National Arts Council

Assistant Director, Incentive Policy

Fixed Terms

Closing on 26 May 2026

What the role is

What the role is:

You will lead the governance, compliance, and operational excellence functions within NAC's Incentive Policy team. This role is critical in ensuring that NAC's funding initiatives, spanning grants, partnerships, and commissions, are administered with robust internal controls, efficient processes, and strong risk management. You will oversee the implementation of governance frameworks, drive process optimization through technology and automation, and build organisational capability in grants management. Reporting to the Head, Incentive Policy, you will supervise Manager/Senior Manager-level staff and coordinate cross-functional efforts to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of NAC's funding portfolio.

What you will be working on

What you will be working on:

1. Drive and manage comprehensive governance frameworks for NAC's funding initiatives, including external audits, grant sampling, and coordination with external stakeholders on grant governance matters. Have oversight on developing and maintaining SOPs, internal controls, and risk management systems to ensure accountability and compliance across all grants, partnerships, and commissions.

2. Lead process optimization and digital transformation initiatives across grant administration workflows. Have oversight on the process workflow on grants administration portal, oversee the implementation of automation solutions (e.g. RPA, AI-Bot), and drive initiatives to streamline grant processing, reduce turnaround time, and enhance operational efficiency through technology and innovation.

3. Provide operational oversight and coordination for grant schemes, including project grants secretariat functions. Monitor grants budget utilisation, ensure consistency in grant administration processes and templates, and facilitate cross-functional coordination with Arts Ecosystem Group, Finance, and Legal teams.

4. Build organisational capability through knowledge management and capability building initiatives. Oversee the organisation of grant clinics and training sessions, and provide advisory support on governance, compliance, and audit matters. Oversee the management of external and internal query channels.

5. Lead and develop a high-performing team by supervising and mentoring Manager/Senior Manager-level staff, translating organisation strategies into actionable workplans, allocating workload strategically, and fostering a collaborative, accountable, and growth-oriented team culture. Coordinate cross-functional collaboration and ensure sustainable delivery of both BAU operations and strategic initiatives.

What we are looking for

What we are looking for:

1. At least 7 years of working experience in grants management, governance, compliance, audit, or related functions.

2. At least 2 years of supervisory experience managing teams, preferably in policy, grant administration, or governance environments.

3. Proven track record in implementing governance frameworks, internal controls, and risk management systems.

4. Experience coordinating audits (internal, external, or AGO) and managing audit responses.

5. Experience in process improvement, workflow redesign, or digital transformation initiatives preferred.

6. Familiarity with grant management systems, automation tools, and data analytics platforms.

7. Track record of working with multiple internal and external stakeholders, including demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills such as empathy, persuasion, and negotiation.

8. Strong analytical skills and judgement.

9. Meticulous and organised, with a process-oriented working style.

Functional competencies required by this role:

Governance & Risk Management
Controls Assessment
Systems Thinking
Internal Stakeholder Alignment
Data-driven Policy Analysis
Deep Critical Thinking
Design for Implementation and Communication

About your application process

This job is closing on 26 May 2026.

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.

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.

Learn more about National Arts Council