Head of Social Affairs (80-100%) Member of the Executive Board

About the job

Rapperswil-Jona presents itself as a vibrant town with well-developed infrastructure and an attractive natural and cultural environment. As part of the further development of our administrative organisation and the succession planning for the current postholder, we are looking for a

Head of Social Affairs (80-100%)

Member of the Executive Board

Your working environment

The Social Affairs department strengthens social cohesion and is committed to the quality of life of all residents of Rapperswil-Jona. Our approximately 30 employees in the Social Affairs department carry out their work for the town and its 28,000 residents with great dedication and passion.

As Head of Department, you bear overall responsibility for the operational management of the department, including personnel, organisational and financial aspects. You lead seven heads of specialist areas covering topics as diverse as life in our town, from the social welfare office through to elderly care and health, children and youth, integration, as well as culture, sport and exercise. In addition, you translate political and strategic directives into clear goals and priorities, proactively develop structures and processes, and are responsible for the department’s budget. You network and coordinate public and private social services so that they interact effectively.

You are a reliable partner to your department head. You provide well-founded decision-making bases, recognise developments and risks early, and implement city council resolutions reliably and on time.

As a member of the Executive Board, you think and act beyond your department. Together with the other heads of departments, you share responsibility for the operational management and further development of the entire town administration. You contribute your department’s perspective, take the lead in cross-departmental projects, and actively shape a shared leadership and collaboration culture.

What distinguishes you

Leadership is your strength. You lead clearly, appreciatively and with impact, set priorities and create commitment. You think strategically and in a networked way, recognise overarching connections and actively shape change with conviction.

You have a university or university of applied sciences degree or an equivalent qualification and bring several years of leadership experience in a complex organisation. You have a good understanding of legal and administrative issues and are willing to deepen your knowledge of new topics as needed. Knowledge of civil and public law as well as experience in social and community services, public administration or political processes are advantageous. You also bring economic thinking, confidence in handling budgets and resources, experience in organisational development and change management, as well as enthusiasm for digital solutions.

You move with political sensitivity and clear role awareness, think in a networked way and act solution-oriented. You are decisive and at the same time able to bring people together. You present yourself confidently to authorities, media, the public and partner organisations and communicate with style and appropriately for the audience.

What we offer you

You can expect a key role with great scope for design in a phase where we are jointly realigning our administration. You will work with committed teams, exciting social topics and a task whose impact you see in the daily lives of the people in our town.

Are you interested and have questions?

If you have any questions, the current postholder, Robin Bannwart, is happy to assist you at 055 225 71 61, or Johannes Kunz, City Councillor, at 055 225 71 31.

Your complete application documents can be submitted via our online application tool .