Director of Welfare and Education

Would you like to do work whose effects are visible in people's lives every day? In Sodankylä, we believe that a good life is built on high-quality services, opportunities to learn, take part in hobbies, participate and influence, and a community where people can thrive. We are looking for a Director of Wellbeing and Education to lead the municipality's largest division and services that affect residents' everyday lives at every stage of life. Sodankylä is a municipality that values nature, believes in the future and invests boldly in it. As Director of Wellbeing and Education, you will lead the division's strategic development, personnel and finances, and contribute to the development of the whole of Sodankylä as a member of the municipality's executive team. YOUR DUTIES You will lead a division responsible for early childhood education, education, culture, sports and leisure services, and the promotion of wellbeing. You will be responsible for a substantial personnel and financial portfolio, as well as the impact and performance of services. Your work will include: - Strategic leadership and renewal of the division - Financial planning, monitoring and development - Personnel management and workplace development - The overall promotion of wellbeing and health - Preparing and presenting division matters for decision-making - Municipal-level cooperation and advocacy in regional and national networks WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU The eligibility requirement is: - A suitable higher university degree - At least two years of experience in management and supervisory roles in the wellbeing and education sector We consider the following advantages: - Ability in strategic thinking and development - Experience in personnel and competence management and change leadership - Experience in financial management - Strong interaction and collaboration skills Success in the role requires the ability to combine a strategic overview with practical leadership. You can lead people towards goals, build trust and make decisions in a changing operating environment. You want to develop services for the long term and ensure that operations and finances support the municipality's strategic goals. WHY SODANKYLÄ Sodankylä may not be for everyone. But for the right person, this may be the most meaningful leadership role of their career. In Sodankylä, a leader has the opportunity to influence both their own division and the development of the whole municipality. As Director of Wellbeing and Education, you will play a central role in building residents' good everyday lives and Sodankylä's future. You will have skilled staff and an inspiring executive team alongside you, as well as the opportunity to work broadly across divisional boundaries. The work is goal-oriented, collaborative and respectful of people. And when the working day ends, you will be surrounded by the wide-open northern landscape, an active community and a way of life that also leaves time for life. We offer you: - The opportunity to do visible and meaningful work in the municipality's senior leadership - The opportunity to have a broad influence on residents' wellbeing, learning and future - A place on the municipality's executive team - Skilled staff and committed partners - Flexible work arrangements and the possibility of hybrid work - A total salary of €7,288 per month - Good employee benefits, including ePassi Flex for sports, culture and wellbeing services, an ePassi lunch benefit, extensive occupational healthcare services, and the opportunity to use the municipality's varied sports services TERMS OF SERVICE The Director of Wellbeing and Education's total salary is €7,288 per month. The terms of service are determined in accordance with KVTES. A six-month probationary period applies to the position. Before taking up the position, the selected candidate must provide an acceptable account of their state of health and, when required for the role, a certificate concerning a drug test. The appointment is conditional until the required documents have been submitted and accepted. APPLYING Submit your application through the Kuntarekry service by 1 November 2026. Only applications submitted through Kuntarekry will be considered.