To provide strategic oversight and policy leadership for Singapore's Islamic higher education sector, ensuring effective governance and coordination across institutions while driving campus planning and development initiatives. The role involves leading the Higher Education and Policy (HEP) unit, supervising managers, and coordinating high-level ministerial meetings and governance bodies to advance the strategic communications and development of the Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS).
Head / Assistant Director, Higher Education Policy
Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura
Fixed Terms
Closing on 11 Oct 2025
What the role is
What you will be working on
Strategic Leadership and Governance
Lead the HEP unit and supervise 2 managers to ensure coordinated policy implementation
Coordinate/staff ministerial meetings and governance bodies, providing strategic oversight for college-related initiatives
Develop and manage comprehensive strategic frameworks and long-term planning solutions to guide the direction for SCIS
Develop performance frameworks monitoring SCIS institutional effectiveness and sector development
Inter-Agency Relations and Communications
Manage inter-agency relationships and government relations, representing the unit at sector-level events
Oversee strategic communications and lead communications strategy relating to Islamic higher education landscape
Lead stakeholder engagement initiatives related to the College
Campus Planning and Development
Lead campus planning and development strategy, particularly managing the important partnership with SUSS for campus development and shared facilities
Oversee strategic infrastructure coordination and development initiatives
Develop and implement comprehensive campus planning frameworks that align with sector needs
Higher Education Strategic Planning & Performance Management
Develop and manage comprehensive strategic frameworks and long-term planning solutions to guide the direction for SCIS and the Islamic IHL sector and may include the analysis of socio-political and economic trends to support senior management decision-making and Muis/SCIS objectives
Develop performance frameworks monitoring SCIS institutional effectiveness and sector development. Track strategic indicators supporting ministerial oversight and decision-making
Connect SCIS policies with broader government education initiatives and ministerial priorities. Identify inter-dependencies between Islamic education sector and national educational frameworks
Financial Oversight and Grant Management
Oversee financial governance and execute strategic budget planning for SCIS development and operations
Analyze long-term funding requirements ensuring fiscal sustainability for institutional growth
Develop and propose a new grant scheme for the SCIS and set the required deliverables
Educational Technology and Systems Oversight
Oversee the strategic planning and implementation of educational technology infrastructure across colleges under the unit’s purview
Ensure alignment of institutional technology systems with higher education policy objectives and regulatory requirements
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of educational technology deployment and digital transformation initiatives across institutions
Coordinate technology standards and compliance requirements between colleges and relevant government agencies
What we are looking for
Tertiary education in Public Policy, Higher Education Administration, Strategic Management, or related field. Advanced qualifications in policy development or higher education management (preferred)
At least 8-10 years in higher education administration, policy development, or government relations
Proven track record in leadership roles with strategic oversight responsibilities
Experience in managing complex inter-agency relationships and ministerial-level coordination
Demonstrated experience in campus planning or infrastructure development
Strong strategic planning and policy leadership capabilities
Excellent stakeholder management and inter-agency coordination abilities
Superior communication and presentation skills for high-level government and institutional engagement
Deep understanding of higher education governance frameworks
Project management expertise in complex, multi-stakeholder environments
Visionary leadership with ability to drive long-term strategic initiatives
Strong analytical and decision-making capabilities
Experience in Islamic education or cultural sensitivity to Islamic institutional contexts
Excellent negotiation and diplomatic skills for managing diverse stakeholder interests
Successful candidate will be appointed on contract basis.
In general, applicants can expect to hear from us within 4 weeks of the close of the application window. In the event where we receive a high number of applications, applicants will receive an update on their status within 6 weeks of the close of the application window. If you are facing issues submitting your application, please contact us at careers@muis.gov.sg for assistance.
About Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura
The Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (Muis), also known as the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore, was established as a statutory body in 1968 when the Administration of Muslim Law Act (AMLA) came into effect. Under AMLA, Muis is to advise the President of Singapore on all matters relating to Islam in Singapore.
Muis is a statutory board under the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY). It seeks to develop a Muslim community with strong Islamic credentials that thrives in the contemporary world, and is an active partner in nation-building. At Muis, we strive to fulfil the values of compassion and inclusiveness. We design and deliver programmes which are targeted to create a community that is a blessing and inspirational to all.
About your application process
This job is closing on 11 Oct 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 Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura or the wider Public Service.