Board Member, Critical Mass - Communications

Critical Mass creates critical mass for an inclusive society. We do this by offering a diverse perspective through experiential learning. We develop creative concepts that stimulate dialogue on socially urgent, contentious issues. We spark people’s curiosity about other perspectives. Well-known concepts include “Through Different Eyes ” and “FRIEND & FOE in the Classroom.” In this way, we increase awareness and the willingness to take action among individuals, as well as within organizations and systems, to contribute to a society that offers space for everyone.

To achieve this mission, we develop and offer interactive workshops and teaching kits, games, and projects that engage schools, businesses, and organizations. We also design custom installations, games, and projects for museums and public spaces.

Critical Mass focuses its programs on three target groups and is organized accordingly:

• Education
  
• Companies and organizations
  
• Public and cultural audiences

The organization is undergoing rapid development and growth. This calls for further professionalization, both in our operations and at the management level. We are currently focusing heavily on our positioning, with a view to maintaining our unique identity. We are well on our way to strengthening our financial health. There is room to make further strategic decisions to expand our impact.

We are a small, informal organization. Day-to-day management is handled by the director appointed by the board. The organization has approximately 10 employees. For our workshops and training sessions, we work with a closely-knit community of about 25 facilitators and trainers. We also have a broad network of creative professionals. Final responsibility lies with the board.

The Critical Mass board currently consists of 3 members. To support the professionalization of our organization, we would like to expand it to 5 members. We are currently looking for:

Board Member – Communications (Junior)

We want to reassess the expectations regarding the roles and responsibilities of the board, as well as the division of and coordination between the roles and responsibilities of the board and the executive management. It is the specific responsibility of the new chair to oversee this process.

The board bears ultimate responsibility for the foundation’s mission and all its activities. The board serves as the director’s employer. Through management and board regulations, the preparation and implementation of policy are delegated to the director and an operational team. The board meets 4 to 6 times a year to discuss progress and plays a key role in shaping the vision and strategy, as well as in developing and maintaining a network for Critical Mass. These meetings generally take place in the evenings at the Critical Mass office in Utrecht. There are a few occasions (1 to 2) each year when the board and the team meet. Board members are also available for questions, advice, and decisions that need to be made on short notice. Board members proactively promote the foundation’s philosophy and utilize their networks for this purpose.

Board members serve on a volunteer basis and are reimbursed for expenses incurred. Members are appointed for a term of four years, with the possibility of renewal for a maximum of one additional term.

As a director of Critical Mass:

• You guide and advise on Critical Mass’s strategic decisions in line with our mission. You are aware of current issues in our society regarding diversity, inclusion, and equality as they relate to one of our target groups (education, businesses and organizations, and the public-cultural sector).
  
• Are you a Critical Mass ambassador? You support our philosophy, our mission, and our approach. You have a network through which you can promote Critical Mass and its philosophy, and you’re willing to play an active role in this.
  
• Do you ensure that the principles of Critical Mass are upheld and that the strategic direction aligns with them?
  
• You will also help ensure the inclusivity of our organization. You will do this by drawing on your own inclusive perspective. You are able to reflect on your own perspective and are open to new perspectives.
  
• You act as a sounding board for the executive team. You are willing to provide input at scheduled times or contribute in other ways.

Specifically with regard to the marketing communications portfolio:

• We advise you on marketing and communication issues.
  
• You ensure that our communications are inclusive. You do this from your own inclusive perspective. You are able to reflect on your own perspective and are open to new perspectives.
  
• Do you monitor the progress of the results from a marketing communications perspective?
  

Profile

• You feel a connection to and passion for the ideals of Critical Mass.
  
• You work and think from an inclusive and equitable perspective and naturally embody these values.
  
• You are a strategic thinker.
  
• You have experience in one or more fields related to Critical Mass and bring a relevant network to the table (thematic/sector/target audience).
  
• You are approachable and serve as an accessible sounding board for the director and the operational team.
  
• At this stage of the organization’s development, the foundation and its management need a board and a chairperson with a proactive attitude.
  
• You are a strategic thinker with expertise in communication and stakeholder management.
  
• Administrative experience is a plus. There is room to learn.
  
• You have access to networks where many young people are active.
  

Critical Mass is committed to a diverse, inclusive society. We also want to ensure this diversity within our team and board so that we can effectively approach our work from a variety of perspectives. For this reason, when candidates are equally qualified, we give preference to those with a bicultural and/or immigrant background.

What are the benefits?

• New and inspiring encounters with, among others, versatile and open-minded fellow board members, the director, and the creative and passionate team members.
  
• The opportunity to collectively build critical mass for an inclusive society and achieve lasting impact.
  
• The opportunity to participate—where possible—in projects related to diversity, inclusion, and equality, to visit exhibitions, and to experience art installations.
  
• The opportunity to learn the ropes as a board member. You will receive guidance from one of the other board members.
  

For more information and feedback:

If you are interested in this position, please send your resume and cover letter by May 5, 2025, to bestuur@criticalmass.nl. If you have any questions, please contact current board members Jelmer Uitentuis or Gert-Jan Hanekamp at bestuur@criticalmass.nl. For more information about our work and projects, please visit www.criticalmass.nl