Member of the Supervisory Board - Political/Administrative Profile

About the Toneelmakerij

De Toneelmakerij produces performances of the highest caliber, creating opportunities for children and young people aged 0 to 100 to explore all kinds of worlds that are familiar to them—yet often also unfamiliar. We make complex issues relatable to a (young) audience, thereby sparking meaningful conversation. Our productions premiere annually in the main auditorium of ITA, but we also perform in classrooms and neighborhoods. With over 30,000 visitors and more than 200 performances a year, we are one of the leading theater organizations for young audiences with a national reach and strong roots in Amsterdam. We place a strong emphasis on being accessible to every child: that’s why we bring stories from all corners of the world, and through our “Alle Kinderen naar Theater” project, we provide free tickets to families who normally cannot afford to go to the theater.

We are a collective of creators and free thinkers: writers, directors, dramaturgs, educational content creators, actors, designers, musicians, and more. We provide a space, extend invitations, collaborate, and co-produce. Our strength lies in this open attitude toward one another, our partners, and the world.

Our mission is to help as many children and young people as possible realize that the world is bigger than themselves. We want to challenge and inspire them to look at the world and at each other with a sense of curiosity. We hold up a mirror to our audience and offer new perspectives. In a polarized world, we seek connection. We inspire our audience through humor, wonder, and a sense of perspective. De Toneelmakerij opens up your world! 

 We perform, of course, in all neighborhoods of Amsterdam, at venues and in schools, but we also tour Dutch cities and are frequently invited to perform internationally. Our scripts are regularly translated (in the previous arts plan, for example, into German, English, French, Hungarian, and Swedish), allowing us to reach an international young audience through other theater companies as well.

De Toneelmakerij is part of both the national and Amsterdam-based Basisinfrastructuur network and adheres to the Code of Cultural Governance, the Code of Diversity and Inclusion, and the Fair Practice Code.

The Supervisory Board of the Toneelmakerij

Description of the Management and Oversight Philosophy

De Toneelmakerij operates in accordance with the principles of the Cultural Governance Code and is governed according to the Supervisory Board model. The Supervisory Board (RvT) has three roles: supervisory, advisory, and employer. The RvT carries out its work in a professional and independent manner. The SB of the Toneelmakerij is thus responsible for the preservation and continuity of the Toneelmakerij, oversees the functioning of the board, and serves as an employer and sparring partner to the directors. The Board of Trustees adopts the annual budget. Within that financial framework, the Board of Directors is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Toneelmakerij, including artistic decisions, productions, organization, and maintaining contact with and soliciting grants and funds. More generally, the Board of Trustees ensures that the Board of Directors and the staff adequately implement the objectives of the Toneelmakerij.

The Supervisory Board meets at least four times a year for a meeting prepared by the chair and the executive director. Members are appointed for a term of four years, with the possibility of renewal for up to four additional years. Members of the Supervisory Board receive compensation for their work.

Expected line-up

Members of the Board of Trustees are expected to:

• wish to serve as an ambassador for the Toneelmakerij in word and deed;
  
• want to oversee management’s policies, have the time to do so, and serve as a committed sounding board for management;
• contribute critically and independently to decision-making within the supervisory board and have no conflict of interest in doing so;
• endorse the Cultural Governance Code, the Diversity & Inclusion Code, and the Fair Practice Code, and act in accordance with them.

Personal profile

Members of the Board of Trustees are, above all, enthusiastic and motivated to support the Toneelmakerij. The atmosphere at meetings is informal yet professional. Transparency and integrity are held in the highest regard. Members are constructively critical of one another and the management and are solution-oriented. In addition, each member has the ability to assess various issues in a balanced manner (and, if necessary, in context), is independent and reliable, is a good listener, and is open to other opinions.

Job Description

Since we plan to expand the Supervisory Board from four to five members, we are looking for a new member.

Your responsibilities:

• Contribute to the development of the organization's strategic policy.
• Providing expert advice and overseeing the implementation of cultural policy.
• Actively contribute to building support for the Toneelmakerij’s plans at both the regional and national levels.
• Critically evaluating proposals and plans related to cultural initiatives.

Profile:

• Extensive administrative and/or political experience, preferably in the field of cultural policy.
• A proven network in politics, with a specific focus on cultural policy in Amsterdam where possible.
• Excellent lobbying skills and experience in reconciling diverse interests.
• An interest in art and culture is required.

Procedure

De Toneelmakerij is being assisted in this process by the executive search firm Colourful People. For more information about De Toneelmakerij, the Supervisory Board, the specific Supervisory Board position, or the process, please contact Jantien Plooij, senior partner at Colourful People (06-18403805). You can express your interest by submitting a cover letter and resume (PDF) via the Colourful People website. Rest assured that your information will be treated confidentially.

Schedule

The application deadline for this position is December 6. Interviews with the selection committee are scheduled for December 20. The anticipated appointment is scheduled for January 2024.