Head of Nordic Programmes

Step into a pivotal leadership role at one of the world’s most influential philanthropic organisations: LEGO Foundation.

As Head of Nordic Programmes, you will lead one of the Foundation’s most important strategic portfolios - bringing together municipalities, educational institutions, civil society organisations, and other key partners to strengthen education and wellbeing systems and create lasting change for children. Reporting to CEO Sidsel Marie Kristensen, you will own the strategy, partnerships, and delivery of the Foundation’s Nordic programme portfolio and lead a team of four.

This is a high-visibility role that pairs strategic vision with hands-on execution. Success depends on deep credibility with senior stakeholders across the Danish education ecosystem and the ability to bring diverse partners together around a shared, measurable agenda - calling for substance and operational drive over communications and public relations. Given the strategic importance of an on-site presence, you will be expected to be based in Billund a minimum of three days per week. No relocation assistance is offered.

This role offers the rare opportunity to shape how a generation of children in Denmark grows, learns, and thrives - helping to make Denmark the best place in the world to grow up as a child.

Core Responsibilities

Set Strategy & Direction

• Set and drive the strategy for the Foundation’s Nordic programme portfolio, translating ambitious goals into clear, actionable priorities.
• Manage the Nordic programme portfolio, budgets, and strategic investments, ensuring resources are allocated for maximum impact.

Build Partnerships & Influence

• Build and lead strategic partnerships across municipalities, educational institutions, civil society, philanthropy, and the broader education ecosystem to advance lasting change for children.
• Develop and steward trusted relationships with senior leaders across ministries, municipalities, educational institutions, academia, civil society, and philanthropy.
• Represent the Foundation credibly with external partners, balancing strategic influence with operational substance.

Lead & Develop the Team

• Lead, develop, and empower a team of four, fostering a culture of delivery, accountability, and collaboration.

Deliver Impact Through Execution

• Oversee programme design, delivery, and impact measurement, ensuring initiatives produce tangible, evidence-based outcomes.

Year One Success Criteria

In the first year, success will be measured by:

• Established credibility and trusted relationships with key public-sector and civil-society stakeholders across the Danish education landscape.
• A clear strategy and operating model for the Foundation's Nordic partnerships, with strong collaboration established across municipalities, educational institutions, and other key partners.
• A high-performing, motivated team of four, with clear roles, priorities, and ways of working in place.
• Demonstrable early progress on priority programmes, with defined milestones and impact measures.
• Continuity and momentum maintained through the transition into the role.

What Is Required

Experience & Expertise

• Proven leadership experience in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• In-depth understanding of the Danish school system - its structure, governance, and day-to-day realities - as well as the broader education policy landscape, with experience engaging public-sector stakeholders.
• Credibility with school leaders and practitioners, gained through direct experience working with or within the school system.
• Demonstrated success leading programmes or partnerships that deliver measurable social impact.
• Experience driving systemic change through collaboration across municipalities, educational institutions, civil society, philanthropy, and other cross-sector partners.
• A track record of managing significant programme portfolios, investments, or strategic initiatives.
• Established credibility and the ability to build trusted relationships with senior decision-makers across the Danish education landscape, including ministries, municipalities, educational institutions and other key partners.
• Experience operating at the interface of policy and delivery - translating strategic and political priorities into executable, results-oriented programmes.
• Strong financial and operational acumen, including ownership of budgets and governance of significant investments or grants.
• A relevant academic background - for example in education, public policy, political science, or the social sciences - ideally complemented by a postgraduate qualification.
• Fluency in Danish and English, with the cultural understanding to operate effectively across the Danish public and civil-society landscape.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic and systems-minded, able to influence change across complex ecosystems and multiple stakeholders.
• An exceptional relationship builder and influential communicator who aligns diverse audiences around a shared vision and agenda.
• Execution-focused, combining strategic perspective with a practical, hands-on approach to delivery and results.
• Politically astute, navigating complex public-sector and stakeholder dynamics with judgement, discretion, and tact.
• High integrity and emotional intelligence, bringing humility, empathy, and authenticity to a purpose-driven, values-led culture.
• Resilient and adaptable, maintaining focus and momentum amid ambiguity, competing priorities, and long change horizons.

What’s in it for you?

Here is what you can expect:

• A Purpose-Driven Mission - Help make Denmark the best place in the world to grow up as a child.
• Influence at the Highest Level - Convene and shape a tripartite collaboration across government, civil society, and the education sector.
• Impact at Scale - Lead one of the Foundation’s most ambitious agendas, driving systemic and lasting change for children.
• A Values-Based Culture - Join a Foundation that reflects the spirit of the LEGO brand: creativity, care, quality, and a belief in human potential.
• A Commitment to Wellbeing - A supportive environment designed to help colleagues grow, thrive, and contribute meaningfully.

Join us in creating a childhood for all.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and the recruitment process is managed by Korn Ferry. If you are motivated by purpose, partnership, and the opportunity to drive lasting change for children in Denmark, We encourage you to submit your application to Lego.Foundation@KornFerry.com no later than 9 August 2026.

If you have any questions, please contact: Lego.Foundation@KornFerry.com.