Director

“Learning today for tomorrow”—that is what Meer Primair stands for. Meer Primair is an organization with an interdenominational identity and a diverse portfolio of 17 schools. More than 570 employees (approximately 400 full-time equivalents) provide inspiring and meaningful education to about 5,000 students in the Haarlemmermeer region. The foundation has a budget of 35 million euros and was formed eight years ago through a merger of two organizations. Last year, the organization transitioned to a single-person board; this administrative transition will be largely finalized by 2022. The organization is in good shape, with its finances and the basic quality of education in order.

Meer Primair believes that a child who is happy and feels understood develops best. Our core values are: professionalism, development, connection, inspiration, and continuity. Meer Primair embodies its Christian identity and is open to everyone. We work in mutual connection, solidarity, and shared responsibility. We shape meaningful education within a learning organization that fosters quality and professional growth. For more information about the organization, see: Meer Primair

Due to the current director’s upcoming retirement, we are looking for a new director. The goal is for the new director to start around June 2023, to allow for a handover period.

What does the job entail?

We are looking for a leader who can further strengthen the organization in the areas of leadership, educational development, and community engagement. The organization is large enough to have strategic significance, yet compact enough to operate with agility. We need a people-oriented leader who values and preserves what works well, but who also approaches challenges with a focus on development and turns them into opportunities.

The director oversees the school principals and the Meer Primair (support) office. Principals work independently at their own school sites. In addition, they collaborate in groups with staff on policy agendas and have the opportunity to develop their skills in this area. Principals also meet in cluster meetings to discuss common educational themes. The Meer Primair office consists of policy advisors and staff in the areas of HR, finance, education and quality, communications, facilities, IT, and an administrative secretariat.

Supervisory Board and GMR

Internal oversight is carried out by the Supervisory Board (RvT) and the GMR in accordance with the Code of Good Governance in Primary Education and is supported by the board secretary. The Supervisory Board operates through four committees and consults with the director to agree on the strategic themes to which it will pay particular attention in its oversight. The GMR also operates through four committees. The GMR, Supervisory Board, and administration meet twice a year and enjoy a pleasant working relationship.

There is close collaboration with the Haarlemmermeer Childcare Foundation to strengthen education and childcare in the broadest sense. Efforts are underway to further develop schools into child-centered centers and community schools. In recent years, significant work has been done to organize and design educational programs for the children of expats and new Dutch residents.

The new strategic policy plan for 2023–2027 is currently being developed, with the goal of finalizing it in April. The policy plan includes the following themes, among others: collaboration with other organizations in the transition to child-centered centers or community schools, internationalization, technological developments, growing labor shortages, housing, sustainability and healthy schools, equal opportunity and holistic development, and sustainability and vitality. In addition, the shortage of teachers calls for collaboration and new approaches.

Who are we looking for?

You will bring:

• Experience in a leadership role within an educational organization or an organization with a similar mission
• Affinity with the foundation’s philosophical identity
• Experience in facilitating collaborations between and within organizations. You have experience in building and maintaining networks to foster synergy in addressing societal challenges
• Strategic acumen and experience in designing, implementing, and monitoring policy. You have a clear understanding of the bigger picture and the long term, but also an eye for day-to-day operations
• Experience in organizational development and cultural change
• You can set clear guidelines, communicate clearly, and create space for professionals
• Responsibility and experience in sound business management
• Experience with the political landscape and the impact of legislation on civil society organizations

And preferably:

• A clear and comprehensive vision of education and educational development
• Are you familiar with the Haarlemmermeer area?

Your personal qualities are:

• Connecting and appreciative, you have an eye for quality and talent
• Clear and engaged in communication, open and transparent. You’re a good listener, even when it comes to what’s left unsaid
• Inspiring and you can delegate
• Committed to learning and development, you are willing to push the boundaries—for yourself, others, and the organization
  
  

What do we offer?

You will be working in a dynamic organization at the heart of the community, alongside enthusiastic professionals who are deeply committed and have a “can-do” attitude. The organization is committed to continuous improvement and welcomes input from stakeholders. Primair is widely recognized as a great employer and a pleasant work environment. The position of director is classified as Class D, Complexity 10, under the Collective Labor Agreement for Primary Education.

Would you like to comment?

Meer Primair is working with the executive search firm Colourful People for its recruitment and selection process. Are you interested in this position? For more information about the organization and the role, please contact Monique Spaansen, senior partner at Colourful People (M.Spaansen@colourfulpeople.nl). You can express your interest by submitting a cover letter and resume by February 7 via the Colourful People website. Interviews with the selection committee are scheduled for Friday, February 24, and Friday, March 10. An assessment may be part of the process.