Assistant Manager, Strategic Projects

ABOUTTHE ROLE

The Assistant Manager, Strategic Projects plays a key role in supporting the management and delivery of DASL’s industry initiatives, stakeholder engagements and Secretariat functions.

This is a highly cross-functional role suited for someone who is resourceful, analytical and able to exercise sound judgement. The successful candidate should be able to quickly understand issues, connect the dots, identify what needs to be done and follow through without requiring constant direction.

Working closely with the Assistant Director, the incumbent will support and coordinate key projects and engagements across DASL and serve as a reliable point of coordination when required. The individual must therefore be comfortable dealing with senior stakeholders, government agencies, Council and Committee members, industry partners, members and colleagues at different levels.

This is not a purely administrative or project coordination role. We are looking for someone who can think, engage, anticipate and execute.

KEYRESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic & Industry Projects

• Support the planning, development and implementation of DASL's industry projects and strategic initiatives.
• Take ownership of assigned projects from planning through implementation, monitoring and completion.
• Understand project objectives and translate broad directions into clear action plans, timelines and deliverables.
• Analyse issues, identify gaps and risks, and recommend practical solutions.
• Coordinate across internal and external stakeholders to ensure projects progress according to agreed timelines.
• Track outstanding matters closely and proactively follow up to ensure timely closure.
• Prepare project updates, management reports, presentations and recommendations.
• Support ad-hoc projects and emerging industry initiatives as required.

2. Management Support & Coordination

• Work closely with the Assistant Director to maintain oversight of key projects, priorities, stakeholder matters and outstanding actions.
• Anticipate follow-up actions arising from meetings, discussions and correspondence and ensure that matters are followed through.
• Serve as a reliable point of coordination for ongoing matters.
• Assess incoming issues and determine what requires immediate attention, what can be handled independently and what should be escalated.
• Follow through with team members and external parties on agreed actions and deadlines.
• Maintain sufficient understanding of key projects to provide accurate status updates and facilitate continuity of work.
• Support the Assistant Director in coordinating priorities across the Secretariat where required.

3. Stakeholder Management &Engagement

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with government agencies, Members, Council and Committee members, consultants, vendors, industry partners and other stakeholders.
• Represent DASL professionally in meetings, discussions and engagements when required.
• Understand stakeholder interests and sensitivities and adapt communication approaches accordingly.
• Coordinate meetings and discussions, ensuring that objectives, positions and desired outcomes are clear beforehand.
• Follow up promptly on stakeholder requests and commitments.
• Manage challenging conversations tactfully while protecting DASL's interests and maintaining positive relationships.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration, partnerships and industry engagement.

4. Secretariat & Committee Support

• Support Council and Committee meetings, including preparation of papers, presentations, updates and follow-up actions.
• Distil complex or lengthy information into concise and decision-oriented updates.
• Differentiate between operational matters that can be managed by the Secretariat and matters requiring Committee or Council direction or approval.
• Present issues with a clear assessment and recommendation rather than merely escalating problems.
• Track decisions and ensure agreed actions are implemented promptly.
• Support the Secretariat in maintaining good governance and proper documentation.

5. Research, Analysis & Problem Solving

• Conduct research and analyse industry developments, policies, operational issues and stakeholder feedback.
• Review information critically and identify key issues, implications and possible courses of action.
• Consolidate information from multiple sources and present findings in a clear and structured manner.
• Develop practical recommendations taking into consideration operational realities, stakeholder interests, cost, timeline and organisational priorities.
• Demonstrate good judgement in handling situations where information may be incomplete or circumstances are evolving.

6. Communication & Follow-Up

• Draft clear and professional emails, correspondence, meeting notes, reports, presentations and briefing materials.
• Communicate succinctly, with a clear purpose, position and required action.
• Ensure requests and follow-ups with stakeholders are timely, tactful and appropriately prioritised.
• Maintain an effective system for tracking actions, deadlines and commitments.
• Proactively close the loop on outstanding matters.
• Exercise discretion in determining the appropriate level of information to communicate to different stakeholders.

7. Team & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work across different functions within the Secretariat and support colleagues in progressing shared priorities.
• Help coordinate workstreams where multiple team members or external parties are involved.
• Provide guidance and support to junior team members when required.
• Identify potential bottlenecks and intervene early to keep projects moving.
• Contribute to improving internal processes, workflows and ways of working.

REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree or Diploma in Business Administration, Project Management, Communications, Public Policy, Management or a related discipline.
• At least 4–6 years of relevant working experience in project management, stakeholder engagement, industry development, association management, corporate affairs or a related role.
• Experience working with government agencies, trade associations, industry bodies or multiple external stakeholders would be advantageous.
• Experience supporting senior management and managing multiple concurrent projects would be highly regarded.

Key Attributes

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence
• Sound analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Clear and structured thought process
• Strong stakeholder management skills
• Initiative and ownership
• Resourcefulness and practical judgement
• Excellent follow-up and responsiveness
• Ability to prioritise and manage multiple workstreams
• Confidence without being overbearing
• Tact and diplomacy
• Curiosity and willingness to learn about the dormitory industry
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and evolving environment
• High level of integrity, discretion and professionalism