Specialist in Vocational Education (MBO) and Vocational Secondary Education (VMBO)/Practical Education

The Reading Foundation is the leading center of knowledge and expertise for reading promotion and literary education. Our mission is to strengthen the culture of reading in the Netherlands. We encourage scientific research and collect research data to support policy and practice with concrete solutions. We do this for youth health care, child care, education, the library sector, as well as for the book industry and at home. Stichting Lezen maintains close ties with the field. This allows us to quickly identify issues and provide well-considered advice and resources. In the coming years, young people in vocational education will be one of our priorities.

The Reading Foundation also coordinates the reading promotion programs BoekStart (ages 0–4), the Library at School (ages 4–23), and the reading promotion networks. These three components were developed under the umbrella of “The Art of Reading” in collaboration with the KB, the National Library.

The Reading Foundation is seeking a specialist in vocational education (MBO) and preparatory vocational education (VMBO)/practical education for 32 hours per week

The specialist contributes to policy and knowledge development regarding reading promotion for the target group of students in vocational education (MBO), preparatory vocational education (VMBO), and practical education (PRO), as well as to the quality and effectiveness of the projects and programs carried out under his/her/their responsibility.

What will you be doing?

The focus is on (co-)developing and implementing the vocational and secondary education policies of Stichting Lezen. You will be part of a team of subject matter experts consisting of eight specialists covering different target groups, including a specialist in vocational and practical education with whom you will work closely.

You will also play an active role in the development and refinement of various activities and projects at Stichting Lezen, including:

• The national program "The Library at School " for vocational education and (v)mbo.
• The Reading Initiative is a national effort to integrate independent reading, reading motivation, and reading promotion into the education system. The current focus is on “The Whole MBO Reads!” The MBO Council and the MBO Language Academy (ITTA) are key partners in this initiative. Through this collaboration, you will help build a national network of MBO programs and libraries.
• Professional development for the target group (training for teachers and reading consultants).
• Target audience research, in collaboration with the research and communications team.
• Campaigns targeted at the target audience.

What do you bring to the table?

• You have extensive knowledge of or experience in the vocational education (MBO), preparatory vocational education (VMBO), and/or practical education sectors.
• You have a clear vision of and experience with language and reading instruction in these educational sectors.
• You have knowledge of or experience with the "Library at School" program.
• You have an eye for important developments and new insights in educational practice, particularly in the areas of reading, reading promotion, and literature education.
• You have a relevant educational background at the associate's degree level or higher.
• You can operate at both the practical and strategic levels.
• You have a relevant network within the broader field of vocational education (MBO), preparatory vocational education (VMBO), and practical education.

Skills

We expect our employees to be able to work well together and be collegial; to be able to easily apply new information; to be aware of the needs of others in the organization; and to be proactive. Specifically for this position, we also require that you be persuasive, have strong planning and organizational skills, be able to work in a project-based environment, and be creative, able to handle stress, and results-oriented.

The salary range is €3,600–€4,400 gross per month, based on a 36-hour workweek. The exact salary will depend on age, education, and experience.

Information and Application

For more information, please visit lezen.nl. Or contact Martijn Nicolaas, team leader of the content specialists team at Stichting Lezen. Phone: 020–623 05 66, or 06-45035690.

We look forward to receiving your application by January 2, 2024, at the latest. Please email your application—including both your cover letter and resume as attachments—to info@lezen.nl, with the subject line “MBO Specialist.” Interviews will take place during the week of January 15, 2024.

We operate in accordance with the principles of the Diversity & Inclusion Code. We warmly invite everyone to apply, regardless of cultural background, gender, sex, sexual orientation, or physical or mental challenges. Your unique perspective is more than welcome! As a team, we strive to reflect the diversity of society.