Board Member: Social Profile
Supervision with a social impact – contribute your ideas, look to the future, and build connections as a member of the Board of Trustees of Sint Josephscholen
About the St. Joseph Schools Foundation
The Sint Josephscholen Foundation is a dynamic and socially engaged Catholic educational organization in Nijmegen and the surrounding area. The foundation comprises fourteen elementary schools. Together, they provide education to over 3,900 students. What unites these schools is a shared educational vision centered on learning, development, and community. Staff members work based on trust, ownership, and a sense of connection with their students, colleagues, and the community.
The mission of Sint Josephscholen is clear and guiding: “Through inspiring and contemporary education, we offer children optimal opportunities for development. We contribute to their knowledge and skills so that they develop in a well-rounded way, gain self-awareness, and build resilience. We encourage a curious and open mindset. In this way, we guide children in their development into critical and democratic citizens and prepare them as best as possible to contribute to tomorrow’s society, in a world that is rapidly changing and often unpredictable.”
The foundation is firmly rooted in the region and operates based on the conviction that quality education begins with passionate professionals. It actively invests in collaboration, professional autonomy, and sustainable development. At the same time, innovation, inclusivity, and social impact are key concepts in the direction it has set. This includes creating space for educational innovation, partnerships with neighborhood organizations, a focus on equal opportunity, and contemporary learning environments. The coming years will be dedicated to strengthening educational quality, innovation, and being an attractive employer. Under the motto “learning with purpose,” the foundation works purposefully toward meaningful and future-oriented education that equips children for a changing world.
The foundation is led by a single-member Executive Board, which bears overall responsibility for educational quality, operational management, and the strategic development of the organization. The director works closely with the school principals, staff, and other internal bodies such as the Joint Participation Council (GMR), and together with them forms a learning and reflective organization. Supervision and a sounding board are provided by an independent Supervisory Board, which, based on commitment, expertise, and social orientation, oversees the functioning of the board and the direction of the organization. Within this governance model, roles and responsibilities are clearly defined, in line with the Funderen Education Code.
Composition and Procedures of the Supervisory Board
The Supervisory Board of the Sint Josephscholen Foundation consists of dedicated and complementary members who engage in dialogue regarding the organization’s direction, quality, and social responsibility. The board values collaboration, open dialogue, and collective reflection on the social mission of education. We are looking for people who are curious, open, and sensitive in their interactions, sharp in dialogue but always respectful of other perspectives and roles. People who draw energy from working together as a team, and who derive their authority from their perspective, experience, and manner of interaction—grounded in trust, attentiveness, and a sense of context. Due to the mandatory retirement of a member at the end of their term, we are seeking one new member for the Board of Trustees.
Member of the Supervisory Board – A broad, forward-looking perspective on social development
We are looking for a supervisor who can contribute to the discussion about the social mission of our education system with a broad and forward-looking perspective. Someone who understands the complex and changing society and can interpret the strategic challenges of our time—such as digitalization, equal opportunity, diversity, sustainability, and shifting social structures. Not based on abstract trends, but from a perspective that considers what this means for children, education professionals, and school organizations.
We are looking for a supervisor who dares to look at things creatively and differently, and who engages in dialogue about these issues in an open and reflective manner. You have an affinity for learning and development and feel at home in a context where collaboration, social relevance, and pedagogical awareness converge. You bring experience from fields such as social innovation, technology, government, or the business sector. In particular, we are open to someone from outside the education sector—someone who can enrich our thinking with insights and experiences from a different social context.
What do we expect from you as a supervisor?
We expect each member of the Supervisory Board to possess a combination of relevant experience and personal qualities. In addition to the specific profiles, we are also looking for the following attitudes and competencies:
- Curiosity and an open, reflective attitude
- Sensitivity to social, administrative, and interpersonal relationships
- Ability to combine sharpness with respect in conversation
- The ability to reflect and see the bigger picture, rather than focusing solely on one's own perspective
- Team spirit and a willingness to share responsibility
- A commitment to good governance, public accountability, and the role of education
- A vision for effective oversight and governance, and the ability to act in accordance with one’s role
- An understanding of the importance of an open, constructive, and role-appropriate relationship with the GMR
- A connection to or attachment to the Nijmegen region is a plus
- Of course you support it Strategic Plan 2024–2028
Specifically for this profile:
- Understanding the complexities and challenges of today's society
- An interest in social development, youth, and education
- Experience in organizational development, technology, or social innovation
Interested?
Are you ready to contribute to meaningful education in the Nijmegen region as a supervisor? If so, we’d love to talk with you. The Sint Josephscholen Foundation is being assisted in this process by Colourful People. If you are interested, we invite you to contact René Burgler, a partner at Colourful People, directly at r.burgler@colourfulpeople.nl or 06 2857 5436.
During a personal interview, we will explore your motivation and background. Three questions will be central to this discussion: What appeals to you most about serving on the board of a large group of elementary schools like Sint Josephscholen? What do you see as the essence of effective and forward-looking oversight in education? And how could your background and qualifications contribute to the Supervisory Board?
Interviews with candidates and the selection committee will take place on November 26, starting at 5:00 p.m. The final appointment will be made by the Supervisory Board at its meeting on December 10.
The Sint Josephscholen Foundation values diversity in perspective, background, and experience. We expressly welcome candidates who identify with this and possess the qualities, motivation, and ability to fulfill this role with conviction. In forming the Board, we strive for a balanced and diverse group of supervisors, bringing together different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.
