Executive Assistant
You probably know Naturalis as a museum. Did you also know that Naturalis Biodiversity Center is the leading research institute in the field of biodiversity in the Netherlands? With over 43 million objects, we manage one of the largest natural history collections in the world. Global partnerships, 15 professors at Dutch universities, and our vast collection of plants, animals, rocks, and minerals give Naturalis a unique international position and responsibility. Through our exhibitions, educational, and community activities, we introduce a broad audience to the diversity of life on Earth. In our award-winning, renovated museum, we welcome over 500,000 visitors annually. A true meeting place for anyone who wants to discover more about nature.
Within the Executive Office, the management assistants provide day-to-day support to Naturalis’s various sector directors.
What you will be doing
In this role, you will primarily work for the Director of the Research and Education (R&E) Division and the two Scientific Directors. Our research and education programs are of a high academic standard and are carried out in close collaboration with national and international universities, colleges, and partner institutions. In this context, you will perform all relevant secretarial and administrative tasks. You will manage the (complex) schedules, ensure that the directors are well-prepared for all occasions, and that their (external) visits and international trips run smoothly. You will organize various meetings and gatherings. You serve as the point of contact for internal and external relations and manage and provide (confidential) information in accordance with applicable guidelines. With a broad overview of the big picture and insight into the processes, you have the ability to take the right action in a timely manner, even in situations involving tight deadlines and requests from multiple people.
Profile and Job Requirements
We are looking for an enthusiastic and skilled executive assistant with a college-level education and at least 5 years of relevant experience in a similar organization, preferably in an academic setting. You have a service-oriented mindset, derive energy from handling practical matters, and enjoy taking the burden off your directors. You identify bottlenecks, recognize their impact, and know how to take proactive action with a keen sense of organizational dynamics. It goes without saying that you are discreet and accurate, that your command of Dutch and English (spoken and written) is excellent, and that you are skilled at setting priorities. You are a true team player, which means that, together with your immediate colleagues, you ensure that the executive secretariat provides optimal support to the executive board.
The department
Naturalis is a multifaceted organization divided into four sectors. The Executive Secretariat supports the Executive Director and the sector directors in the broadest sense of the term, serving as the link between the executive team and the sectors. The team consists of three management assistants, one of whom is a senior coordinator.
Our offerings
A position in a dynamic and fascinating work environment. An organization with a wide variety of professionals who share a passion for nature and biodiversity. The salary ranges from €3,111 to €3,951 gross per month based on a 36-hour workweek (Scale 8 of the Museum Collective Labor Agreement). You will also receive a travel allowance, vacation pay, and a year-end bonus (3.4%). The position is for 32–36 hours per week and for a period of 12 months, with the possibility of extension to a permanent contract.
A Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) must be submitted upon starting employment.
Information and Application
For more information about the position, please contact the Executive Secretariat atdirectiesecretariaat@naturalis.nl. For information about the application process, please contact the HR department at sollicitaties@naturalis.nl. Please let us know as soon as possible why you would like to join us as a management assistant and why you believe you are a good fit for this role. Please apply by November 11, 2024, using theapplication form.
Sales calls are not appreciated.
An appointment on a self-employed basis should not be an option.
