Deputy Director (SOS Academy)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership & Direction

Develop, articulate, and drive the academy’s long-term vision, mission, and strategic direction, ensuring alignment with SOS’s organisational priorities and evolving sector needs

Identify emerging trends, gaps, and opportunities in the social service and mental health landscape to inform programme innovation, growth, and partnerships

Lead change and innovation initiatives to strengthen SOSA’s overall effectiveness, including training delivery, programme offerings, and organisational capabilities

2. Training & Programme Oversight

Ensure high standards of training delivery, learning experience, and learner outcomes across all programmes

Lead the development, review, and continuous enhancement of training programmes, delivery approaches, and curricula to ensure relevance and effectiveness

Establish, monitor, and refine key performance indicators to assess learning effectiveness, organisational impact, and sustainability, and drive continuous improvement

3. Business Development & Partnerships

Develop and drive strategies to SOSA’s training reach, partnerships, and revenue streams in alignment with organisational priorities.

Drive learner enrolment and retention through targeted strategies, ensuring programmes remain relevant, accessible, and responsive to sector needs

Build and sustain strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, social service agencies, corporates, and community partners (e.g. SSG, AIC, NCSS, ministries, donors)

4. People Development

Lead, develop, and retain a high-performing team aligned with SOSA’s mission and strategic priorities

Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performance culture that supports collaboration, learning, and staff well-being

Develop and strengthen staff capabilities in training delivery, program design, and sector engagement

5. Operations & Governance

Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory, legal, and sector requirements, including SSG and AIC standards, and maintain audit readiness

Establish and oversee governance frameworks, policies, and processes to ensure effective and accountable operations

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

Educational Qualification:

Bachelor’s degree in business management, Education, Social Sciences, or related field.

Completion of recognised leadership development programmes (e.g. Advanced Certificate in Learning and Performance (ACLP),Deputy Director Leadership Programme (DDLP), or equivalent)

Relevant Experience:

At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in training, education, organisational development, or a related field

Experience in the social service or mental health sector

Experience working within or with funded training environments (e.g. SSG, AIC frameworks)

Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, programme or service delivery, financial oversight, and team leadership

Experience working with senior stakeholders, including governing boards, committees, and external partners

Proven track record in driving organisational or programme growth, performance outcomes, and operational effectiveness

Key attributes/Competencies:

Strong strategic thinking and vision, with the ability to translate organisational priorities into clear directions, plans, and outcomes

Proven leadership and people management capabilities, with the ability to build, develop, and sustain high-performing teams

Sound financial and business acumen, with the ability to drive sustainability and make informed resource decisions

Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage complexity, risks, and competing priorities effectively

Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage, influence, and represent SOSA with diverse stakeholders

Working Conditions:

Office environment

The role is based on regular office hours, Monday to Friday, with a standard 5-day work week.

HOW TO APPLY

Please indicate your current and expected salary. Interested persons are invited to send their resume:

By email:

HRD@sos.org.sg

By mail:

Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) Human Resource Department Block 10 Cantonment Close #01-01 Singapore 080010

Salary will commensurate with qualifications and working experience. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.