Member of the Supervisory Board
The Hermitage on the Amstel Foundation is in a period of transition. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the active severing of ties with Russia, and the termination of its partnership with the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, this autonomous and independent organization is preparing for the next 15 years. By collaborating with the leading international museum institutions, the museum continues to present the world’s finest art in its building on the Amstel. With a team of 40 full-time equivalents, which is also responsible for De Nieuwe Kerk on Dam Square, we welcome around 300,000 visitors annually to the Hermitage Amsterdam.
With a view to the Foundation’s duties and those of its affiliated foundations, the Supervisory Board oversees the achievement of the Foundation’s statutory and other objectives, the strategy and the risks associated with the Foundation’s activities, the reporting thereof, compliance with laws and regulations, the performance of activities, and the exercise of powers by the Executive Director.
The board members are engaged and know how to stimulate, challenge, and inspire in a constructively critical manner regarding the organization’s direction and strategy, risks, and activities. The members represent the board at openings, presentations, and within the organization’s extensive network.
The council's responsibilities include
- approving the budget, the financial statements, and the management report;
- providing an annual report on the performance of duties and the exercise of powers in the foundation’s annual report;
- ensuring that the managing director complies with the Cultural Governance Code, the Fair Practice Code and the Cultural Diversity Code;
- the appointment of an auditor as referred to in Article 393(1) of Book 2 of the Civil Code, who reports to the board;
- the appointment, suspension, dismissal, and determination of the compensation of the managing director.
Profile
The Supervisory Board consists of five to seven members appointed by the Supervisory Board. The composition, duties, and powers of the Supervisory Board are designed to enable it to exercise sound and independent oversight. It is desirable that various fields of social activity be represented on the Supervisory Board. The board strives for a balanced representation in terms of cultural background, age, and gender.
The members of the Supervisory Board have no direct interests in the Foundation. They serve in a personal capacity and perform their duties independently and without interference. Membership on the Supervisory Board is unpaid.
The members of the Supervisory Board are expected to possess:
- sufficient affinity with the Foundation’s field of work in general and the purpose and strategy of the Foundation in particular;
- an active and cohesive role;
- responsibility and entrepreneurial spirit;
- knowledge of communication and fundraising;
- solid knowledge of legal and financial matters;
- thorough knowledge of the codes in the cultural sector.
Specifically
Given the current composition and rotation schedule of the Supervisory Board, it is desirable that the candidate possess expertise—whether through education or practical experience—in the areas of financial management, financial statements, and the oversight thereof.
Ideally, the candidate will have experience as a financial manager (treasurer, controller, or CFO) at an internationally operating company or institution, or in public administration (at the national level).
Comments
Are you interested in this position? Please send your application and cover letter by email to Lucia Aalbers (l.aalbers@hermitage.nl) no later than September 3, 2023, with the subject line “De Hermitage Supervisory Board Membership.” Candidates with questions may contact Annabelle Birnie, Director, at a.birnie@hermitage.nl.
