Managing Director
CMO STAMM is the leading knowledge center for social issues in Groningen and Drenthe. Together with our partners, we create innovative solutions that contribute to a strong society—a society in which everyone participates. That is what drives us. We research, initiate, advise, and implement. Always independently. With innovative strength, expertise, and the ability to connect. With a keen eye for the people we’re doing it for. That’s how we create solutions that make a difference.
Our research and consulting focus on key societal issues such as overall well-being, poverty, civic engagement, public participation, housing, welfare, healthcare, youth, and education. Our major clients include the provinces of Groningen and Drenthe, municipalities, civil society organizations, and residents. The Groningen Social Planning Office and the Drenthe Trend Bureau are part of CMO STAMM.
We identify and monitor trends and developments, and we know what’s on people’s minds, where there are friction points, and what works. Our organization facilitates open discussion on key issues and collaborates with our partners to develop innovative solutions. For more information and to learn about our latest projects and developments, visit our websites: CMO STAMM, Sociaal Planbureau Groningen, and Trendbureau Drenthe.
CMO STAMM employs 40 colleagues, 30 of whom work as researchers or consultants. Our employees are enthusiastic and motivated, highly educated professionals who make a conscious choice to take on work “that matters.” We operate in a task-oriented manner through five flexible program teams, supported by a compact management team consisting of the Executive Director and a Manager. The organization fosters an open and proactive culture, where results, personal responsibility, collaborative learning, independence, and boldness are paramount.
The assignment
The position of Executive Director at CMO STAMM is a role that allows you to make a real difference in the social sector in Drenthe and Groningen. It is up to you to clearly and passionately communicate CMO STAMM’s mission and vision, as well as the challenges at hand, to the right stakeholders. You bring a clear focus to the challenges at hand.As Executive Director, you will operate within administrative networks focused on social challenges. You will constantly bridge the gap between the work of CMO STAMM/Planbureau Groningen/Trendbureau Drenthe and the information you hear, see, and gather within the network. In doing so, you steer the advisory and research agenda to ensure it aligns with the themes that the province, municipalities, and social partners are working on, wish to address, or must tackle. This gives the research meaning and translates it into regional and local practice. Knowledge development, innovation, and learning from practice are areas you will focus on. In doing so, you will make maximum and meaningful use of the Advisory Board. You will also enable the Supervisory Board to optimally fulfill its supervisory role regarding the oversight of operational management and the oversight of the (substantive) role fulfillment. The focus of the assignment for the coming years is:
- The further development of the content of the Drenthe Trend Bureau and the Groningen Planning Bureau;
- Ensuring the long-term role of the planning agencies;
- Establishing the role and expanding the scope of the Distinguished Professor of Broad Well-being and (In)equality of Opportunity;
- Further developing the organization with a focus on achieving the optimal integration between the advisory and research pillars;
- Ensuring the organization is managed in a sound and responsible manner within a dynamic political context.
Who are we looking for?
Our organization is unique, conducting regionally focused, academic research on social challenges that can be applied in regional and local political contexts. In addition, CMO STAMM has an innovative advisory arm, meaning: measuring, knowing, and also developing and taking action! And that calls for a special Executive Director with a clear vision. To accomplish all of this, you must have a demonstrable affinity for social challenges and a passion for research. You are a born networker. Connecting people and ideas comes naturally to you. You are also a skilled negotiator and can effectively advocate for the interests of the organization you represent. But always with an eye toward social challenges and the political context.As Managing Director, you inspire people within the organization as well as partners outside it. Your leadership helps the organization achieve its full potential, guiding the organization’s activities while also giving its professionals the freedom to thrive. You have courage, creativity, and the confidence to make decisions—even on complex issues that are difficult and require courage. You do this with conviction and ensure that you remain constantly connected to the organization and the network in which you operate. Furthermore, you possess:
- University-level work and intellectual ability;
- At least 5–10 years of relevant work experience in a managerial or executive role;
- Extensive experience leading highly educated professionals.
- Demonstrable knowledge of the social sector and social challenges;
- A demonstrable affinity with the Northern Netherlands;
- Administrative sensitivity;
- A demonstrable affinity for research and its application in practice.
In short: we are looking for a truly passionate professional—an authentic individual with a deep love for Groningen and Drenthe—who can help CMO STAMM continue to grow.
What do we offer?
CMO STAMM in Groningen offers a diverse Executive Director position within a dynamic, flexible organization featuring challenging assignments, professional opportunities for growth, and colleagues who are passionate about building a better society. It is an environment where entrepreneurship and creativity are valued. Our environment is highly dynamic and requires a strong ability to adapt. We therefore invest heavily in the ongoing development of our (learning) organization. You will be well rewarded with:- A position for 36 hours per week;
- The salary is competitive in accordance with the Social Work Collective Bargaining Agreement, with pay grade determined based on knowledge and experience;
- CMO STAMM also offers attractive benefits, including a flexible spending account, a career development fund, and group health insurance.
