Director

The Association of Dutch Volunteer Organizations (NOV) is seeking a socially committed director.

Volunteer work is a driving force in society and plays a unifying role in helping to address various social issues in the Netherlands. The Association of Dutch Volunteer Organizations (NOV) has been widely committed for years to strengthening and supporting the diversity and value of volunteer work in the Netherlands. This role is becoming increasingly important, which is why the association is poised to take the next step in its growth. NOV is seeking a socially engaged director who will play a pivotal role in this effort and thereby contribute to further positioning the unique value of volunteer work. 

Due to the upcoming departure of our current director, we are seeking a socially committed director with a well-rounded background who can bring new and innovative perspectives to the organization and passionately promote NOV’s vision.  

Naturally, for the position of director, we are looking for someone who is a true advocate and who is well-versed in the multifaceted and diverse nature of the volunteer sector. Someone who is capable of building support for the public interest and the association among politicians, the general public, policymakers, and decision-makers. Someone who is a natural connector, has strong communication skills, and at the same time knows how to give others space. 

Above all, we are looking for someone who enjoys helping volunteer work in the Netherlands continue to contribute to addressing social issues across all sectors of our society—from healthcare and culture to nature, youth, newcomers, the elderly, and much more. And we are looking for someone who brings a healthy dose of individuality and broad experience that will help further grow the role and impact of the association. We do all of this based on the inclusive belief that volunteering is for everyone.  

NOV Association

NOV is the leading networking and advocacy organization for volunteer work in the Netherlands. NOV brings its members together, acts as a spokesperson and advocate for volunteer work, and works to improve the quality of work with volunteers, their organizations, and volunteer work policies.  

NOV has grown significantly in recent years and is on the verge of taking the next step. To that end, the board is currently developing a new strategic vision to help the organization take that step. The new director will play a key role in shaping and implementing that vision. 

The role of director 

The director serves as an advocate and key spokesperson for broad-based volunteerism in society and is uniquely skilled at bringing together a wide range of stakeholders. The director is responsible for policy development and, in doing so, responds to new and future trends in the field of volunteerism. He or she plays an initiating and advisory role toward the board and the association and, together with the board chair, serves as the voice of volunteerism in the Netherlands. 

The director leads the agency in a collaborative manner and supports staff in their professional development. The agency has 35 employees, whose responsibilities include advocacy, communications, administration/secretarial work, and, of course, the substantive programs. The director ensures sound (financial) management and secures grants and funding for NOV’s programs and projects. The association’s members are closely involved in policy development and lobbying. And as an association, NOV has an unpaid board.  

We are looking for 

A committed individual with an affinity for volunteer work and a clear vision of how to contribute to a strong civil society, who can guide the NOV Association as it grows. Someone with a well-developed understanding of administrative and political dynamics and the inner workings of a membership organization. Vereniging NOV would benefit from someone with a keen awareness of social issues and the ability to contribute to addressing them by offering innovative and refreshing solutions. Someone who is naturally a strong communicator and, at the same time, gives others a platform. Above all, we are looking for someone who is eager to fulfill this meaningful social role. 

Terms of Employment

The position of director is classified in Grade 13 of the Social Work Collective Bargaining Agreement. 

Application Process

If you are interested in the position of director, please send your application by Sunday, November 19, 2023, to the secretary of the recruitment and selection committee, Jan Korlaar, at j.korlaar@nov.nl 

If you would like to contact the committee chair in advance or have any questions about this position, please contact the committee secretary, Jan Korlaar, at j.korlaar@nov.nl. 

The dates for the job interviews have already been set and will take place in Utrecht on: 

• Wednesday, December 6, 2023 
• Monday, December 11, 2023 

Selected candidates will be invited to these interviews by December 1 at the latest.