Director of Care Development and Research

Our environment is changing, and HVO-Querido is changing with it. For our management and board, this means looking to the future with an open mind and considering what is needed to ensure HVO-Querido remains future-proof. This also applies to the Care Development and Research department—and perhaps even more so, given this department’s primary mission. Within Care Development and Research, seven teams work together to shape innovation and development: Research Office, Center of Expertise, Behavioral Experts, Professional Groups, Digital Care & Innovation, Strategic Advice, and the Respite Home.

Your role

As Director of Care Development and Research, you will help our organization fulfill its mission of ensuring the organization remains future-proof. Agility, effectiveness, and efficiency are key concepts in this regard. You are also capable of thinking outside the box and are not afraid to ask critical questions when necessary. You apply these principles to your own area as well. At the same time, you understand how to manage employees engaged in research and innovation, empower them in their roles, and maintain the right balance between setting boundaries and fostering creativity and personal responsibility among your team.

You are responsible for the strategic and comprehensive management of the department. You set and monitor the research and innovation agenda and ensure that results are translated into tangible solutions that address clients’ care needs and meet the requirements of funders and stakeholders. As Director of Care Development and Research, you have the following responsibilities and core tasks:

• Developing and implementing strategic policies in the areas of knowledge and innovation;
• Managing theHealthcare Development andResearch Department, including annual plans, progress reports, and HR plans;
• Monitoring and facilitating tasks and projects within Healthcare Development and Research;
• Representing HVO-Querido in external knowledge and innovation networks;
• Client for projects and quality management assurance;
• Contract management and monitoring of partnerships;
• Promoting the adoption of proven methods and technologies.

Organization

HVO-Querido helps people regain control of their lives and maintain that control after a period of upheaval. We offer shelter, housing support, and daytime activities to people who, for various reasons, need (temporary) assistance with these aspects of their lives. In doing so, we operate within a rapidly changing social context: the number of people without a roof over their heads is rising, while societal tolerance for misunderstood behavior is not. In this challenging environment, HVO-Querido continually adapts to changing circumstances. You can read more about our organization atHVO-Querido. We support, guide, and provide care.

Management Team

You will be part of the management team (MT) at HVO-Querido. This MT consists of three Care Directors, a Director of Care Development and Research (you), a Director of Operations, a Director of People & Organization, a Program Director of Work, Participation, and Recovery, and an Executive Secretary. Together with this MT and the Board of Directors, you will provide comprehensive leadership for the organization. You coordinate plans and priorities with fellow directors to ensure that innovation projects contribute to our organizational goals: recovery for clients, a meaningful work environment for employees, impact on society, and sustainable and future-proof operations. You report directly to the two-member Board of Directors.

Your profile

You are astrategic andinnovative leaderwho can translate complex issues into concrete solutions. You have a strong vision for healthcare development and know how to combine it with practical feasibility. You are a unifying force, analytical, and results-oriented, with the ability to bring together diverse interests and disciplines. You thrive on change initiatives and work with employees to establish a new framework and set new goals. You are a strong conversational partner who welcomes debate. At the same time, you understand the importance of collaboration: you work pleasantly and constructively with fellow directors and board members. If you recognize yourself in the qualities listed below, we would love to meet you!

• A completed university degree, preferably supplemented by knowledge of research methodologies and innovation processes;
• Extensive experience in a leadership role withinhealthcare,social services, or a similarsocial context;
• Familiar withsocial issues, trends, and developments incommunity mental health careandsocial services;
• Experience with integrated management and leading multidisciplinary teams;
• Achange managerthrough and through, who is enthusiastic about the challenge of working with employees to build a better future;
• Strong networking skills and the ability to promote HVO-Querido externally;
• An interest in applied research, digital healthcare, and social issues;
• Decisiveness and organizational awareness, with a focus on quality and continuity.

You understand your own leadership style and use it effectively to provide direction. With your ability to quickly find your footing in new organizations, we warmly invite you to join us in shaping the future of healthcare development.

Employment terms and conditions and specific details

• A challenging executive role with plenty of room for vision and innovation;
• Collaboration with passionate professionals in a dynamic organization;
• A one-year contract with the possibility of a permanent position based on satisfactory performance;
• Your salary will range from a minimum of €8,098 (step 9) to a maximum of €11,090 (step 15) gross per month (scale 15, Social Work Collective Bargaining Agreement) based on a 36-hour workweek;
• A second-class commuter pass for commuting to work and business travel using public transportation or an OV-fiets bike;
• Other terms of employment are in accordance with the Social Work Collective Bargaining Agreement. For example, you will receive an individual flexible spending allowance of 17.07%, which includes vacation pay and a year-end bonus. You will also accrue a monthly career allowance of 1.5%. We value your well-being and therefore offer you an annual sports allowance of €100;
• A reference check and a Certificate of Good Conduct are part of the procedure; a (development) assessment may be used on an optional basis;
• With an interactive onboarding program, we offer you a warm welcome and a great start;
• Hybrid work is an option.

HVO-Querido is committed to being an inclusive and equitable organization where all clients and employees can be themselves and feel at home, with the goal of providing better quality care to our clients and offering a safe and inspiring workplace for our employees. We also aim to strengthen diversity within our management team. We warmly invite candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply!

Want to know more?

For more information about the position, please contact Jessica Wesselius, a board member, through the board secretary, Karin Kromheer, at 020-5619090.

Ready to apply?Are you ready to make a difference with us?

Please submit your application byDecember 22,2025. Theselection process consists of two rounds of interviews.The first round is scheduled for January 6 and January 8, 2026. Theschedule for the second round will be determined at a later date.

Recruitment agencies are asked to refrain from contacting us regarding this job opening.