Chief of Staff / Team Leader

The position

As the municipality of Zaanstad grows, so does the need for a strong connection between the administration, the municipality, businesses, and organizations. As Chief of Staff, you will play a strategic role in this regard, with your work focused on connecting the Municipal Executive (Mayor and Aldermen) with local and external partners and organizations. You will also advise on the Municipal Executive’s external profile. Another part of your work involves responsibility for organizing various administrative activities and events (such as meetings, commemorations, the New Year’s reception, and the annual awards ceremony).

Connective Leadership

As part of a planned reorganization, and following a positive recommendation from the Works Council, you will join the Communications Department as Chief of Staff. In addition to the mayor’s office team, you will also oversee the administrative secretariat and the mayor’s driver in your capacity as a manager. The team consists of 14 colleagues.

Here are some of your responsibilities:

• You are the official representative responsible for representing the mayor and the municipal executive at events and on various occasions.
• You will lead the team and ensure continuity.
• You will collaborate with colleagues from other policy areas (e.g., Strategy, Public Relations, Communications) within the organization, as well as with various external partners and stakeholders.
• In consultation with colleagues from other departments, you will develop a multi-year/annual program for administrative events and activities (the Long-Term Calendar).
• You will represent the municipality of Zaanstad to external partners and various stakeholders, such as the national government or collaborative organizations like the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area.
• You are familiar with the organization’s/board’s medium- and long-term goals regarding the public image and positioning of the mayor and the entire municipal executive.

Your profile

As Chief of Staff, you understand public officials and can provide them with strategic advice on external communications. You also possess leadership skills and can manage a team in a fast-paced environment. You are adept at navigating a dynamic and extensive network, with the goal of ensuring that the mayor and the municipal executive feel well-supported and represented at administrative events. Finally, you are adept at handling socially and politically sensitive issues. Knowledge of the municipality of Zaanstad is a plus.

Don't forget to bring this along too:

• College or university level of work and thinking (e.g., a background in public administration, political science, or a related field).
• Extensive experience within or with public administration.

The selection

A great job with a reputable and ambitious employer. A role where you’ll help shape the future of Zaanstad. You’ll be working alongside enthusiastic and dedicated colleagues. Together, we make a difference!

What else can you expect?

• A gross monthly salary between €5,008 and €6,777 (pay scale 12 based on a 36-hour workweek). The starting salary will depend on your knowledge and experience. A starting pay scale is also an option.
• A 36-hour-a-week job.
• 194.4 vacation hours based on a 36-hour workweek.
• A flexible spending account (FSA) worth as much as 17.05% of your salary. You can use this for extra vacation days, training courses, a bicycle, or additional pay.
• Hybrid work: both at our unique city hall, located right next to the Zaandam train station, and from home. Work hours and days can be arranged flexibly.
• You can get a portion of your travel expenses reimbursed through a tax credit. If you travel by public transportation, you’ll also receive a net payment.
• A work-from-home allowance of €3 net per day.
• Other benefits include a pension through ABP, a group discount on health insurance, and partially paid parental leave.

Would you like to learn more about our employment terms and conditions? Click here: https://werkenbij.zaanstad.nl/over-zaanstad/arbeidsvoorwaarden.

The organization

Zaanstad is one of the 20 largest municipalities in the Netherlands. By 2040, our municipality will have grown into a city with over 200,000 residents. We want to make Zaanstad more beautiful and stronger. By working toward a prosperous, safe, and sustainable city where Zaanstad residents can live, work, and enjoy their leisure time in a pleasant and healthy environment. We work toward this goal every day with 1,800 colleagues. We strive to be a vibrant and inclusive organization—a place where you can be yourself and feel at home and valued, with the freedom to develop your unique talents and put them to work for the city.

The procedure

Are you interested in working as a chief of staff? If so, please submit your application by Sunday, April 7. For more information about the job description, please contact Martijn Jonker, Head of Communications, at 06-29262276. For questions about the application process, please contact Obadja Arends, Corporate Recruiter, at 06-31042369 or.

The schedule for the proceedings is as follows:

• First round of interviews: Tuesday afternoon, April 9, or Wednesday afternoon, April 10
• Second round of talks: Tuesday afternoon, April 16
• Meet the alderman and mayor: Thursday afternoon, April 25

It would be great if you could keep these dates in mind!