Member of the Supervisory Board with financial expertise
The Fund for Special Journalistic Projects is seeking a new member for its Supervisory Board to serve on the Audit Committee. We are looking for someone who, in addition to their regular job, is willing to invest time and energy to contribute to developing and safeguarding the fund’s mission and strategy. This person should have demonstrable expertise and experience in finance and operations within organizations, and preferably also broader experience with grant funding and compliance.
About the Fund
The BJP Fund was established over thirty years ago for journalists and by journalists. As an independent foundation, we facilitate in-depth journalism and enable journalists to research backgrounds, dig deeper, and uncover news. We do this by providing financial support to journalists for their projects, by facilitating the training of a new generation of investigative journalists, and by enabling journalists to continue their professional development. More information about the Fund and its grant programs can be found on our website.
About the role
As a member of the Supervisory Board, you will form a team together with the other six members. Together, you will oversee the journalistic quality, integrity, and direction of the BJP Fund from a governance perspective. The board serves as a sounding board for and employer of the executive director who manages the agency. The board also approves the budget and annual financial statements and consults with the auditor and the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science.
There are at least five board meetings per year, which take place at the Fund’s office in Amsterdam. In addition, as a member of the Audit Committee, you will meet five times a year. In that capacity, you will advise the Executive Director and the Supervisory Board on the structure and functioning of the planning and control cycle, as well as on matters related to finance, risk management, HRM, facilities, and IT.
What we offer
As a member of the Supervisory Board, you will be part of a large and inspiring network of journalists, supporting organizations, and Fund advisors who are committed to supporting journalism in the Netherlands. You will be invited to journalistic gatherings and other events organized by the BJP Fund. As a member of the Supervisory Board, you are a key link in an organization that has an impact on the Dutch (investigative) journalism field. This is an unpaid position for which a volunteer allowance is available.
What we're looking for
You have a strong background in finance and business and have experience in this field. You are enthusiastic and a team player. You are willing to invest time and energy in the Supervisory Board alongside your regular work. You have a good understanding of Dutch journalism, the developments, and the innovations taking place within the field. You have a clear vision of what constitutes good journalism and your role as a Supervisory Board member. Supervisory experience is not a strict requirement, but it is an advantage. You identify with the profile for members of the Supervisory Board, which is based on the principles of the Governance Code for Culture, available here.
The BJP Fund is committed to reflecting the diversity of society in its organizational structure and policies. We therefore welcome applications from candidates whose backgrounds are currently underrepresented in our organization.
Interested?
Are you interested in this position? Please send your resume and a brief cover letter to vacatures@fondsbjp.nl by August 10 at the latest, with the subject line “Supervisory Board.” The first interviews will take place between August 21 and 23 in Utrecht. For more information, please contact Lem van Eupen (lemvaneupen@gmail.com), Chair of the Supervisory Board, or Arne Westerhof (a.westerhof@performa.nl), member of the Audit Committee.
