Senior Assistant Director/Deputy Director, Legal

Nanyang Technological University (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. We are a high-performing team committed to providing strategic legal counsel, fostering strong partnerships and driving legal and compliance efficiency across the University.

We are seeking a Senior Assistant Director/Deputy Director, Legal who is a proactive doer, a person who takes initiative, gets things done and thrives in a dynamic environment. This role requires a hands-on, solution-oriented lawyer who is eager to drive impactful change and be at the forefront of legal and compliance strategy within one of Asia's top universities.

1. Provide Strategic Legal Advice

• Advise and support the University's strategic initiatives and projects, serving as a trusted counsel to leadership.
• Advise on and, at appropriate times, independently manage litigation, employment disputes (in partnership with HR) and other contentious matters.
• Investigate queries and complaints relating to breaches or non-compliance with laws or University policies.
• Lead and drive strategic initiatives that enhance NTU's legal and compliance architecture.
• Provide legal advice and recommendations on a broad range of legal and compliance matters, including partnerships, research collaborations, procurement and IT contracts, retail leases, MOUs and LOIs etc.

2. Refine and Optimise Process

• Continuously enhance and streamline legal and compliance processes to drive excellence, identifying bottlenecks and implementing improvements aligned with NTU's strategic objectives.
• Enable and, where appropriate, lead the inception and review of legal and compliance policies, processes and systems.
• Implement and administer ethics and compliance programmes, including data governance and privacy training and awareness activities.

3. Enable Partnerships

• Foster productive relationships across the University to enhance legal and compliance strategies and outcomes.
• Proactively engage and partner with Schools and Departments to strengthen legal and compliance frameworks across NTU.

4. Advocacy and Change Management

• Act as a change agent, influencing policies and practices to align with NTU's broader strategic goals.
• Champion legal and compliance excellence across the organisation, driving a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.