Managing Director

The School Writer

For 14 years, we have been dedicated to fostering a love of reading and improving writing skills among children, because this is the key to success in school and in society. With the help of professional children’s book authors such as Enne Koens, Simon van der Geest, and Sanne Rooseboom, we bring stories to life and inspire children to discover their own stories. Through innovative programs like the Monthly Program, the Semester Program, and the School Writer Academy, we are committed to a world where every child has the opportunity to grow up with strong language skills and a rich imagination.

Working at De Schoolschrijver means contributing to children’s futures. You’ll be laying the foundation for language skills and a love of reading, and helping to increase our social impact. You’ll do this as part of an inspiring and creative organization that’s always looking for new ways to fulfill its mission.

With support from organizations such as the Basic Infrastructure for Culture (BIS), the Amsterdam Fund for the Arts (AFK), and private donors, we are working toward our mission with a small, dedicated team. Our impact extends into classrooms and beyond.

New phase

De Schoolschrijver recently took an important step: the establishment of an independent limited liability company (BV) as a spin-off. One of its successful products, the learning pathway, will be transferred to this company for commercial marketing. This opens up new opportunities, but also requires a strong focus on further positioning the foundation and its core activities: the Monthly Program, the Semi-Annual Program, and the Academy.

The coming period will be focused on the separation of the foundation and the private limited company, a process that requires frequent coordination and attention to content, personnel, and finances. At the same time, there is an opportunity to further strengthen the foundation’s position as a recognizable, high-quality partner within the education and cultural sectors.

Your role as managing director

As Executive Director, you will be at the helm of De Schoolschrijver during a time of transformation. Your vision and entrepreneurial spirit are crucial to safeguarding and strengthening our social mission. You will lead the spin-off of our new company and help shape the future of the foundation.

You are an inspiring leader who brings people and ideas together. You drive innovation, strengthen existing partnerships, and build new relationships, both within the education and cultural sectors and with private funders. Together with a passionate team, you ensure that De Schoolschrijver remains a leading figure in the field of reading, writing, and language skills.

What you'll be doing:

• Strategic leadership: You will provide direction for the foundation’s future positioning and strengthen its social impact. You will oversee the continued separation of the foundation and the limited liability company.
• Inspiring connections: You build bridges between the foundation, the corporation, and external partners in the education and cultural sectors.
• Innovation and entrepreneurship: You see opportunities for growth and development within the foundation and know how to capitalize on them.
• Organizational Development: You will lead a motivated team and ensure a healthy balance between creativity and efficiency.

What we're looking for

We are looking for an energetic and collaborative leader with a fresh perspective and a keen sense of social impact. You are enterprising, creative, and have a natural talent for inspiring people.

What you bring to the table:

• An affinity for education and language, combined with experience in strategic and operational leadership.
• An innovative and entrepreneurial mindset, with an eye for new opportunities and possibilities.
• Professionalism combined with a human touch: warm professionalism.
• A collaborative leadership style that motivates people and strengthens teamwork.
• Open and transparent communication, with a good sense of humor.
• Experience with or understanding of administrative processes and complex stakeholder environments.

What do we offer?

• A meaningful role within a leading organization in the language and education sector.
• An enthusiastic, small, and dedicated team where you can make an immediate impact.
• Terms of employment in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement for Arts Education:
• Estimated salary: €6,500–€7,200 gross per month (38 hours per week).
• 8% vacation pay and a 5% year-end bonus.
• Flexible working hours and a dynamic work environment.

Procedure

De Schoolschrijver is working with the executive search firm Colourful People to fill this position. For more information about the role or the application process, please contact Jantien Plooij, a partner at Colourful People (06-17703534) or via j.plooij@colourfulpeople.nl.

You can express your interest by uploading a cover letter and resume (in PDF format) via the Colourful People website by February 18, 2025. Once your application has been successfully uploaded, you will receive a confirmation email. Didn’t receive it? Please contact Jantien Plooij. Rest assured that your information will be treated confidentially.

Schedule

The interviews will be held on March 13 (first round) and March 19 (second round). 

Recruitment agencies are asked to refrain from contacting us regarding this job opening.