Head of Secretariat for the Institute of Clinical Medicine

Head of Secretariat for the Institute of Clinical Medicine

Do you want to help develop the administrative engine of one of the University of Copenhagen's largest institutes, closely linked to medical education, clinical research and the collaboration between the university and the health service? The Institute of Clinical Medicine (IKM) is a large and complex institute with a special position at the intersection of the university and the health service. We are looking for an experienced Head of Secretariat who can combine clear personnel leadership, organizational judgment, and strong leadership support during a period of significant change.

The Institute of Clinical Medicine (IKM) is a large and complex institute with a special position at the crossroads between the university and the health service. We create new medical insights and educate tomorrow's doctors. A substantial part of the institute's activities takes place in close interaction with hospitals and other actors in the Region Zealand East, while the institute is an integral part of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Copenhagen.

We are seeking a Head of Secretariat who can help ensure professional and coherent support for the institute management while actively contributing to the ongoing development of the institute's organization and secretariat.

A central role close to research, education and health care

You will become part of a relatively new institute leadership team that is setting a direction for IKM and developing collaboration across the institute. Here you will have a close proximity to decisions and the opportunity to contribute to a management culture characterized by openness, trust, clarity and responsibility close to the task.

You will have substantial managerial latitude and a real opportunity to influence the secretariat's organization, modes of collaboration and priorities. Together with the staff you will develop a common secretariat where competencies are brought into play across the organization, and where there is clear direction, good development opportunities and a sustainable working environment.

We offer a workplace with an important societal task, wide professional scope and short paths to central decisions. You will get close to the development of medical education, clinical research and the collaboration between the university and the health service. Read more about the institute here.

An organization in change

The institute faces significant changes in the coming years. IKM appointed a new institute leader in spring 2026 and has since appointed two new vice-institute leaders. The relatively new institute leadership is setting a direction for the institute, developing collaboration across the organization and rethinking how the secretariat best supports the core tasks. This is happening alongside the development of medical education, regionalization, the establishment of Region East, new collaboration interfaces and changed frameworks for research, innovation and administration.

The Secretariat

The secretariat consists of about 12 employees who support the institute's tasks within, among other things, education, management support and cross-cutting administration. The secretariat works closely with the faculty, the university's central administration and the institute's many partners. The Institute of Clinical Medicine reports to the Faculty of Health Sciences. The workplace address is Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N.

The task

As Head of Secretariat you will be part of the institute leadership and have a central role in translating the leadership's priorities into well-functioning administrative practice. You will have personnel responsibility for the institute's approximately 12 administrative staff and become a close sparring partner for the institute leader and three vice-institute leaders.

A substantial part of the task is to create coherence between the institute leadership's decisions, the secretariat and University Administration, and ensure that decisions are translated into action and followed through.

You shall among other things

• support the institute leader and the institute leadership strategically and operationally, including preparing decisions, creating overview and ensuring follow-up
• coordinate the daily task solution in the institute's secretariat and contribute to clear priorities and a well-functioning cross-sectional collaboration
• set clear direction for the secretariat and create good conditions for employee well-being, professional development and cross-disciplinary collaboration
• ensure coherence between the institute's administrative areas, in particular finance, HR and education
• support the institute's extensive teaching mission and at the same time contribute to the development of the administrative support for research, innovation and other activities
• act as a central link between the institute leadership and relevant actors at the faculty and university as well as hospitals and other partners in Region East
• represent and coordinate IKM in relevant administrative and organizational collaborations with SUND, other institutes and the university's central administration
• drive larger cross-cutting processes and development projects independently from idea and analysis to implementation and follow-up
• contribute actively to the development of the institute's organization, workflows and administrative support during a period of significant change.

The role is not solely about managing existing processes. We are seeking a Head of Secretariat who, together with the institute leadership, can develop the secretariat's organization, strengthen cross-functional collaboration and ensure that administrative efforts support the institute's strategic direction.

Who are you?

You have a relevant academic degree and experience with management support, personnel leadership and organizational development in a complex organization. Experience from the university world, the health service, or another politically or professionally complex organization is an advantage. The most important thing is that you have curiosity about both the university's and the health service's logics and can translate that understanding into clear leadership, good decision-making processes and well-functioning administrative support.

We place particular emphasis on the following

• you can move securely between strategy and operations. You handle concrete problems when necessary, but you can also lift your gaze, identify connections and translate complexity into priorities, decisions and actions.
• you are an experienced and clear people leader who creates commitment through direction, trust and genuine interest in employees' professionalism. You can lead through change, prioritize well-being and development while ensuring that the secretariat's tasks are completed with quality and coherence.
• you work independently, take responsibility and move processes forward
• you have strong organizational and analytical skills and can create structure in complex issues
• you can collaborate with many different professional disciplines and organizational levels and build strong relationships
• you communicate clearly and precisely – both orally and in writing – and can translate complex issues into decision proposals and clear communication
• you are curious, solution-oriented and able to see opportunities beyond existing organizational frames
• you thrive in change and can help develop and implement new solutions
• you have an interest in technology and digitalization and can use modern digital tools, including AI tools, to strengthen analysis, communication, knowledge sharing and efficient workflows in the secretariat.
• you have organizational judgment and can navigate confidently in an environment with many stakeholders and different considerations.

Application, process and employment terms

You can learn more about the position by contacting Genitor partner Martin Isenbecker at Mail: [email protected] or tel: +45 2565 9231.

Salary and employment terms

The appointment is as a chief consultant with personnel responsibility under the applicable agreement between the Ministry of Finance and Akademikerne, including Protocol on senior consultants and chief consultants on a new pay system and Protocol on chief consultants with personnel leadership. There will be opportunities for negotiation of supplements based on qualifications. You can read more about salary levels in the state on this page. This is an indefinite full-time position.

Expected start: January 1, 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

We plan to hold 1st interviews on November 2 and 2nd interviews on November 13. In connection with the 2nd interviews there will be a personality test and a case.

Application

If you are interested in the position, you must submit an electronic application accompanied by a CV and diploma via the apply button at the bottom of the advertisement, so that we have it no later than October 25, 2026 at 23:59.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding society and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position.

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