Member of the Supervisory Board

About Sinfonia Rotterdam

Under the leadership of its founder and chief conductor, Conrad van Alphen, Sinfonia Rotterdam has developed into a flexible, expressive, and versatile ensemble. Spontaneity and the joy of playing are key concepts. With the Viennese classics as their foundation, the musicians build bridges to other repertoire areas, musical styles, genres, and disciplines, making the orchestra a beloved collaborator for many (Rotterdam-based) cultural institutions. Sinfonia Rotterdam receives a structural subsidy under the City of Rotterdam’s four-year Cultural Plan. In addition, as a cultural entrepreneur par excellence, Sinfonia Rotterdam has for years managed to generate a relatively high percentage of its own revenue. It is supported by, among others, an impressive array of sponsors.  

The Supervisory Board

Sinfonia Rotterdam is a foundation in which a Board of Trustees oversees the policies of the Executive Director and the general conduct of business. It acts as the Executive Director’s employer, serves as a sounding board, and provides the Executive Director with advice and support. 

The Supervisory Board is composed in such a way that its members can act as effective supervisors and advisors, independent of one another, of the Executive Director, and of any special interests. In carrying out their duties, the members act in the best interests of Sinfonia Rotterdam. 

The composition of the Board of Trustees is subject to a number of general criteria applicable to all members, in addition to specific requirements regarding the expertise and/or experience of individual members. Additional profile requirements apply to the chairperson. Sinfonia Rotterdam endorses the Cultural Diversity Code. This also applies to the composition of the Board. We strive for diversity, with a focus on age, cultural background, and gender.  

General characteristics

The following applies to all members of the Supervisory Board of Sinfonia Rotterdam:

• Each member identifies with the mission and vision of Sinfonia Rotterdam (see website), has a connection to the city of Rotterdam, and attends the orchestra’s performances several times a season.
• Each member shares the unique entrepreneurial spirit that characterizes Sinfonia Rotterdam and its founder, Conrad van Alphen, and understands that this spirit has been essential to the orchestra’s remarkable growth since its founding in 2000.
• Each member has the ability and experience to assess the organization’s policies and operations (including its financial management) at a high level and reach a well-considered judgment. A constructive critical attitude can be part of this. 
• Each member is capable of serving as a sounding board for the executive director and is able and willing to fulfill an advisory and consultative role in the area of his or her specific expertise. 
• Each member knows how to strike the right balance between involvement and detachment.
• Each member is aware of the cultural, social, and economic context in which Sinfonia Rotterdam operates.  
• Each member has an extensive network in the business community and/or government and/or within their specific area of expertise.
• Each member is familiar with and adheres to the Cultural Governance Code, the Cultural Diversity Code, and the Fair Practice Code.

Required expertise, skills, and experienceexpertise, skill, and experience

The following (professional) knowledge, skills, and/or experience are preferably represented on the Board of Trustees. 

• Ultimate responsibility in a managerial position.
• Knowledge of the cultural sector.
• Artistic and substantive knowledge in the field in which Sinfonia operates.
• Knowledge of finance, administrative organization, and internal control. Experience with financial statements and overseeing the audit process.
• Governance, both in general and as it applies specifically to the cultural sector.
• Public relations, marketing, and communication.
• Legal affairs, risk management, and compliance.
• Knowledge of and experience working with local government and the public sector.
• Experience with oversight in other sectors.
• The ability to think creatively and "outside the box."
• Fundraising 

Job Opening

We are currently seeking a new member for the Supervisory Board who meets one or a combination of the following requirements in terms of expertise, skills, and experience: 

• Knowledge of finance, administrative organization, and internal control.
• Experience with financial statements and overseeing the audit process.
• Governance, both in general and as it applies specifically to the cultural sector.
• Legal affairs, risk management, and compliance.
• Experience with oversight in other sectors.
• Fundraising 

If candidates are equally qualified, preference will be given to a woman and/or someone with a non-Western immigrant background.

This is an unpaid position. A committee appointed by the Board of Trustees will conduct interviews with potential candidates, and an interview with the executive director will also take place. The term of appointment is three years, with the possibility of renewal for two additional three-year terms.