional projects.

Required skills

• Financial management, human resource management and corporate communication skills.
• Administrative skills and statistical and data analysis.
• Proficiency in financial management tools and marketing platforms.
• Strong leadership, planning, organisation, problem-solving and public relations skills.