Programs Director

Lead bold change with ActionAid Denmark

ActionAid Denmark (AADK) is seeking a visionary and politically astute Programs Director to lead our recently unified Programs Department. This is a pivotal role for a strategic leader who can inspire strong team leaders, elevate the thematic profile of our work, and drive innovation in partnerships and funding in a rapidly evolving global context.

As part of the ActionAid International Federation, AADK is at the forefront of tackling two of the most urgent global challenges: shrinking democratic space and climate justice. We work with youth, grassroots movements, and civil society actors in Denmark and over 70 countries to create lasting change.

Your mission

As Programs Director, you will:

• Lead a high-performing department of seven team leaders across national and international programs, fostering collaboration, innovation, and strategic alignment.
• Strengthen the thematic identity of AADK’s work, ensuring our programs are bold, relevant, and recognized for their impact.
• Drive strategic partnerships across sectors—civil society, public institutions, philanthropy, and private actors—to amplify our mission and influence.
• Diversify and grow funding by supporting team leaders and fundraising focal points in developing compelling programmatic proposals and business plans.
• Shape organizational direction as part of the Senior Leadership Team, working closely with the Secretary General and fellow directors to ensure coherence, accountability, and shared leadership.

What you bring

We are looking for a leader who is not only experienced but also deeply committed to social justice and systemic change. You have:

• A visionary mindset and a strong political compass, with a track record of positioning organizations and shaping agendas.
• Proven success in institutional fundraising and building strategic, cross-sectoral partnerships.
• Demonstrated ability to lead leaders—you’ve managed senior staff and guided teams through change and complexity.
• Experience navigating diverse sectors such as the UN, government, or civil society, with a collaborative and adaptive leadership style.

What we offer

• A permanent position with no paid overtime, but flexible working hours and a strong focus on work-life balance.
• Additional time off between Christmas and New Year, and the option to work from home.
• Competitive salary and benefits under the union agreement, including pension and senior management provisions.
• A place in AADK’s leadership community, with access to annual seminars and a tailored leadership development program.

As you will join the Programs Department, you will lead a high-performing team with activities in more than 45 countries, including Denmark. A team that manages an annual turnover of 258 Million DKK and 31 staff in 19 countries.

Join us

If you are ready to lead with purpose, elevate bold ideas, and drive real impact globally, we want to hear from you. Please send your application without a photo to support a fair and inclusive recruitment process.

For more background information regarding the specific job and AADK, reach out to Head of People & Development, Cecilia Højstrøm, at [email protected] or +45 7731 0079.