Communications Advisor for Digital Transformation

The VO-raad and PO-Raad are seeking a strategic communications advisor for the “Safe and Thoughtful Digitization” project for the period from February through September 1, 2023.   

Recent developments, such as privacy concerns surrounding Google and various cyberattacks,have highlighted the importance of raising the level of information security and privacy (ISP) in elementary education. Furthermore, the impact of security incidents increases as education becomes more digitized.

Through the “Safe and Thoughtful Digitization” project, the PO-Raad and VO-Raad are committed to raising awareness among school boards and schools about their responsibilities regarding digitization, and specifically information security and privacy. Awareness and professionalization go beyond the role of the administrator alone and require collaboration between administrators, school leaders, IT staff, and teachers. This awareness, professionalization, and behavioral change are necessary to mitigate unwanted risks and capitalize on opportunities for education. 

For more information about the VO-Raad and PO-Raad, visit www.vo-raad.nl and www.poraad.nl  

The position: 

We are currently seeking a strategic communications advisor to work with the project team to develop and implement a communications strategy for the “Safe and Thoughtful Digitization” project.

• You will be (jointly) responsible for developing the communication strategy.
• You will coordinate the implementation of this strategy and actively participate in its execution.
• You will coordinate with the relevant policy advisors and project manager regarding developments and progress. You will also coordinate with the target audience. In addition, you will collaborate with the communications advisors from partner organizations such as Kennisnet, SIVON, and the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science (OCW).

The “Safe and Thoughtful Digitization” project is part of the Digital Safety in Primary and Secondary Education Program. In this role, you will therefore represent the PO-Raad and VO-raad in the communication meetings held as part of this program.

The Project Team: 

The project team consists of the project manager, a project assistant, a communications advisor, and a project support staff member. The project team is part of the Councils’ Digitalization, Privacy, and Information Management team and works closely with the relevant policy advisors.  

The project team is also collaborating with Kennisnet, SIVON, and the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science.  

We ask: 

• A seasoned communications professional with experience in developing and implementing communications strategies in a dynamic and complex environment.
• Experience in using communication to drive behavioral change and address change-related issues.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to effectively oversee a wide range of issues. An awareness of the broader context, particularly in administrative and political terms.
• Knowledge of and experience with early childhood education is a plus.
• College-level and/or university-level work and thinking skills. 

We offer: 

The opportunity to make a crucial contribution to the core activities of the VO-raad and PO-Raad, and thereby to K-12 education in the Netherlands. You’ll be sitting at the table with all the key stakeholders in the sector when it comes to digitization and education. And you’ll gain demonstrable sector-specific knowledge of K-12 education. 

The VO-raad is offering a position for the period from February 2023 to September 1, 2023, at 0.6 FTE in pay grade 11 of the Collective Labor Agreement for Secondary Education, along with an excellent benefits package.  

We would prefer to offer you an employment contract for the duration of the assignment; however, it is also possible to perform the work on a self-employed basis or through a staffing agency.

Apply: 

If you are interested, please send us your cover letter and resume by February 15. You can send them to vacature@vo-raad.nl.

For more information about this position, please contact Stan Termeer, Head of Communications and Public Affairs, at stantermeer@vo-raad.nl or 06 128 74414.