Department Manager, Social Development Policy

Context and Assignment

The Social Development Policy Department (BMO) of the City of Leiden develops policies within the broad social domain. This encompasses interrelated policy areas such as youth, care, welfare, participation, debt counseling, education, sports, and health. The department has approximately 100 employees and is part of the Participation and Social Development cluster.

The department has grown in recent years and is currently undergoing a period of change. The increased complexity of societal challenges requires greater substantive alignment between the various domains. This calls for sharper prioritization, clear choices, and greater coherence in management, as well as clarity regarding roles and responsibilities. The challenge for the coming period lies in creating the conditions necessary to address societal challenges in an integrated manner, without limiting the professional autonomy of employees.

The role

Together with a fellow department manager, you will lead the department. You will divide up the portfolios and share responsibility for the department’s results. You will manage five team coordinators and work closely with the cluster director, to whom you report, the cluster’s management team, and your fellow department manager.

You will be responsible for:

• the substantive and organizational management of the department;
• the development of coherent, feasible, and administratively sound policies;
• focusing on quality, results, and budget;
• supporting and empowering team coordinators in their roles;
• acting as the official commissioning authority for projects and programs;
• ensuring effective collaboration within the department and with partners in the city and region.

This role requires a manager who is comfortable navigating a political and administrative environment. You will provide timely, clear, and well-considered advice to the board and executive management.

Leadership

The department manager is expected to demonstrate visible and visionary leadership. You bring calm and clarity to a dynamic environment by making decisions and clearly articulating expectations. You provide overall direction, address issues with people when necessary, and give them autonomy whenever possible.

Your leadership is characterized by:

• a coaching and facilitating style;
• creating an environment that encourages collaboration and fosters connections between people and policy areas;
• the ability to quickly assess the knowledge and talents of your employees so that you can make effective use of them
• decisiveness as well as facilitating decision-making within the department;
• careful handling of administrative and social sensitivities.

What to bring

You have at least five years of experience as a department manager, extensive experience in the social sector, and a track record of leading professionals. You have worked in a complex organizational environment and are familiar with organizational development and change processes. Thanks to your many years of experience, you bring a large professional network to the table. As a department manager, you are open to feedback and other perspectives.

You will also have access to:

• demonstrable experience in business operations, including managing budgets and results;
• political and administrative sensitivity and the ability to take a stance in such matters;
• the ability to switch between the strategic level and day-to-day operations;
• experience in integrated collaboration and managing integrated social challenges;
• a collaborative attitude.

Municipal experience is not required, but the ability to quickly familiarize yourself with the administrative landscape is.

What we offer

A management position with a social impact in a city with strong ambitions in the social sector. You’ll have the opportunity to work with colleagues to shape policy and guide the department’s future development.

What you can expect from us:

• Salary of up to €8,439 gross per month (pay scale 14) based on a 36-hour workweek, plus a 17.05%Individual Choice Budget   
• A one-year contract for 32–36 hours per week, with the possibility of a permanent position.
• A collaborative work environment with short lines of communication, where you’re not only recognized for your work but also directly contribute to a better living environment for our residents. 
• A hybrid work environment with facilities and a budget to set up your home office. 
• Pension plan through ABP and health insurance subsidy. 
• A work-from-home allowance of €3.25 net per day.
• Reimbursement of your travel expenses or an NS Business Card. 
• Extensive opportunities for professional development through training and education.
• Partially paid parental leave in addition to the statutory provisions. 
• Wellness activities such as chair massages, kickboxing, and lunchtime walks.  

This is where you'll be working

The Social Development Policy Division is part of the Participation and Social Development cluster. The division consists of content-driven professionals who work on closely related policy areas and collaborate closely with partners in the city and region. The culture is engaged and professional, with a clear need at present for direction, coherence, and prioritization.

Typical of Leiden

Leiden is vibrant, sociable, and entrepreneurial. It is the city of knowledge and culture, with a rich history. We are proud of that. Our municipal organization is characterized by a collegial and open work environment, with plenty of room for innovative ideas and a fresh perspective. Our employees take ownership of their work and approach their tasks independently and professionally. Our ambition is to be an agile organization that truly reflects the diverse residents of our city. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, what you believe in, or who you love; we want to be an organization where everyone feels at home!

Interested?

Then we’d love to meet you; we warmly invite you to apply. We’re curious to hear your story, learn about your style, and find out what you can bring to Leiden. Applications—including your resume and cover letter—are welcomethrough March 27, 2026, via the application form on the Colourful People website. The City of Leiden is being assisted in this process by Colourful People. If you have any questions, please contact Hatice Türkmen, senior partner at Colourful People, at 06 46 08 12 32. The preliminary interviews will take place (online) onApril 1 and 2, 2026; the final interviews are scheduled forApril 14, 15, and 22, 2026.