Director

Learning Plaza 055

Praktijkschool Apeldoorn, together with 21 public elementary schools and a school for special elementary education, is part of Leerplein055 in Apeldoorn (www.leerplein055.nl). Within Leerplein055, Praktijkschool Apeldoorn is the only secondary school. At Leerplein055, we focus on strengthening professionalism and a sense of ownership among all employees of the organization. Guided by expertise, a sense of community, and determination, 400 employees work every day to provide the best possible education for the approximately 3,700 students who attend our schools daily.

Apeldoorn Vocational School

We are fully committed to public education, and everyone is welcome. At this small-scale school for practical education, students have the opportunity to follow their own learning path, with a focus on independence and personal responsibility. Through close collaboration with network partners and stakeholders, they are prepared for the job market or for a pathway to vocational education (MBO). There are four areas of focus: work, housing, citizenship, and leisure. The approach is individually tailored to the unique needs of each student, within a structured and safe environment. The team of dedicated staff creates new opportunities for our students. Together with parents and the school team, we work to foster a positive learning environment where everyone is motivated to lay the foundation for a successful future. In summary: the school is for young people who learn best through hands-on experience. And who, during internships, acquire skills that are valuable for their future and with which they will add value to their future employers. We train students to participate in society as independently as possible. (www.praktijkschool-apeldoorn.nl).

Are you looking for a challenging role in vocational education?

As the principal of our school, you will report to the Board of Directors of Leerplein055 and play a crucial role in the development and implementation of our educational policy. You will be responsible for the school’s organizational and educational structure and will ensure that our operations run smoothly. In addition, you will lead our enthusiastic team and serve as the school’s public face.

Profile

Desired profile for the director of the Apeldoorn Vocational School:

• possesses an academic level of work and thinking;
• possesses the qualities of a builder: a decisive leader with a modern, clear vision for the school’s future, who knows how to align this vision with and respond to developments in both the internal and societal contexts, and who can engage both internal and external stakeholders in this process;
• has experience in a position of ultimate responsibility in (vocational) education or in a related sector;
• An affinity with our student body is a requirement;
• is visible and easily accessible;
• further fuels the debate on quality education for current and future students;
• thinks in terms of possibilities and scenarios;
• has the ability to switch between strategic thinking and tactical/operational action; ensures that agreements are documented;
• can lead a team of professionals—including two team leaders—with inspiration and confidence, and has the insight to make the best use of the available human and material resources.

Additional skills

To perform this role effectively, the following competencies are required:

• A steadfast leader: operates based on a clear strategic direction, stays the course, and translates this into concrete goals and policies. The student is at the center of this approach.
• confidence-building: promotes mutual respect and trust.
• innovation: identifies opportunities and innovations in the field of practical education and translates these into concrete objectives in an energetic and inspiring manner, preferably through collaboration.
• network: actively develops and maintains a network of stakeholders and other relevant contacts; speaks the language and understands the dynamics of the various sectors.
• connective: has a leadership style focused on collaboration, in which shared ownership serves as both the starting point and the goal.
• sensitivity: is aware of what is going on within the organization and shows care and concern for employees and students.
• Integrity: acts with integrity in both word and deed, is transparent, communicates openly, and expects the same from others.
• Results-oriented: has a business-like attitude, sets clear goals for themselves and others, is accountable for them, and holds others accountable as well.
• professionalization: promotes the continued development of a professional, reflective, and learning organization.
• Collaboration with the Executive Board: provides timely, complete, and accurate reports and keeps the Board proactively informed.

Personal qualities

• Decisive and confident;
• Team player, inspires confidence, positive attitude;
• Determined, natural authority, able to delegate;
• Believes in the power of collaboration and ownership;
• Moves with ease in a variety of settings and connects with others effortlessly.

Terms of employment

The director will be appointed for a one-year term, with the intention of converting this to a permanent position upon satisfactory performance. The director’s compensation at Praktijkschool Apeldoorn is governed by the salary provisions of the CAO Rijk and is classified in scale 13 VO: €5,187 to €7,225. Secondary employment conditions are in accordance with the CAO VO.

The procedure

Leerplein055 works with the executive search firm Colourful People for its recruitment and selection process. Sandra Lutchman, Esq., a senior partner at Colourful People, would be happy to provide you with more information about the organization, the position, and/or the application process. You can contact her via WhatsApp at 06 407 44 074.

Important dates:

• The deadline for responses is 12:00 p.m. on November 8, 2024
• The first round of interviews between the Appointments Committee and the Advisory Committee and the candidates will take place on November 19, 2024, between 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
• The second round of interviews with the candidates will take place on November 25, starting at 1:30 p.m.
• The assessment for this position is scheduled for November 26, 2024.
• The meeting to discuss employment terms is scheduled for November 28.

Are you interested?

You can upload your resume and cover letter via the Colourful People website.