Ørkildskolen seeks a department head

Do you want to help set the direction for a school where learning, well-being, community and diversity form the framework for both school and after-school life?

We are seeking an engaged and clear department head with responsibility for the lower part of primary, middle grades, after‑school care (SFO) and the spring SFO. You will become a central part of the school's leadership team and play a key role in ensuring coherence between teaching and after-school pedagogy, from children's first encounter in spring SFO to the end of 6th grade.

At Ørkildskolen we work based on the values of community, diversity, learning and well-being. We believe that children develop best in safe and inclusive communities where there is room for difference and a focus on both academic and social development. We actively work to create diverse learning environments where all children feel acknowledged.

As department head at Ørkildskolen, you will be part of a strong and engaged community where close collaboration with the rest of the leadership, staff, parents and external partners is a natural part of everyday life. You should be able to see yourself as an active part of co-creating a continuously healthy and developing work environment.

Ørkildskolen is one of Svendborg's public schools located on two sites. You will predominantly work in the City division, but you are part of the leadership team that works to ensure that we are one school.

As department head you will have responsibility for

• Leadership of year-group teams and pedagogical staff
• Supporting high professional standards and strong learning communities
• Developing diverse learning environments with a focus on both academic and social well-being
• Sparring and feedback on teaching and pedagogical practice
• Ensuring a safe and coherent transition from daycare to school via spring SFO
• Development of strong child communities across school and leisure time
• Close collaboration with the school’s other leadership on school finances and strategic development
• Parental cooperation and dialogue with external partners

You will be part of supporting that our values are translated into concrete practice in daily life, in the classroom, during breaks and in collaboration with parents. We believe that learning and well-being go hand in hand. We work purposefully with diverse learning communities and with creating participation opportunities for all children, regardless of prerequisites.

We are looking for a new colleague who is focused on ensuring all children thrive both academically and socially and that they are in development. Your approach should be curious, supportive and recognizing. It is a prerequisite that you can reflect on your own practice and will take an active role across the whole school.

We are seeking a leader who

• Is trained as a primary school teacher
• Leadership experience is a plus, but not a requirement
• Is professionally well-founded and focused on didactic and pedagogical development
• Can take the floor and facilitate meetings for about 70 staff
• Has strong relational skills and can build trust and dialogue
• Thrives in a daily life with both strategic and operational tasks
• Can balance clear leadership with inclusion and dialogue
• Sees diversity as a strength and actively works for inclusive communities
• Must be able to steer pedagogical processes and follow them through

We offer

• An school with engaged and competent colleagues/staff
• A strong leadership team with an expectation of sparring and development
• A daily life characterized by commitment, humor and high professional standards
• Opportunity to make a clear impact on the school's continued development
• Strong administration
• If you do not have a leadership qualification, we would like you to pursue one.

The position is a full-time role with a start date of 1 January 2027

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the applicable collective agreement.

In Svendborg Municipality, the salary for this type of position typically lies between DKK 62,553 and DKK 67,275 per month at full-time employment. The salary includes pension, special holiday allowance and fixed allowances. There may also be time-based allowances and other special compensations. It is important to note that your exact salary is determined by your experience, seniority and competencies and is agreed in negotiations with the relevant professional organization.

The HR department will obtain a criminal record check and a child protection clearance for the successful applicant. It is a condition of employment that these clearances are satisfactory with respect to the position. The assessment is conducted by the Legal Department in cooperation with the area’s director.

If you have any questions about the position, you are welcome to contact the school principal, Bettina Greve, at 24886349 or the vice-principal, Ulrik Lindorf Christensen, at 29176842.

The application deadline is 5 November 2026

1st interview will be Friday 13 November. 2nd interview is Wednesday 23 November in the morning. Between the 1st and 2nd interview a personality profile will be prepared. There will be a case with preparation for the 2nd interview.

We would like you to have visited us or at least spoken to us before applying. We look forward to hearing from you and receiving your personal application.

Svendborg Municipality has a smoke-free work policy. We want a smoke-free work environment to contribute to a healthy working life for all employees.

Welcome to Svendborg - the capital of the archipelago!

Svendborg has a superb location in the midst of the most beautiful nature, on the edge of the South Funen Archipelago, and with a mini-metropolis that offers everything. We do not hesitate to proudly call Svendborg the cultural capital of Funen. We have a charming town center and a lively commercial town with theatres and museums as well as a rich association life.

Our daycare and public schools are top-tier with a special focus on movement and sport, and we have several higher educations that will soon come together in an attractive educational environment by the harbor. Svendborg is located in the middle of the country with about half an hour to Odense and under two hours to Copenhagen and Aarhus. With approximately 60,000 inhabitants, Svendborg is Funen’s second-largest municipality.