Job Description

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU) seeks a Deputy Director or Director, Legal and Secretarial Office, to join its team.
NTU is a leading institution of higher learning and an Institution of Public Character (IPC), globally recognised for its academic and research excellence. NTU is dedicated to nurturing tomorrow's leaders and shaping the future through education, research and innovation.
The Legal and Secretarial Office (LSO) plays a pivotal role in enabling NTU's mission and vision.
The Deputy Director, or Director (based on the successful candidate's qualifications and fit) will serve as a strategic legal advisor, driving excellence in legal and compliance frameworks while fostering innovation, partnerships and optimization.
This role requires a seasoned legal professional with exceptional leadership, problem-solving and stakeholder engagement skills to advance NTU's strategic objectives. The successful candidate will be a proactive doer - one who takes initiative, gets things done and thrives in a diverse environment.
This is a rare opportunity to be at the forefront of legal and compliance strategy within one of Asia's top universities.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Legal Leadership

• advise on and negotiate strategic transactions and policies

• provide sound legal advice and recommendations on key contracts, regulatory compliance and governance

• lead high-impact initiatives to enhance NTU's legal architecture, ensuring alignment with the University's goals

2. Process Optimization & Innovation

• analyze legal processes to eliminate bottlenecks, improve efficiency and mitigate risks

• drive transformation in legal systems and workflows through best practices and technology

3. Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships

• build trusted relationships and foster collaborative solutions

• act as a liaison to strengthen legal and compliance frameworks across NTU

4. Team Development

• a high-performing legal team in partnership with LSO leadership
• promote a culture of excellence, innovation and continuous learning

Experience & Qualifications

• 20+ years of PQE (Post-Qualification Experience) gained in a corporate legal department and law firm setting

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent from a recognized university; advanced degrees a plus

• ideally holds a current leadership role with direct reports

• proven track record in strategic legal advisory, contract negotiation and compliance leadership

Competencies

• Strategic Thinker - ability to translate complex legal issues into actionable, pragmatic solutions

• Leadership & Influence - demonstrated success engaging executives and driving cross-functional alignment

• Autonomy & Initiative - self-starter who delivers results

• Project Management - expertise in overseeing high-stakes initiatives with measurable impact

• Communication - exceptional written and verbal skills; adept at simplifying complexity for diverse audiences

• Collaboration - strong team player with a growth mindset and commitment to shared goals

• Language - fluency in English; proficiency in Chinese preferred but not mandatory

Personal Attributes

• Change Agent - proactive mindset to implement improvements

• Resilience - navigates ambiguity with composure and sound judgment

• Integrity - upholds the highest ethical standards in legal and compliance matters

We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.
Hiring Institution: NTU