Member of the Supervisory Board - Finance and Operations Profile

About Inholland University of Applied Sciences

Inholland University of Applied Sciences trains independently thinking professionals and develops practice-oriented knowledge. In doing so, the university makes a meaningful contribution to an inclusive society and to the transition toward a sustainable and resilient future. What grows within an individual at Inholland has a ripple effect on others: in education and research, in the workplace, and in the region. Development never stops at the individual here; it continually strengthens society as a whole.

With over 23,000 students and campuses in Alkmaar, Amsterdam, Delft, The Hague, Dordrecht, Haarlem, and Rotterdam, Inholland is a comprehensive university of applied sciences in the Randstad with strong regional ties. It is precisely this connection to the region that is one of its key strengths. Inholland collaborates closely with businesses, government agencies, and civil society organizations on issues related to health, sustainability, technology, education, the economy, and quality of life. A new building has recently been completed in Amsterdam, and renovations are underway at part of the Alkmaar campus. At the same time, Inholland is working to build a future-proof organization that optimally supports education and research.

This context calls for a constant focus on the public value of higher education, the quality and accessibility of degree programs, and the university’s role in the region and the ecosystem for knowledge and innovation. This requires clear strategic choices, financial and organizational agility, and operational management that sustainably supports the university’s social mission.

The coming years will be focused on the university’s further development and positioning. In addition to digitization, AI, lifelong learning, and evolving labor market challenges, Inholland is facing declining student enrollment and financial pressures within higher education.

It is precisely in this context that Inholland is seeking a supervisor with experience in guiding organizations through periods of financial, organizational, and social change.

Supervision with Impact

The Board of Trustees exercises comprehensive oversight of the Executive Board’s performance and the general affairs of the university of applied sciences. In addition, the Board serves as an employer and strategic partner. The Board of Trustees consists of five members and operates through three committees: Education & Research, Audit, and Compensation & Governance.

The new member is expected to actively contribute to the discussion on the future of higher professional education and Inholland’s role in society. This involves not only financial sustainability and governance, but also issues related to education and research, digitization, facilities, regional cooperation, organizational development, and the impact of societal changes on students, staff, and society.

Within the audit committee, the emphasis is on strategic oversight and the ability to approach financial and operational issues from the perspective of the university’s social mission. The committee works in an open, professional, and collegial atmosphere alongside the board of directors, those responsible for operational management within the organization, and the external auditor.

The new member will join the audit committee and, after approximately one year, assume the chairmanship of the committee. This will provide an opportunity to work with the current committee chair and the member yet to be recruited to further shape the development of the audit committee and the way in which financial and operational matters are overseen.

Profile

We are looking for a supervisor who:

• has experience in an administrative, supervisory, or similar strategic context and understands governance issues within complex organizations;
• brings expertise in the areas of finance, business operations, IT, auditing, and risk management;
• has experience with strategic issues in public or socially oriented organizations, such as funding, organizational development, digitization, facilities, and real estate, or evolving social challenges;
• understands how financial, organizational, and social issues are interrelated and is able to connect these perspectives;
• has an affinity for education, practice-oriented research, and the social role of knowledge institutions;
• operates independently and meets the requirements set for regulatory authorities.

Skills

The new regulatory authority:

• links financial and business issues to social value, educational quality, and research;
• combines analytical skills with managerial acumen and an appreciation for different perspectives;
• contributes to open and constructive cooperation within the supervisory board, the audit committee, and the executive board;
• promotes collaborative learning on strategic issues within the Audit Committee and inspires others to consistently align financial and business decisions with Inholland’s social mission;
• has an eye for innovation, social developments, and their implications for education, research, and organizational structure.

Personal qualities

We are looking for a board member who is approachable, curious, and a team player. Someone who connects easily with others, brings together different perspectives, and participates in discussions with attention and commitment. Drawing on your expertise, reflection, and curiosity, you contribute to discussions within the supervisory board and with the executive board. You know how to bridge different perspectives and ask questions that help generate new insights and lead to careful deliberations.

In this context, personal authority does not stem from one’s position, but from the quality of the conversation, the ability to listen, to ask follow-up questions, and to reach a sound judgment together.

Age, industry background, or career stage are less important than the quality of judgment, independent thinking, managerial acumen, and a willingness to learn and grow together.

In addition, we value someone who contributes to an open and pleasant atmosphere within the board. Effective oversight requires both sharp judgment and room for dialogue, reflection, and constructive discussion based on trust and mutual respect.

Diversity and Inclusion

Inholland believes that diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds contribute to better oversight and more informed decision-making. The Board of Trustees strives for a composition that reflects the diversity of students, staff, and society. We therefore invite candidates whose background, experience, or perspective can contribute to the Board’s diversity of thought and action to apply for this position.

Reimbursement

The salary for this position is in accordance with the WNT regulations and amounts to approximately €26,000 per year.

Want to learn more about the organization and its governance? Then check outInholland University of Applied Sciences’Annual Reports, Strategy, andGovernance.

Procedure

The supervisory board is being assisted in the recruitment and selection process by the executive search firm Colourful People. For more information about the organization and the position, please contact Monique Spaansen, a partner at Colourful People (m.spaansen@colourfulpeople.nl). To express interest, please upload a cover letter and resumeby August 20 usingthe “Apply” button on the job posting. Preliminary interviews with Monique are scheduled for the second half of August. Final interviews are scheduled forSeptember 14(afternoon and evening), with the goal of appointing the candidate effective October 1.