Director of Digital Urban Development and Innovation | Leiter*in Digitale Stadtentwicklung und Innovation (m/w/d)

Stadt Ulm Zentrale Steuerung und Dienste Personal und Organisation

Ulm, Donau, Baden-Württemberg, Deutschland
Published Mar 23, 2026
Full-time
Permanent

Job Summary

As the Director of Digital Urban Development and Innovation for the City of Ulm, you will serve as a key leadership figure reporting directly to the First Mayor. You will be responsible for the strategic steering and implementation of the city's holistic digital strategy, acting as a central interface between administration, business, science, and the public. Day-to-day, you will lead a newly restructured coordination unit, manage complex digital transformation projects, and oversee the 'Verschwörhaus' innovation center. This role is ideal for a visionary leader who can translate technological trends into sustainable urban solutions while fostering a culture of innovation. The position offers significant creative freedom, a permanent contract, and the opportunity to represent the city at state, federal, and EU levels. It is a unique chance to shape the digital future of a major German city while enjoying flexible working conditions and a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.

Required Skills

Education

University degree (Master's level) in Public Management, Administrative Science, Urban/Regional Development, Economics, Social/Political Science, Computer Science, Digital Transformation, or a comparable qualification. Eligibility for the German 'Higher Service' (Höherer Dienst) is required for civil service candidates.

Experience

  • Professional experience in leading interdisciplinary teams and managing complex digitalization projects
  • Extensive experience in digital strategy and change management, preferably within a municipal or public sector context
  • Proven track record in networking and coordinating stakeholders across government, industry, and academia
  • Experience in the acquisition and management of third-party funding for urban projects
  • Demonstrated ability in translating strategic visions into practical municipal implementations

Languages

Not specified

Additional

  • The position is permanent and full-time. Applicants must be available for interviews on April 14, 2026. The role involves representation of the city at state, federal, and EU levels. Candidates must meet the requirements for pay grade EG 14 TVöD or salary group A14.