Project manager for resident participation
HBO I €5,554 I 2 years I 24 hours
The morning starts with a cup of coffee and a meeting with the village team. Together, you discuss a new residents' initiative in Lippenhuizen. Later, you brainstorm with the communications team about how to keep residents involved in the redesign of a village square. In the afternoon, you advise a project leader on the participation approach for a new policy plan. You end the day with an inspiration session in which village interests, volunteers, and colleagues share their experiences. You connect, listen, and ensure that resident participation really works.
What will you do?
You make citizen participation visible and self-evident. Every day, you work toward a single goal: bringing the new participation policy to life. That starts with listening and connecting. You guide teams and train colleagues so that they know how to engage citizens. You help the municipal executive and the council clarify their position in the participation process and provide advice on projects, from idea to implementation and evaluation.
You develop practical tools, formats, and inspiration sessions that facilitate dialogue with residents. You monitor the progress of participation projects and ensure that residents' voices are not only heard but also reflected in plans and decisions.
You are the driving force behind implementing our new way of working: resident participation is not an extra step, but a natural part of our work and becomes firmly embedded in our organization. That requires courage, creativity, and perseverance, because sometimes you encounter resistance. You know how to create movement and get people on board.
Here's what we offer you
- Attractive terms of employment; an attractive salary according to scale 10 of the collective labor agreement for municipalities (max. €5,554 gross per month for full-time employment), an Individual Choice Budget (IKB) of 17.05%, travel allowance, a pension scheme through ABP, and discounts on various insurance policies.
- A varied job; one day you are translating policy into practice, and the next day you are helping the council clarify its role.
- Plenty of opportunities to develop through training, courses and workshops.
- Room for your ideas; if you think things can be done differently we are open to that.
- Excellent work/life balance; we will provide you with a laptop and a cell phone so you can work from home as well as in the office.
- Attention to your vitality; participation in our vitality program, annual multiple activities with the entire organization and team, and a fun work café!
Who are you?
We are all different, and that is wonderful. It means that together we can achieve much more than we could alone. Nevertheless, all our project leaders share a number of characteristics. Do you recognize yourself in these?
- You enjoy working with others and believe in being better together.
- You like to try things out and do things a little differently.
- You have an open mind and are open to other ways of thinking and doing things.
- You enjoy working on projects and shaping behavioral change.
- You have a feel for resident participation and know how to get people on board.
- You enjoy communicating easily at all levels: from residents to the council and the municipal executive.
- You feel at home in public organizations, preferably government or education.
- You are a connector, sensitive to organizational dynamics, and able to turn resistance into momentum.
This is us
We are proud of our municipality with more than 30,000 inhabitants, 16 villages and lots of greenery. Every day we are committed to our people and businesses. We open doors to new ways of doing things and look beyond our landscapes. Our motto? It can be done.
Working for Opsterland means working with 250+ enthusiastic and sociable colleagues. A good working atmosphere, no shortage of humor, interest in each other and a high five for a clever solution. We are open to everyone. And with us, you can be who you are. You get the space to arrange your work as it suits you. We think your development is important and are happy to contribute to it. And we encourage you to go on adventures. Opsterland gives you space, will you take it?
Have questions?
Let me know! My name is Wanne Verheul (team manager, tel. 06 - 54 69 66 91). Due to the holidays, I have reserved two times when you can call me for further information:
- Wednesday, January 7, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.;
- Friday, January 9, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Getting excited?
Show us who you are and apply! Who knows, this could be the start of a wonderful adventure. Approach us in a way that suits you. You can send us a letter and resume, an application video, or something else entirely. We love surprises! We welcome your response until January 13, 2026.
The job interviews will take place on Tuesday, January 20, starting at 2 p.m.
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