Spokesperson for the mayor

What makes this position special

The mayor of Arnhem plays a central role as a public administrator. He is committed to public order, safety, and the well-being of the city, and serves as a visible ambassador for Arnhem at both the local and national levels. As chair of the city council and the municipal executive, he also stands for democracy and community.

Are you the person who provides both strategic and practical support to a nationally visible and socially engaged mayor? Are you always up to date with current events, do you know how the (national) media works, and are you aware of social trends? If so, this is a role where your expertise, curiosity, and sense of timing will truly shine.

What will you be doing:

• You are the spokesperson for the mayor of Arnhem: a high-profile, outspoken, and socially engaged leader.
• You work at the intersection of media, politics, and society.
• The role goes beyond traditional public relations: you’ll help draft speeches, contribute ideas for messaging, and build a strong (online) presence.
• No two days are the same: from crisis communication to commemorations, from media inquiries to strategic advice.

Your talents

You are curious, creative, and proactive. You have proven yourself in the communications field, possess a college-level education and way of thinking, and feel ready for a role that combines substance, pace, and close ties to city government. You have experience in the political and administrative arena and quickly grasp the situation both within City Hall and beyond. You move easily between thinking and doing. You maintain an overview and set priorities; you know when speed is needed and when care must come first. Writing and speaking come naturally to you. You know how to articulate complex messages clearly and accurately and effortlessly adapt your style to the medium and context.

What we offer

You will be working in a dedicated and collaborative Administrative Support and Communications department, where professionals work closely together and where coordination and trust are second nature. You will work closely with the mayor’s office, ensuring short lines of communication and direct, personal collaboration.

You’ll be joining a team of mission-driven people who want to help the city move forward; you share that intrinsic motivation. You’ll become part of a team that works closely and critically together, where everyone keeps each other on their toes and steps in when circumstances call for it. Feedback is therefore normal and encouraged, collaboration is essential, and there’s room to learn and grow. In short, it offers the opportunity to:

• a substantive and high-profile role with a direct impact on society;
• work in a close-knit, professional, and supportive team;
• a highly dynamic work environment where trust, collaboration, and a sense of humor are valued;
• the opportunity to help shape this important role and add their own unique touch.

Everyone is welcome, regardless of background or lifestyle, because our differences strengthen our sense of community and help build a strong, future-ready city.

• A competitive gross monthly salary in pay grade 12, ranging from a minimum of €5,303 to a maximum of €7,163 based on a 36-hour workweek;
• A 12-month employment contract with the intention of a permanent position;
• 144 statutory vacation hours and 57.6 non-statutory vacation hours per calendar year, based on a 36-hour workweek;
• A 17.05% discretionary financial allowance of up to €1,253 per month, based on a 36-hour workweek, is available to you. You can choose to have this allowance paid out or use it for various purposes;
• Travel allowance in the form of a transit pass, which allows you to use public transportation;
• A solid pension that you build up with ABP;
• An individual career budget of €500 per year;
• Opportunities for personal development and career advancement thanks to our range of training programs;
• A laptop and a phone;
• Hybrid work: You have the option to alternate between working from home and working in the office. We also believe a healthy work-life balance is important; you can discuss and agree on your workspace and working hours
• You have the option to exchange the 8 public holidays specified in the collective bargaining agreement for days off that are meaningful to you; you can discuss and agree on which public holidays you’d like to exchange.

About the City of Arnhem

Arnhem is a city with character. With over 170,000 residents, Arnhem is large enough to play a role on the national stage and compact enough to remain close to its community. The city faces significant social challenges in the areas of safety, economic security, inclusion, and sustainability. At the same time, it is a city of remembrance and looking ahead, of debate and connection. Working for the City of Arnhem means working at the heart of that dynamic, alongside dedicated colleagues who are committed to the city and its residents.

Interested?

Are you the sharp, energetic, and dedicated professional who wants to make a difference alongside the mayor of Arnhem? If so, we warmly invite you to apply by sending your resume and cover letter towww.colourfulpeople.nlby February 9. The City of Arnhem is being assisted in this process by Colourful People. If you have any questions, please contact Hatice Türkmen, senior partner at Colourful People, at 06 46 08 12 32. The preliminary interviews will take place on February 11 and 12, 2026 (online), and the final interviews are scheduled for February 27 and March 4, 2026.