logo
National Arts Council

Assistant/Deputy Director (Manpower Development-Workforce)

National Arts Council

Fixed Terms

Closing on 30 Dec 2025

What the role is

What the role is:

The Education & Manpower Development (E&MD) team oversees policies and programmes which aim to build a skilled arts workforce that will shape Singapore’s cultural development.

To support the professional development of the arts sector, our key strategic directions include manpower planning and development through research on the arts workforce, PET/CET skills development, manpower policies as well as strong HR practices in arts organisations.

You will contribute towards the formulation of strategies and polities, and/or implementation of programmes for arts manpower planning and development. This will require you to build strong partnerships with arts institutions and relevant government agencies that are involved in the training and development of the arts sector.

What you will be working on

What you will be working on:

  • Research and analysis (e.g. for manpower planning).
  • Identify issues, gaps/needs, develop and review policies and oversee the management of manpower schemes and programmes (e.g. foreign manpower schemes, tripartite standards).
  • Collaborate with industry stakeholders (education institutions and arts organisations) and government agencies to develop strategies and initiatives, including developing skills/ competency frameworks, and implement capability development programmes (e.g. apprenticeship programmes, endorsement of SkillsFuture programmes) to builds skilled arts workforce and self-sustaining arts organisations.
  • Supervise, guide and mentor the team to development their capabilities and career in NAC.

What we are looking for

What we are looking for:

  • At least 8 years (11 years for Deputy Director position), preferably in policy or strategic planning
  • At least 2 years (5 years for Deputy Director position) in supervisory position
  • Good understanding of the professional development (CET) needs of the arts sector.
  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
  • Good communication, relationship management, project management and writing skills.
  • Proactive, resourceful, independent, self-motivated and a team player.
  • Ability to supervise, guide and mentor the team to develop their capabilities and career in NAC. 
  • Passionate about the arts and culture, and good knowledge of the arts landscape in Singapore.
  • Deep understanding of at least one of the following sectors (literary arts, visual arts, performing arts) will be an advantage.

Functional Competencies required by this role

  • Sector/ Industry Development
  • Sectoral Workforce Planning
  • Sectoral Workforce Capability Development
  • Policy Design & Implementation
  • Sectoral Workforce Planning

About National Arts Council

The National Arts Council champions the arts in Singapore. By nurturing creative excellence and supporting broad audience engagement, our diverse and distinctive arts inspire our people, connect communities and profile Singapore internationally. We preserve our rich, cultural traditions as we cultivate accomplished artists and vibrant companies for the future. As a statutory board in the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, our support for the arts is comprehensive – from grants and partnerships to industry facilitation and arts housing. The Council welcomes greater private and corporate giving to and through the arts so that together we can make the arts an integral part of everyone’s lives. At NAC, we have a team of creative and dynamic staff who share this common vision. If you have a strong passion for the arts, we welcome you to join us for a challenging and fulfilling career.

About your application process

This job is closing on 30 Dec 2025.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the job ad closing date, we seek your understanding that it is likely that we are not moving forward with your application for this role. We thank you for your interest and would like to assure you that this does not affect your other job applications with the Public Service. We encourage you to explore and apply for other roles within National Arts Council or the wider Public Service.