The Centre Program Manager is a pivotal role responsible for the overall management and operations of the ASEAN Applied Research Centre. This position requires a strategic thinker with good leadership, relationship-building, stakeholder management and project management skills. The successful candidate will cultivate partnerships and organize impactful events and programs to position AARC as a leading centre of excellence in the region.
Key Responsibilities
- Business Development: Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, including Corporate Sponsors, Business Partners, government agencies, and academic institutions across the ASEAN region.
- Event and Program Management: Plan, organize, and execute a diverse range of events, workshops, and conferences to promote knowledge sharing and collaboration. Curate and shepherd the progress of each work streams in AARC.
- Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including corporate sponsors, board members, business partners, technical advisors and government officials.
- Financial & Resources Management: Manage the Centre’s budget, ensuring efficient resource allocation and financial sustainability. Work with corporate sponsors, and YCH Group (as ‘host’ organisation) to ensure AACR’s needs and resource requirements are communicated and met.
- Communication and Reporting: Effectively communicate the Centre’s achievements and impact to internal and external audiences through reports, presentations, and publications.
Qualifications and Experience
- Minimum 5 years of experience in a leadership role, preferably in innovation-focused environment such as start-up incubators or accelerators.
- Work experience as Community Manager or similar role will be preferred. Specifically in managing the cross-section of tech start-teams, investors, corporate sponsors & partners.
- Advanced degree in business, management, or a related field.
- Good understanding of the ASEAN business landscape and its challenges or the willingness to learn about ASEAN.
- Proven track record in building and managing partnerships. In particular in brining technological innovation business environment.
- Excellent project management and organizational skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate teams.
- Proficiency in English, with additional ASEAN language skills preferred.
Personal Attributes
- Passion for research and innovation
- Strong entrepreneurial spirit
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
- A collaborative and team-oriented approach
