Two Members and a Chair of the Supervisory Board

De Schrijverscentrale is seeking three members for its Board of Supervisors, including one chairperson.

Job Descriptions

In 2024, the Schrijverscentrale will transition from a board model to a supervisory board model. In addition to the two board members who will be moving over to the supervisory board, we are seeking three new supervisory board members. The supervisory board includes representatives from various fields:

• Education.
• The book industry, including libraries, bookstores, and publishing houses.
• Government/politics.
• Commercial sector.
• Cultural sector.

The areas of expertise in which we are particularly interested are:

• Advocacy.
• Operations and strategic decision-making.
• Marketing.
• Legal and financial expertise.

All members must possess the following qualities:

• An interest in reading motivation and reading promotion.
• Experience or an interest in the literary world and/or the cultural sector.
• Familiarity with and willingness to adhere to the Fair Practice Code, the Diversity & Inclusion Code, and the Culture Governance Code.
• Empathetic and a good listener.
• Is able to distinguish between the supervisory role and the executive role.

The current chair is eager to step aside for a charismatic chair who is willing to leverage his/her/their network and potential public profile for the benefit of the Schrijverscentrale. It goes without saying that this person should have supervisory experience and the ability to foster unity.

Description of the Governance and Oversight Philosophy

The Schrijverscentrale adheres to the principles of the Cultural Governance Code and, together with its three new members, is transitioning to the Supervisory Board model. The Supervisory Board (RvT) has two core responsibilities: oversight and advisory functions. The Supervisory Board acts professionally and independently, bears responsibility for the continuity of the Schrijverscentrale, oversees the board of directors, and serves as the employer and sparring partner of the executive director. Each year, the Supervisory Board establishes the policy and budget, within which the board of directors is responsible for day-to-day management, including policy decisions, organization, and contacts with grant providers and funds. Overall, the Board of Trustees ensures that the director and staff adequately pursue the objectives of the Schrijverscentrale.

The Board of Trustees meets at least four times a year for meetings prepared by the chair and the executive director. Members are appointed for a four-year term, with the option to extend their term for up to four additional years.

Expected lineup:

• Ambassador for the Schrijverscentrale.
• Critically reviewing policies and serving as a committed sounding board.
• Participating in decision-making with independence and integrity.
• Adhering to and acting in accordance with the Cultural Governance Code, the Diversity & Inclusion Code, and the Fair Practice Code.

We expect enthusiasm and commitment from our Board of Trustees members. The principles that guide our collaboration include transparency, integrity, constructive criticism, a focus on solutions, the ability to evaluate various issues objectively, active listening, and openness to other perspectives. De Schrijverscentrale fosters an informal yet professional meeting culture.

What we offer:

• A unique opportunity to contribute to Dutch literature and reading culture.
• A dynamic environment where expertise and input are valued.
• The opportunity to make a difference for writers and readers in the Netherlands.
• An inspiring network of literary professionals and dedicated stakeholders.
• A modest honorarium and reimbursement of travel expenses.

Interested?

De Schrijverscentrale is working with the executive search firm Colourful People to fill this position. For more information about the role or the application process, please contact Jantien Plooij, a partner at Colourful People (06-17703534) or j.plooij@colourfulpeople.nl. You can express your interest by uploading a cover letter and resume (in PDF format) by May 15, 2024, via the website . Once your application has been successfully uploaded, you will receive a confirmation email. Didn’t receive it? Please contact Jantien. Confidential treatment of your information is, of course, guaranteed.

Schedule

The interviews will be held on June 14 at the Schrijverscentrale office in Amsterdam.

Recruitment agencies are asked to refrain from contacting us regarding this job opening!