Senior Project Manager

Social Impact of VHTO

From robots in healthcare to algorithms that determine what news we read, technology has an incredible impact on our lives and on society. Yet diversity in the tech sector remains very limited. In 2021, only 16% of technical professionals in the Netherlands were women. This means that, as a society, we are failing to tap into a vast pool of technical talent. As a result, we are missing out not only on economic opportunities but also on the chance to develop better technologies that meet the needs of all groups in society. VHTO has set a goal to significantly increase that 16% in the coming years. Would you like to use your creativity and energy to help us achieve this goal and make an impact? Then we’d love to talk with you.

Organizational Structure and Activities

To increase the proportion of women in technology, VHTO works to both attract and retain women in the field. It collaborates with elementary and secondary schools to introduce children at a young age to female role models in technology and IT and to help them have positive learning experiences in technology and IT classes. In addition, VHTO offers training to teachers and team leaders to make engineering education at vocational, higher vocational, and university levels more (gender) inclusive. The motto here is: “Fix the system, not the girls.” The training sessions, guest lectures, and interventions are based on scientific research. This involves close collaboration with technology companies, in part to strengthen the retention of women in technical roles. Where necessary, media attention is sought for this topic, and VHTO provides expert input to the government regarding policy changes.
VHTO is led by an executive director and has a four-member supervisory board. The organization employs approximately ten people: (senior) project managers, project assistants, and staff members (communications and operations). The organization is currently based in Amsterdam but will be relocating to The Hague. VHTO’s funding comes from grants (from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science), foundations, donations, and paid services.

Position

As a senior project manager, you will assess how our existing and new initiatives can significantly increase the proportion of women in STEM fields. You will contribute to shaping VHTO’s strategic direction and seek ways to increase our impact. You will manage your own portfolio of projects and foster new partnerships with educational institutions and/or the business community. You will deliver training sessions and presentations to educational organizations and companies and explore opportunities for collaboration. As a senior project manager, you are responsible for managing the implementation of projects. You make a substantial contribution to the development of new initiatives based on scientific insights. You actively contribute to the development and transfer of knowledge regarding how to increase the participation of girls and women in STEM and IT, and you apply this knowledge to innovate our initiatives.

Another part of your responsibilities is to secure public or private funding for the implementation of new initiatives.

In addition, you will lead the project teams and focus on achieving results within budget and on schedule, measuring social impact, and reporting to
and the client. You will coach project team members in carrying out their work and help strengthen their project management skills. Finally, you will help build the VHTO organization and actively consider how to increase its effectiveness. This includes task allocation, organizing support processes, and strengthening the team.

Profile

• You are an all-around senior project manager (or manager) who is capable of independently managing a portfolio.
• You are a good mentor to your colleagues and help them find solutions to the challenges they face.
• You are enterprising, creative, and innovative, and capable of launching projects from the ground up, implementing them, and ensuring their success.
• You are socially driven and want to help address the challenge of making the tech sector more diverse and better.
• You are interested in building, expanding, and sharing your knowledge in the field of (gender) diversity and inclusion.
• You enjoy working with a team of dedicated colleagues to build an effective organization that can make a difference.

Requirements:

• At least 10 years of experience as a (project) manager
• Management experience and/or experience leading project teams
• Knowledge and experience in project management
• Strategic partner
• Completed associate's or bachelor's degree

Skills:

• A hands-on approach.
• Excellent communication skills; English is a plus.
• Networker
• Team player
• Growth mindset

VHTO is committed to increasing diversity within the team. That is why we strongly encourage men and candidates from multicultural backgrounds to apply.

What do we offer you?

VHTO offers you a versatile role that provides opportunities for professional development and career growth. You’ll be part of a dedicated team where collaboration is a top priority. Remote work (1 to 2 days a week in the office) is an option. VHTO offers a competitive salary (approximately €5,500, depending on experience), the option for additional leave, and training opportunities.

Procedure

VHTO is being assisted in this process by the executive search firm Colourful People. For more information about the position, please contact Roeli Pot. She can be reached at 06-28909312 or via r.pot@colourfulpeople.nl

Please submit your application as soon as possible via the "Apply" button on the job listing page, or send it directly to r.pot@colourfulpeople.nl