Member of the Board of Trustees (educational profile)

About SIPOR

The Rijnmond Islamic Primary Education Foundation (SIPOR) provides high-quality education based on Islamic principles to approximately 2,800 students across seven elementary schools. More than 230 staff members are dedicated to creating an inspiring learning environment in which children are nurtured into engaged global citizens with a strong Islamic identity. Under the leadership of the chair of the Board of Directors, policy is developed within the School Management Team, which includes all school principals. Since 2024, SIPOR has had a professional service bureau that supports and advises the Board of Directors (CvB) and the schools.

SIPOR's Mission

Through high-quality primary education, SIPOR aims to nurture children into global citizens with an Islamic identity, who have a strong sense of responsibility toward their community and the environment, and who are actively engaged in Dutch society.

Developments and Challenges

SIPOR is on the verge of further growth and renewal. There are plans for two new elementary schools, and work is underway on the potential launch of a secondary school. The challenges SIPOR will face in the coming period are:

• the image of Islamic education;
• the acute teacher shortage;
• the quality of education;
• housing issues (outdated and temporary buildings);
• a growing organization;
• and the further development of the Supervisory Board.

In addition, SIPOR aims to make progress in the areas of educational innovation, digitization, and the application of AI in elementary education.

The Supervisory Board

SIPOR’s Supervisory Board consists of seven members and oversees the policies and performance of the Executive Board. The board also serves as a sounding board and acts as the employer of the director. The board fulfills an ambassadorial role both internally and externally, acting as an advocate and being accountable to the outside world. SIPOR operates according to the principles of good governance. The board has become significantly more professional in recent years: there is an annual training plan, evaluations are conducted, and there are opportunities for new board members who wish to develop their skills. The culture within the board is accessible, open, and focused on collaboration, growth, and diversity.

What do you bring to the table?

We are looking for a member with a background in education, supplemented by an interest in or experience with ICT, digitization, and AI applications in education. You will contribute strategic insights on the use of innovative solutions to make education future-proof. Experience as a supervisor is not required—SIPOR offers a warm welcome and support specifically to candidates who wish to develop in this role, for example through training at the VTOI.

General competencies:

• Strategic and holistic thinking; able to see the big picture.
• Critical and constructive judgment.
• Thoughtful, with a sense of perspective and a sense of humor.
• A good balance between engagement and independence.
• Sensitive to social and administrative dynamics.
• Transparent, inclusive, and collaborative.

Specific competencies:

• A practicing Muslim or a demonstrable affinity for Islamic education.
• Academic level of thinking and work.
• Up-to-date knowledge of and experience in education or a related field.
• A sounding board for the Executive Board; speaks up and contributes creative ideas.
• A team player with an eye for complementary expertise within the board.
• Of good character, independent, and of impeccable conduct (Certificate of Good Conduct).

Given the current composition of the board, we would prefer a female candidate.

Time commitment and compensation

The Supervisory Board meets approximately 5 to 6 times a year. In addition, digital meetings are held on a regular basis. The compensation amounts to €6,000 per year and complies with the provisions of the Senior Executives’ Remuneration Act (WNT).

Interested?

Sipor is being assisted in this process by the executive search firm Colourful People. For more information about the position and the application process, please contact Hatice Türkmen, senior partner at Colourful People, at 06-46081232. Apply for this position by August 24 with a recent resume and a cover letter! The preliminary interviews will take place on August 27 and 29 (via an online meeting). The final interviews at Sipor in Rotterdam will take place on September 12.