Two board members with a background in journalism or administration/law

The Journalism Stimulation Fund (SVDJ) contributes its expertise and grants to support the independence, diversity, and sustainability of journalism in a rapidly changing media landscape. The number of initiatives has increased significantly in recent years. The SVDJ now administers various programs focused on innovation, investigative journalism, local journalism, and media research.

As an independent administrative body (ZBO), the SVDJ receives an annual grant from the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science, which is used to fund all of its activities, in accordance with the Media Act.

The board is responsible for carrying out the tasks of the Stimulation Fund. In doing so, it works closely with the executive director, who oversees the agency’s twenty staff members. The various roles and responsibilities are set forth in the board bylaws.

The board currently consists of four members.To strengthen the board, SVDJ is seeking two new members effective July 1, 2024.

Profile

Both candidates are expected to:

• Feel a strong commitment to the goals of SVDJ;
• Have an interest in the media and in developments relevant to the functioning of journalism: political, economic, technological, and social;
• Comply with the restrictions on board membership set forth in the Media Act (Section 8.5). For example, board membership is incompatible with employment at a journalistic organization, and civil servants and political officeholders are excluded;
• Be prepared and capable of contributing to substantive discussions and decision-making at the strategic level;
• Be available as needed. Not only for the (monthly) board meeting, but also to attend events and gatherings that SVDJ regularly organizes.

In addition, either candidate is expected to:

• Has extensive experience as a journalist, including in a managerial role;
• Preferably has knowledge of developments in the media sector at the regional and local levels.

In addition, the other candidate is expected to:

• Experience in holding a management position in a (semi-)governmental organization;
• Or has relevant legal knowledge.

The Stimuleringsfonds endorses the Dutch government’s objectives regarding diversity and inclusion. Board membership comes with an appropriate remuneration commensurate with a time commitment of approximately two working days per month. Board members of the Stimuleringsfonds are appointed by the Minister of Education, Culture, and Science upon the recommendation of the board.

Comment

Candidates may submit a resume and cover letter to vacature@svdj.nl by May 19. For more information about the position, please contact Frits van Exter (chairman of the Stimulation Fund) at vacature@svdj.nl or by phone at 070-3617111 (during office hours).

Recruitment efforts related to this job posting are not appreciated.