Executive Advisor for Strategy and Development

The position

In the role of Executive Advisor for Strategy and Development, you will be the driving force behind providing strategic advice to the director and members of the Management Team. Together with two other executive advisors (Administrative Affairs and HR/Operations), you will form a key triad supporting the management team and the board. In addition to advising the director (in a broad sense, covering both organizational development and matters related to the board), you will also play a key role in advising and facilitating the Management Team in its strategic role. In addition to this role, you will be expected to lead and/or manage organizational development on behalf of the Management Team and maintain control over this process. As an Executive Advisor, you will report directly to the director.

Here's what you do on an average day

• Advising the director and the management team on strategic and tactical (administrative) issues is a key part of the role.
• In consultation with the director, several strategic themes are actively pursued as key initiatives. Examples include “task-oriented working” or specific organizational initiatives.
• Relevant internal, municipality-wide, and external developments are proactively identified, and strategic and tactical risks and opportunities are assessed. Based on this, additional research is conducted as needed, reports and recommendations are prepared, and the Management Team is advised accordingly.
• Key themes for Sport and Forestry are closely monitored. This involves tracking progress (operational planning), ensuring alignment with other themes (integrated approach), and identifying potential bottlenecks, which are then brought to the attention of the Management Team.
• On behalf of the Management Team, the individual acts—together with the other management advisor—as a point of contact for other organizational units and as a resource for both internal and external (supply chain) partners regarding the operations of Sport en Bos. In addition, as an advisory member of the Management Team, the individual participates in internal and municipality-wide projects and meetings.

This is where you get started

We strive to be a great employer that ensures all our colleagues feel seen and valued. We embrace the differences among our colleagues; these differences lead to better results for both our organization and our city. We aim to build a workforce that reflects Amsterdam’s diverse population. So, whoever you are, you’re more than welcome here!

The Sports and Forest Department employs staff who are proud to contribute to a city that embraces sports. The Sports and Forest Department consists of the following divisions: Amsterdamse Bos, Sports Policy and Development, Sports Halls and Parks, Sportpunt, Sports Promotion, and Swimming Pools. The vision “The Sporty City” outlines a sports policy based on three pillars: Sports Participation, Sports Infrastructure, and Elite Sports. These pillars are intended to ensure that Amsterdam remains the widely recognized city of sports, one that encourages (athletic) and healthy physical activity through an activity-friendly and stimulating design of public spaces, a sustainable and accessible sports infrastructure, and a rich and diverse range of sports and physical activity options for all Amsterdammers.

Sports play an important role in the social sphere, and staff members take pride in their facilities. Work processes are optimized through innovative solutions, and hospitality training contributes to an even more customer-focused approach. The Amsterdamse Bos serves an important regional role in nature education, recreation, and events.

What you bring

For the position of Executive Advisor for Strategy and Development, you must have:

• Work and thinking level.
• At least 2 years of experience in the field of organizational development, such as organizational improvement initiatives and (cultural) change projects
• At least 2 years of experience with political and administrative processes and the associated dynamics (within a government organization), for example in an executive secretary role.
• At least 2 years of experience in various leadership roles, such as project leader, program manager, or project initiator.

You should have the following skills:

• Persuasiveness: Uses personal influence to shape people and situations, with a focus on gaining acceptance and overcoming resistance. Communicates ideas clearly and in straightforward language.
• Results-oriented: Uses specific goals as a guide for their own behavior and can stay focused on them until the goal is achieved.
• Environmental Awareness: Demonstrates a solid understanding of professional, organizational, social, and political developments, as well as other environmental factors, and knows how to effectively apply this knowledge to one’s own role or organization.
• Relationship Management: Builds, maintains, and leverages personal relationships with colleagues and other contacts.

What we offer you

As a Management Consultant for Strategy and Development, you will join our team for 36 hours a week and can expect the following employment terms.

• A gross monthly salary between €5,172 and €6,999 (pay grade 12) based on a 36-hour workweek. The exact salary will be determined based on your education, knowledge, and experience.
• A one-year employment contract, with the possibility of a permanent contract thereafter, if you do not currently have an employment contract with the City of Amsterdam, or if you have only a temporary one.
• If you already have a permanent employment contract with the City of Amsterdam, you will retain it and be transferred.
• Opportunities for professional development and training. Our in-house training center, the Amsterdam School, offers a variety of training programs, development tracks, and on-the-job coaching to help you continue to challenge yourself.
• An individual flexible budget (IKB) equal to 17.05% of your salary, which you can use for things like additional pension contributions or extra days off.
• A pension plan with ABP, the pension fund for the public sector and education.
• A travel allowance of €0.10 per kilometer for travel by car, €0.15 per kilometer for travel by bicycle, and €0.21 per kilometer for travel by public transportation. This applies to a one-way commute of up to 45 kilometers and for the number of days you work in the office.
• For days you work from home, you will receive a work-from-home allowance of €3 net per workday that you work from home.
• A monthly contribution toward health insurance.
• A cell phone and a laptop.

Want to know more about our employment terms and conditions? Check out theCity of Amsterdam Personnel Regulations(PGA).

Apply for this job

• If this job opening interests you, please submit your applicationby September 15, 2025, usingthe application formon our website.
• We would like to receive your cover letter, in which you explain, in no more than one A4 page, why your work experience and skills are a good fit for this position. Your cover letter will be taken into consideration during the selection process.
• The selection process begins immediately after the application deadline and consists of a CV/cover letter review and an interview round. We have formed a three-person selection committee consisting of the manager, an HR advisor, and a direct colleague with whom you will be working.
• If your resume meets the job requirements, we would be happy to invite you for an interview.
• The interviews will take place at our office at Amstel 1 in Amsterdam. The initial screening will take place during the week of September 8, and the first round of interviews will be held during the week of September 15, 2025.
• This job opening is being advertised internally and externally at the same time. Employees of the City of Amsterdam will be given priority in the hiring process.
• We require a recent Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) from every colleague who joins our team.

Do you have any questions about this job opening?

For more information about the position, please contact Laura van Walsem, Director, at l.van.walsem@amsterdam.nl or call 06-22789670.

We do not appreciate unsolicited solicitation from recruitment agencies, and such actions may result in exclusion from our other recruitment initiatives. We also consider the unsolicited submission of resumes by agencies to our employees to be solicitation. We will not review these resumes.