Associate Director - Strategic Communications & Alumni Engagement

About Temasek Foundation and Role Overview

Temasek Foundation champions a wide range of initiatives designed to connect individuals, elevate communities, preserve our planet, and advance capabilities both within Singapore and beyond. Powered by philanthropic endowments from Temasek, its programmes aim to generate enduring positive impacts for present and future generations.

The Associate Director of Strategic Communications & Alumni Engagement will spearhead efforts to enhance public awareness and understanding of the key issues championed by the Foundation. The ideal candidate will possess a wealth of experience in communications and public engagement, combined with keen journalistic instincts, sharp news judgement, and a nuanced grasp of how narratives and public discourse influence public trust and perception.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and drive the Foundation's strategic communication strategy across priority programs and causes.
• Spot emerging trends and stories that can stimulate meaningful public engagement.
• Collaborate with program teams to uncover and amplify compelling stories and insights that resonate with broad audiences.
• Articulate complex topics into clear, credible, and approachable messaging.
• Provide senior leadership with guidance on communication opportunities, public positioning, and reputation risks.
• Ensure timely, thoughtful, and evidence-based communication aligned with the Foundation’s mission.
• Design and lead public engagement campaigns that encourage informed conversations about core causes supported by the Foundation.
• Create platforms that bring together diverse perspectives around critical societal issues.
• Develop and nurture relationships with media professionals, thought leaders, community groups, and strategic alliances.
• Continuously monitor the external landscape to identify new opportunities and partnerships enhancing the Foundation’s societal engagement.
• Coordinate cross-team efforts for holistic and integrated engagement initiatives aligned with organizational goals.
• Devise and implement the Foundation’s alumni engagement strategy to cultivate sustained and meaningful connections with former participants.
• Build and nurture a vibrant and mission-aligned alumni community with ongoing engagement opportunities.
• Identify and capitalize on opportunities to deepen alumni involvement and affinity over time.
• Lead multi-team projects involving internal and external collaborators to optimize strategic communications, public engagement, and alumni relations outcomes.
• Ensure alignment and coordination across teams on communications and engagement priorities.
• Manage external agencies and service providers to deliver high-quality outputs.
• Set up evaluation frameworks to measure effectiveness of communications, engagement, and alumni initiatives.
• Analyze results to inform strategic recommendations for senior management.
• Oversee budgets and efficiently allocate resources to meet organizational objectives.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, English, Political Science, Public Policy, Media Studies, or related fields.
• Between 8 to 10 years of professional experience in journalism, current affairs, editorial leadership, strategic communications, or public affairs.
• Strong natural journalistic instincts and capacity for discerning newsworthy public interest issues and compelling storylines.
• Proven ability to simplify and present complex issues in clear, engaging, and credible language suitable for diverse audiences.
• Outstanding proficiency in writing, editing, verbal presentations, and command of English.
• Deep understanding of Singapore's media ecosystem, public discourse dynamics, and elements influencing public trust and institutional credibility.
• Experience in planning and leading communications or public engagement projects involving multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent skills in stakeholder relationship management across public, private, and civil sectors.
• Past involvement in overseeing agency collaborations and external creative partners.
• Strong strategic thinking capabilities, sound judgement, and ability to handle sensitive and complex issues tactfully.
• Capability to work autonomously and facilitate cross-functional teamwork.
• Intellectual curiosity with a keen awareness of current events, emerging trends, and shifts in public opinion.
• Passion for connecting people and ideas to create impactful public outcomes.