Project Manager for the development of the leisure communities of the future

Would you like to help shape the leisure life of the future in Odense?

Leisure life is a crucial part of the welfare that Odense residents experience in everyday life. Through associations, volunteering, communities and movement, wellbeing, participation and belonging to the city are created. But not all citizens participate on equal terms. Therefore we work purposefully to create more opportunities for both children, young people and seniors to become part of active communities.

We are seeking a strong project manager who can translate political ambitions into concrete results and drive some of the most important development projects in the leisure sector in the coming years. You will become part of the Leisure Secretariat in Odense Municipality, where we work at the intersection of operations, development, policy and collaboration with the city's many associations and actors. You will be responsible for developing and implementing initiatives that will create better access to leisure life for more Odense residents.

About the job

As project manager you will be responsible for driving complex development projects from idea to implementation.

Your primary tasks will be to support the development of

• A senior association pass, which should make it easier for more older citizens to find their way into club life and communities
• Initiatives to ensure more equal access to leisure and association life for children and young people, regardless of social, economic or cultural background
• You must be able to navigate the crossroads between politics, organization, civil society and associations, where many different interests and perspectives meet.
• You will among other things be working with:
• Project management from idea development to implementation and evaluation
• Development of partnerships with associations, organizations, foundations and other partners
• Advocacy and dialogue with stakeholders in the leisure sector
• Facilitation of workshops, networks and co-creating processes
• Involvement of citizens, associations and relevant target groups in the development work
• Cross-cutting collaboration across municipal departments
• Raise awareness of the projects among associations, partners and Odense residents

You will have a high degree of autonomy and become a central driver in projects that will create concrete improvements for both citizens and the voluntary sector.

About us

The Leisure Secretariat is part of the Department of City and Culture in Odense Municipality. In the Department of City and Culture we work to create a city you don't want to miss. We develop the framework for the good life in Odense and create solutions in close cooperation with citizens, associations and other actors.In the Leisure Secretariat we work to create the best possible framework for an active leisure life in Odense.

We do this through collaboration with the city's many associations, volunteers, facilities and communities. At the same time we work strategically on how leisure life can contribute to health, wellbeing, integration, resettlement, urban life and strong local communities.

We are at an exciting time where we must support the city's current halls, football fields, recreational areas, swimming pools and at the same time work for even more facilities so that Odense residents have the opportunity to engage in leisure activities. You will become part of a professionally strong team with diverse backgrounds and competencies. For us, collaboration, professional curiosity and the desire to make a difference for leisure life are what bind us together.

About you

We imagine that you

• Have a relevant higher education degree
• Are a solid project manager with a toolbox in order
• Have experience with complex development projects with many stakeholders
• Have strong process and facilitation skills
• Can translate ideas and strategies into concrete actions and results
• Can communicate project results so they gain attention and support
• Can drive progress in projects with many stakeholders and partners
• Are analytically strong and able to create clear decision bases
• Create overview and structure, even when many processes run simultaneously
• Have experience with political support or work in a politically led organization
• Have interest in or insight into the leisure, folk education and association sector

It would be an advantage if you have experience with municipal projects, leisure sector or civil society, but it is not a requirement.

We offer

With us you will have the opportunity to work with one of the areas that has the greatest impact on citizens' everyday lives. You will become part of an area with strong political attention and many collaborations, where you will have the opportunity to shape the development of leisure life as well as the city.

We offer

• A versatile position with extensive contact with associations, citizens and partners
• Opportunity to work in an area that makes a concrete difference for the communities in Odense
• High degree of responsibility and influence over own tasks
• A strong professional environment with dedicated colleagues
• Flexible working conditions and good opportunities for professional development
• A workplace characterized by collaboration, trust and good humor

Salary and terms of employment

The position is full-time with start on December 1, 2026 or earlier. The position is a fixed-term project employment for three years, as it is linked to two strategic development projects in the leisure sector. Salary and terms of employment in accordance with the applicable collective agreement between KL and the negotiating party organization. The expected salary level will be disclosed prior to any interview and depends on experience and qualifications.

The position is located in Leisure in the Department of Culture, Leisure and Administration in the Department of City and Culture.

Would you like to know more?

If you have questions about the position, you are welcome to contact the Functional Manager for the Leisure Secretariat, Katrine Have Damgaard 24 21 90 29 or [email protected]

The practical

Application deadline is 18 October 2026. We expect to conduct the first interviews on Wednesday 21 October and any second interviews on Monday 26 October.