Member of the Supervisory Board

General Information about IPABO

IPABO University of Applied Sciences is a single-sector university with campuses in Amsterdam and Alkmaar. The university offers degree programs, continuing education, and research focused on teachers and administrators in primary education, as well as continuing education for educational professionals in childcare and early childhood education. In addition, practice-oriented research for the benefit of these educational professionals is a core mission. With our campuses in Amsterdam and Alkmaar, we train students for a wide range of elementary schools and early childhood education centers. From highly urbanized areas, where students from very diverse cultural backgrounds come together, to areas experiencing population decline, where the elementary school is the beating heart of a vibrant village. Our social mission—to help address the teacher shortage—runs as a common thread throughout this spectrum.

Organizational characteristics

IPABO University of Applied Sciences focuses on various religious traditions and on diversity in general. Philosophical and religious issues therefore play an important role. For example, bachelor’s students have the opportunity to explore a specific philosophical or religious tradition in greater depth as part of their program: Catholic, Protestant, Islamic, or general philosophy of life.

IPABO University of Applied Sciences’ teaching and research programs are delivered by approximately 60 enthusiastic and knowledgeable faculty members and researchers to a student body of about 1,200. As a small, high-quality university of applied sciences, it maintains various strategic partnerships in the region as well as domestically and internationally. The university collaborates closely with elementary schools in the region, including through the “Samen Opleiden Noord-Holland” initiative. The Board of Directors reports to the Supervisory Board and consults regularly with the Student and Staff Council, in which both staff and students have a voice. In the coming period, recruitment will begin for a new director due to the retirement of the current director in January 2024.

Diversity

Based on its mission, vision, and values, as well as the composition of its student body, the university is highly attuned to the environment in which diversity is a key issue. The university has signed the Amsterdam Agreement for diverse, inclusive, and socially engaged higher education, scientific, and knowledge institutions. This agreement states that we are jointly committed to an inclusive and equitable learning and working environment in which there is no place for racism and discrimination.

General Characteristics of the Supervisory Board

The Board supervises the Executive Board and the general affairs of the university of applied sciences and advises the Executive Board. The manner in which the Board carries out these duties is set forth in the Regulations of the Supervisory Board. Documents containing this information can be viewed via this link: IPABO governance. Each member of the Supervisory Board must be qualified to assess the broad outlines of the overall policy.

Due to the resignation of a current board member following the expiration of their term, IPABO is seeking a board member with expertise in educational administration who can serve as a knowledgeable sounding board for the board.

Specific qualifications for the Supervisory Board member to be recruited with administrative experience in education

The specific skills required are:

• Extensive experience as a manager in education or a related field
• Experience as a supervisor
• Can contribute to a professional environment and value-driven, future-proof leadership within an organization with an important social mission
• Understanding the dynamics of higher education and research
• An affinity for elementary education and a clear understanding of current trends in education
• A fresh perspective and a unique approach to strengthening administrative decision-making and the positioning of the university

The personal qualities we are looking for:

• Independent-minded, enterprising, self-reliant, and a team player
• Inspiring and unifying
• Can contribute to a diverse and inclusive educational environment and supports the organization’s denomination, vision, and mission

Commitment and expectations

The Supervisory Board meets an average of six times a year. This member will also serve on a committee (Education and Audit) and will attend three to four separate meetings per year for that purpose. The dynamic within the current Supervisory Board is pleasant and open, including in its relationship with the Executive Board. Relations are good; members act with integrity and are mindful of their social mission. The new member is expected to demonstrate an active and engaged attitude, while maintaining sufficient administrative distance.

Independence

The independence of the Supervisory Board is guaranteed in accordance with the criteria set forth in the Sector Code for Governance at Universities of Applied Sciences. The members of the Supervisory Board and their family members have not been employed by IPABO in the past five years. They are not board members of any organization in which the Executive Board serves on the Supervisory Board. They are not employed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science.

Compensation

When determining the remuneration of members of the Supervisory Board, the laws and regulations governing the compensation of senior executives in the (semi-)public sector and the Industry Code are taken into account.

Procedure

The IPABO Supervisory Board is being assisted in the recruitment and selection process by the executive search firm Colourful People. For more information about IPABO University of Applied Sciences, the Supervisory Board, and the position, please contact Monique Spaansen, partner at Colourful People (M.Spaansen@colourfulpeople.nl). You can express your interest by submitting your cover letter and resume via the Colourful People website by April 6. Interviews with the selection committee are scheduled for the afternoon of Friday, April 21, with the goal of having the new board member start in June.