Head of the Research and Policy Advisory Division

As Head of Department, you will be working in the Research and Policy Advice Department (OBA), which conducts research on developments in the media sector, provides advice on legislation and regulations, and is responsible for the Commission’s public affairs. For example, OBA drafts recommendations for the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science (OCW) and prepares implementation assessments of new laws and regulations. OBA also conducts research to provide insights, as an authority, into media and news consumption, media diversity, and other matters that contribute to the realization of our strategy.

In addition, OBA maintains national and international contacts, such as with the ministry, academics, policymakers, and fellow regulators. OBA attends parliamentary debates, is active in several international networks, and contributes to and coordinates European working groups. The department is also responsible for a number of cross-departmental tasks, such as drafting the organization-wide strategy and the annual Supervisory Letter. 

What are your responsibilities as Head of Research and Policy?  

• You will provide overall leadership to the team (11 employees) and foster an open, inclusive, and professional work environment; 
• You will be working in an organization that is transitioning into a risk-based, systems-oriented, and proactive regulatory body, with an emphasis on an integrated approach and collaboration across departments; 
• You will work with the team to identify social and political developments, analyze risks and opportunities, and develop policy proposals; 
• You will represent the team and its work within the Management Team and the Board; 
• You will participate in organization-wide projects and meetings, and oversee departments; 
• You maintain a strong national and international network and engage in effective stakeholder management, including with government agencies and international regulators.

What are you bringing? 

• You have a university degree.
• You have experience as a manager in a policy-making and/or supervisory environment. 
• You are not afraid to make choices, take decisions, and take innovative steps. 
• You take the initiative, identify opportunities, and take action on your own. 
• You have an eye for development and encourage employees to grow in their roles. 
• You possess political acumen and are adept at navigating diverse interests and power dynamics. 
• You maintain control over processes and make timely adjustments as needed. 
• You are results-oriented and know how to effectively achieve departmental goals. 
• You act with integrity and base your work on public values and transparency. 

What we offer: 

An interesting position offering plenty of variety and autonomy, within an organization characterized by short lines of communication and efficient collaboration with enthusiastic and skilled colleagues. 

• Attractive employment benefits and extensive training opportunities. 
• A salary in pay grade 14 of the Central Government Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• An excellent work-life balance, with the option to work flexibly.
• A 36-hour workweek; 32 hours is negotiable.
• An inspiring workplace with great colleagues and a pleasant work environment. 

Where will you be working?  

The Media Authority consists of approximately 80 professionals who work daily to ensure independent oversight of the rapidly evolving audiovisual media sector and compliance with the fixed book price system. This oversight covers:   

• Public media services (national, regional, and local broadcasters);  
• Commercial media services based in the Netherlands, such as Talpa and Discovery;  
• “Video-on-demand services,” such as Netflix and Disney;  
• Video platform services, such as Snap;  
• Video uploaders (influencers); 
• Publishers and sellers of Dutch books. 

The Media Authority promotes reliable and diverse media content for everyone. This is our mission. It reflects the various public interests that we, as a regulatory body, are committed to safeguarding. Foremost among these is the public interest in ensuring that the media can fulfill their democratic functions. The Media Authority makes its decisions independently and is led by the chair of the board. 

We believe in the power of diversity

We strive to create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, valued, and seen. Diversity and inclusion are important to us—our goal is to build a team that reflects society and where different perspectives contribute to our collective success. 

Would you like to join our team? 

Please send your resume and cover letter towerken@cvdm.nl, noting “Application for Head of Research and Policy Advice.” The application process consists of several interviews and an assessment. In addition, a pre-employment screening (including a Certificate of Good Conduct and, if necessary, a reference check) is part of the process. The application deadline for this position is November 5.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Marije Ledeboer, Recruitment Business Partner, at 035-7737708 orm.ledeboer@cvdm.nl 

We do not welcome unsolicited recruitment inquiries regarding this position.