Strategic Advisor for Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity

In recent years, we have laid a solid foundation with the Local Inclusion Agenda, and the new DIG policy plan will further strengthen that foundation. We are now looking for a collaborative and strategically strong colleague who can further embed this vision within our organization and throughout the city. 

We operate on the basis of trust in one another and our partners, with the empathy to truly understand the lives of our residents, and with the flexibility to adapt to what the city requires of us. As a Strategic Advisor for Diversity, Inclusion, and Equality (DIG), you will be the driving force that connects vision and practice. Your mission transcends the boundaries of policy: you build trust, connect policy areas and sectors, and provide direction for a municipality that is of and for everyone.

About the role

You will serve as the primary strategic point of contact for diversity, inclusion, and equality within the municipality. You will work closely with the alderman, senior management, and colleagues, as well as with residents and community partners. Where previously there were isolated projects and policy initiatives, you will ensure coherence and provide strategic direction. You are part of the Social Development sector, with a strong foundation in the Adult Development & Implementation team, and from there you work organization-wide to embed diversity, inclusion, and equality. Through your efforts, DIG will evolve from a “separate issue” into a leading perspective throughout the entire organization. You combine substantive expertise with administrative and social sensitivity, and know how to build support in a sometimes complex political landscape.

Your main responsibilities

• Developing, coordinating, and monitoring the Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Policy Plan, which addresses issues such as LGBTIQA+, accessibility, anti-racism, and gender equality.
• Providing strategic advice to the alderman, the executive board, and the management team, including preparing for and representing them in meetings.
• Restoring and building trust with communities that often feel unheard or excluded.
• Connecting internal and external partners, and working to embed DIG across all sectors and policy areas.
• Program management: monitoring the implementation plan, allocating budgets, and (where necessary) serving as project manager.
• Driving cultural and behavioral change within the municipal organization so that inclusion becomes a standard practice. 

Who are you?

We are looking for a strong, collaborative, and empathetic strategist who enjoys working with others and has the ability to stay the course in a complex environment.

You have:

• Demonstrable experience in a political-administrative context, preferably in strategic consulting or program management.
• Knowledge and/or experience in the areas of diversity, inclusion, and equity—ideally with personal experience that you draw upon as a strength.
• Experience with programmatic work, process management, and stakeholder management.
• Political and administrative acumen and the ability to switch between strategy and implementation.
• Excellent communication skills: you can persuade, inspire, and handle difficult conversations.

You are:

• Connecting – you know how to mend relationships when necessary and build bridges.
• Strategic and steadfast—you see the big picture, but you also know how to take pragmatic, small steps.
• Empathetic and able to see things from different perspectives—you can put yourself in the shoes of people with diverse backgrounds and interests.
• Entrepreneurial and tenacious – you don’t shy away from challenges, but persevere with energy and creativity.
• Coaching and team-oriented – you share knowledge, mentor colleagues when needed, and foster a sense of shared ownership. 

What do we offer?

A challenging strategic role within a municipality that has made diversity, inclusion, and equality top priorities. You’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a city of 160,000 residents, with the freedom to apply your vision and expertise.

• Salary in accordance with the municipal collective bargaining agreement, pay scale 12/13 (€4,781 – €6,777 gross per month for a 36-hour workweek, depending on experience).
• A contract for 32–36 hours per week.
• A personal budget (17.05% of your salary) that you can use as you see fit.
• Hybrid work and 100% public transportation reimbursement.
• The opportunity for Den Bosch to serve as a model for other municipalities in the area of inclusive employment. 

Procedure

The City of ’s-Hertogenbosch places great importance on transparency and representation. That is why we also involve representatives from the city in the selection process.

The Municipality of ‘s-Hertogenbosch is being assisted in this process by Colourful People. If you have any questions about the position or the process, please contact Jantien Plooij atj.plooij@colourfulpeople.nlor 06-17703534.

You can express your interest by uploading your cover letter and resumeby September 21, 2025, at the latest, using the“Apply”button on this page. Once your application has been successfully uploaded, you will receive a confirmation email. Didn’t receive it? Please contact Jantien Plooij. Rest assured that your information will be treated confidentially. 

Schedule

The preliminary interviews will take place online in weeks 39 and 40. The interviews with the selection committee will be held onOctober 9 (first round) and October 16 (second round) 2025. We kindly ask you to save these dates.

Would you like to help make ’s-Hertogenbosch a city that belongs to and is for everyone? If so, we warmly invite you to apply.