
Assistant Director, Legal
National Heritage Board
Closing on 25 Jul 2025
What the role is
What you will be working on
Reporting to the Senior Legal Counsel, your day-to-day work will encompass the following:
Legal Advisory & Compliance
Provide strategic legal advice to NHB's divisions, senior management and Board of Directors on various matters pertaining to museum work
Review and draft legal agreements, including contracts, memorandums of understanding, sale and purchase of artworks/artefacts, auction house terms and conditions, collaboration and performance agreements, commissioning agreements, tenancy and licence agreements, insurance, sponsorship and service level agreements with local and international cultural institutions
Ensure compliance with relevant Singapore legislation, in particular the National Heritage Board Act, the Preservation of Monuments Act and other applicable laws governing heritage and cultural matters, working closely with AGC and other external legal counsel on complex matters requiring specialist expertise
Evaluate and manage legal risks and develop mitigation strategies for NHB's operations, exhibitions, business development efforts and programmes
Represent NHB in handling legal claims and disputes
Heritage & Cultural Property
Advise on legal matters pertaining to acquisitions and deaccession of artworks and artefacts
Handle legal aspects of international art loans, travelling exhibitions and memorandums of understanding with international museums and cultural institutions
Assist Senior Legal Counsel in the development of sector-related legislation such as terrestrial and maritime archaeology, and the formulation of sector-related policies
Examine requests for repatriation and restitution of cultural objects
Corporate Governance
Develop and maintain internal policies and templates
Provide internal training and guidance to staff on legal compliance and risk management
What we are looking for
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) legal qualification, called to the Singapore Bar
At least 5 years PQE (post-qualification experience), with exposure to public sector legal work preferred
[Application of Law] A strong foundation in contract, intellectual property and real estate law, understanding and application of fundamental legal principles, laws, legislation and government regulation is essential to this role
[Legal Review & Drafting] Proven experience in drafting, reviewing, negotiating and maintaining a wide variety of legal agreements, as well as adaptability to rework existing templates to suit novel situations
[Contract Advisory & Management] Proven experience in providing clear and practical legal advice to business units on contractual interpretation, legal risk and mitigation strategies, and regulatory compliance. Experience in maintaining an organized contract management system including the creation and regular updating of templates.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
Strong communication and interpersonal abilities
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
A keen interest in the visual arts, museum and cultural heritage sector, or experience in an arts-related organization or museum/auction house
All applicants will be notified on whether they are shortlisted or not within 4 weeks of the closing date of this job posting.
About National Heritage Board