Executive Director

About the role

The Heritage Business Foundation (HBF) is a non-profit organisation that supports, promotes, and sustains Singapore's heritage establishments. We work closely with traditional businesses, community partners, and public agencies to ensure that the stories, crafts, and enterprises of earlier generations continue to thrive in a modern economy. We are seeking a dynamic and hands-on Executive Director to lead the Foundation's next phase of growth. This is a senior leadership role responsible for translating the Board's strategic direction into operational execution, while representing the organisation externally with key stakeholders across government, industry, and the community. You will be responsible for ensuring strong governance, effective programme delivery, and sustainable organisational development. You will be heading a small executive team, and will report to a motivated and experienced Board, while serving as the primary bridge between the two. You will lead by example in fostering a collaborative and nurturing environment for your team.

Responsibilities

• Strategic & Organisational Leadership
• Implement the Foundation's strategic priorities as set by the Board
• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring alignment between mission, programmes, and resources
• Build and lead a high-performing, mission-driven team
• Governance & Regulatory Interface
• Serve as the Foundation's primary liaison with government agencies on regulatory and governance matters (e.g. audits, reporting, compliance)
• Ensure compliance with all statutory and charity governance requirements
• Support the Board in maintaining strong governance practices, risk management policies, and organisational transparency
• Fundraising & Resource Development
• Lead and execute fundraising strategy, including donor cultivation, grant applications, and sponsorship development
• Develop sustainable revenue streams to support long-term programme delivery
• Represent the Foundation at fundraising events and donor engagements
• Partnerships & External Relations
• Strengthen the Foundation's ecosystem of heritage businesses, supporters, and institutional partners
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with public agencies, educational institutions, and community stakeholders (e.g. collaborations with MOE and other partners)
• Serve as the public face of the Foundation in engagements, forums, and collaborations
• Ideal Candidate Profile
• Proven leadership experience in the non-profit, public, or private sector, preferably in roles involving stakeholder management and regulatory engagement
• Demonstrated track record in fundraising, partnerships, and/or business development
• Strong understanding of governance, regulations, and risk management
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently the Board, government, businesses, partners, community, and others
• Confident in identifying and cultivating opportunities with prospective partners, donors, and other supporters of the heritage sector
• Expertise in the heritage ecosystem, and familiarity with stakeholders in the sector
• Professes a genuine passion for Singapore's heritage, culture, and art
• Self-motivated, resourceful, and comfortable leading a lean nonprofit organisation
• Aptitude in languages and dialects commonly used in Singapore is a plus
• Deep networks in the arts, culture, heritage, philanthropy sectors are a plus
• Why Join Us
• This is a rare opportunity to lead a mission-driven organisation at the intersection of heritage, community, and economic sustainability. The Executive Director will play a defining role in shaping how Singapore preserves and supports its living heritage businesses for future generations.
• Application Details
• Applicants may expect the process to include the following stages, subject to minor changes:
• Applications
• Interviews
• Reference checks
• Final interviews
• Applicants who may not fit the profile entirely, but who have a clear vision for this role are also encouraged to apply. However, applicants must have the legal right to work in Singapore, as visa sponsorship is not available.
• Applications may be sent to hiring@thehbf.org by 14 July 2026.

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