Strategic Advisor to the Mayor with Coordinating Responsibilities

Utrecht is growing like no other city in the Netherlands. You can see that in the city itself and in our organization. Together with our residents and partners, we develop ideas and seek solutions, cutting across traditional government silos. To assist our mayor in this effort, we are looking for a strategic advisor who will also serve in a coordinating role within the mayor’s team.

This is your job

As a strategic advisor, you will work at the intersection of administration, organization, and politics. In this dynamic environment, you will report directly to the mayor and, by extension, to the municipal executive as a whole. You will oversee the long-term strategic direction within the mayor’s portfolio, as well as the mayor’s profile and ambitions, and build connections both within and outside the organization. You have a strong focus on collaboration with regional, national, and international partners.

You will work closely with the administrative advisor, the spokespersons, colleagues from the mayor’s office and protocol, and the administrative secretariat. Together with this team, you will support and advise the mayor. You will play a coordinating role within this team, maintaining an overview and keeping an eye on the big picture. In addition, you will collaborate with the organization on key issues within the portfolio and advise on (political) administrative strategy. For the mayor, you will serve as a strong sparring partner and confidant. You are able to provide a comprehensive perspective on the city’s overall efforts and its relationships with regional and (inter)national partners.

 This means that you:

• You provide strategic advice on major issues from a political and administrative perspective; you play a key role in working with the organization to develop well-reasoned recommendations and ensure their implementation.
• serve as a sounding board for the mayor and use your experience and external network in The Hague to provide advice on political and administrative matters,
• You have a knack for collaboration and getting results, maintain a clear overview within the team, and are able to switch seamlessly between operations and strategy.
• bridges the gap between ambitions and national partners and networks. Focuses on opportunities and advises on the course of action to be taken, both tactically and strategically.
• works with the relevant managers and organizational units to oversee the long-term strategies and major initiatives in the portfolio.

 Information about the department

Within the Strategy and Public Affairs (SPA) department (55 employees), you will collaborate with colleagues from various teams, including executive advisory, communications, lobbying, cabinet and protocol, and executive assistants. SPA is responsible for providing effective direct support and advice to the executive board and works on the broad strategic direction and positioning of the board in external administrative relations. You are part of the SPA team and work on a daily basis with the mayor’s team, which comprises various areas of expertise. Here, you will play a coordinating role.

Here's what we offer you

We want you to enjoy coming to work. That enjoyment comes from having great colleagues, a pleasant work environment, and a job that’s both meaningful and interesting in one of the most attractive cities in the Netherlands. Together with you, we’ll ensure that all residents of Utrecht can live, work, and participate in the community in a pleasant and healthy way.

•  Below is our selection:
• A 36-hour workweek with a gross monthly salary ranging from €5,274 to €7,269 based on 36 hours (pay grade 14). We will determine the exact amount based on your knowledge and experience. 
• A one-year fixed-term employment contract with the possibility of conversion to a permanent contract. We will determine this together with you, based on your performance and mutual satisfaction.
• Excellent leave policies.
• A good work-life balance: In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to work at various locations as well as from home.
• An Individual Choice Budget (ICB) equal to 17.05% of your salary. You decide how to use this budget. For example, you can use it to buy extra time off, set aside funds for vacation pay, receive a year-end bonus, or have the entire amount paid out once a year.
• We’ll provide you with a laptop and a phone and make sure you can do your job effectively from home. We’ll lend you a monitor, an office chair, a keyboard, and a sit-stand desk.
• Plenty of opportunities for personal development, such as various courses and training programs.

 Click here for an overview of all other employment benefits, such as travel reimbursement. In addition, working for the City of Utrecht offers many other benefits, such as exercising (online) with colleagues and participating in various networks and activities.

This is your input

You know how to build strong relationships with others, both within and outside the organization. You collaborate effectively while always staying focused on the substance, results, and profile. You have the strength and courage to get things moving. This requires a solid personal vision, perseverance, and a results-oriented mindset. You switch effortlessly between operations and strategy. Are you focused on the substance, able to intuitively make connections, and prioritize and delve deeper? And are you not afraid to sometimes lead the way? Are you a go-getter who both mobilizes the internal network and inspires the external network, demonstrating leadership to translate ambitions into clear choices and execution?

•  At least 8 years of work experience, including relevant experience advising (national) political leaders.
• Experience with administrative tasks and relationships. You are able to navigate a complex political and bureaucratic environment.
• Focused on development and results, identifying and capitalizing on opportunities. You think and you act.
• Analytical skills, generalist, with strong advisory skills when working with executives.
• You bring a relevant network with you, including contacts in The Hague.
• Brings people together within the organization, but also knows how to take the lead.
• A strong understanding of politics, government, and the civil service.
• The ability to handle stress and find enjoyment in a complex environment where interests are sometimes conflicting.

This is good to know

If you’re interested in working as a strategic advisor to the mayor for the City of Utrecht, apply now. If you have any questions about the position, please contact Sanne van den Broek, Director of Strategy and Public Affairs, at 06 1075 5171. Questions about the application process can be directed to Jan Willem de Boer, Senior Recruiter, at 06 1829 1753.

The City of Utrecht is an inclusive organization that welcomes everyone and harnesses the power of its employees’ diversity to achieve better results for the city. Talent as a foundation, diversity as a strength. In addition to your qualities, talents, and motivation, you also bring your age, sexual orientation, background, or disability to the table. You are warmly welcome!