Member of the Supervisory Board, Education Profile

Information about the organization: 

Appropriate Education West-Friesland (primary and secondary education) consists of De Westfriese Knoop (primary education) and the West-Friesland Secondary Education Partnership.  Thirteen school boards participate in primary education, and nine in secondary education. The program operates based on the vision that every child can receive an education close to home. In the region, Appropriate Education West-Friesland plays a key role in connecting education, youth services, and municipalities, and in advancing the transition toward inclusive education. 

The organization is currently undergoing a process of professionalization, focused on developing more coherent policies, strengthening operational practices, collaborating with local governments, and ensuring stable governance. The financial foundation is sound, but the regional administrative landscape requires careful coordination and strategic insight. For more information about this partnership, please refer to the annual reports and support plan of both associations:annual reports for primary and secondary educationand theSupport Plan for Primary and Secondary Education WFL 22-26.

Governance

The Supervisory Board consists of three members with backgrounds in education, finance, and law. The board provides values-driven oversight of the partnership’s strategic direction, the quality of its implementation, and its day-to-day operations. The board operates within an open and collegial culture, with respect for everyone’s role and expertise.

For this position, we are seeking a successor with a background in education, or ideally also in youth services or the social sector. The new supervisor will help forge a strong link between finance, governance, sector development, and the shared mission of achieving more inclusive education in the region. The appointment will take place in mid-March 2026 and is based on a recommendation from the Support Plan Council (OPR). 

Who are we looking for?

You are an experienced professional with strategic knowledge of education, youth services, or inclusive education. You will support the executive director in further developing a solid foundation. You bring experience in navigating a complex administrative environment.

We are looking for someone who:

• Administrative or senior management experience in education, and preferably in youth services or the social sector
• Has a clear vision of quality, inclusive education and its connection to youth services
• A shift from a process-oriented to a transformation-oriented approach in the mission toward inclusive education
• Has knowledge of governance and the role of oversight
• Is sensitive to regional dynamics and collaboration within a complex environment involving many stakeholders
• Has strong analytical skills and contributes to stability, quality, and continuity
• Contributes to a professional supervisory team in a constructive and collegial manner.

What do you bring to the table?

• The ability to reflect and an independent, principled approach.
• Diplomacy and inclusive leadership
• Ability to provide calmness, guidance, and reflection in complex situations
• Preferably experience working with local governments 

Diversity and Composition of the Board

Given the current composition of the Supervisory Board, preference is given to a male candidate.
At the same time, the board places great value on diversity in background and perspective, including experiential expertise and cultural diversity. Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply if they can contribute an innovative or complementary perspective.

Time spent and compensation

• The Supervisory Board meets about six times a year
• In addition, there are supplementary meetings with the OPR, GMR-p, and ALV, as well as opportunities for consultation with the director. The member with an educational background attends the OPR meeting at least once a year. Furthermore, the Board of Trustees visits a number of schools or facilities each year. 
• The total time commitment averages about 10 hours per month.
• The salary is over €8,000 per year.

Procedure

The Supervisory Board is working with the executive search firm Colourful People on the recruitment and selection process. For more information about the partnerships, the Supervisory Board, and the position, please contact Monique Spaansen, a partner at Colourful People (m.spaansen@colourfulpeople.nl) or call 06-5152 6255.

You can express your interest by uploading your cover letter and resume via the application form on the Colourful People websiteby January 20. The online preliminary interviews with Monique are scheduled for the first week of February. The interviews with the selection committee and a follow-up interview with the Board of Trustees and the Executive Director are scheduled for the evenings of February 11 and 19, with the goal of having the new supervisor start in April.