Two Members of the Supervisory Board

ASKO is seeking two new members for its Supervisory Board. The departure of two experienced members has created an opportunity to strengthen the board. One position is for an experienced supervisor with expertise in education, who will also serve as vice-chair and chair of the compensation committee. For the second profile, we are seeking a supervisor with a focus on quality and strategy. One of the supervisors to be recruited will be appointed upon the recommendation of the Joint Participation Council (GMR).

ASKO is the largest organization operating in an urban setting, with 33 schools, 9,000 students, and 900 employees. In this diverse educational environment, we are committed to equal opportunity, quality, and holistic child development. The board oversees operations, provides advice, and serves as a sounding board for the two-member Executive Board. With the expected expansion into childcare oversight, this phase also calls for strategically minded supervisors who have an eye for integration and collaboration within the public sector.

Developments and Challenges

ASKO is committed to ambitious goals and complex challenges. In the coming years, the organization aims to work toward high-quality, evidence-based education, with a clear objective: ensuring thatno child leaves school illiterate. This requires effective quality assurance systems, intensive monitoring, and targeted support for schools. The Inspectorate is stepping up its oversight and visiting schools more frequently.

At the same time, available financial resources are dwindling. ASKO is developing a new financial policy and redesigning its financial processes to better focus on priorities and efficiency. The HR policy is also in the development phase. Strategic HRM was recently introduced with the aim of shaping talent development and mobility across the foundation.

In addition, ASKO will begin managing its own childcare services. This will give the Supervisory Board broader responsibilities and a wider scope of oversight. Knowledge of child development in its entirety and integrated collaboration (IKC) is becoming increasingly important.

What kind of supervisor is ASKO looking for?

The new supervisors are more than just experts in their field. The board is looking for people who are confident and self-assured, but who also prioritize connection and collaboration. You can ask probing questions without dominating the conversation, reflect critically without taking a confrontational stance, and keep the bigger picture in mind. You understand the role of a supervisor: not involved in day-to-day operations, but engaged from a distance and focused on the administrative process. You act based on values-driven oversight: you keep the social mission and the broader purpose of education in society in mind. You have an open attitude and understand that oversight is about safeguarding quality, collaboration, and social values within a learning organization.

At this stage, a good addition to the board means:

• someone with strong interpersonal skillswho fosters group dynamics and collaboration;
• thoughtful and level-headed, with a good sense of timing and administrative acumen;
• socially engaged, with an understanding of the lives of students, parents, and staff;
• from diverse backgrounds or perspectives, so that the board continues to reflect the society in which ASKO operates. 

Profile 1: Experienced supervisor with a background in education

For this position, we are seeking an experienced supervisor with extensive experience in the education sector (elementary, secondary, vocational, and higher professional education), preferably with administrative experience. You have insight into educational development, understand how quality assurance systems are structured, and know how inspection oversight works. You can think strategically, ask probing questions, and identify risks without interfering in day-to-day operations.

What do you bring to the table?

• Demonstrable experience in and a vision for elementary education.
• Understanding of quality processes, inspection standards, and evidence-based practices.
• Understanding the social and administrative context of metropolitan education.
• Experience with strategic oversight or administrative consultation.
• Alignment with ASKO’s mission as outlined in the strategic plan
• Preferably, experience serving as chair or vice chair of a committee.
• You are available, committed, and a peer who can offer constructive feedback.
• You will serve as vice chair and chair of the compensation committee.
• You have a vision for good employment practices and strategic HR management, and you know how to foster structure and predictability within the committee.
• You have a clear understanding of the different roles of the Board of Directors and the General School Council, and you know how to navigate these roles tactfully, while respecting everyone’s responsibilities and the shared goal of providing a quality education.

Profile 2: Quality & Strategy Profile

We are looking for someone with an understanding of the public sector, experience in governance, and an interest in educational quality and/or child care. You have a vision for system development and can contribute to the oversight of comprehensive child development in a metropolitan context.

What do you bring to the table?

• Understanding quality assurance systems in education, healthcare, or childcare.
• Ability to oversee the strategic framework, not the implementation.
• An interest in holistic child development and an integrated approach (IKC).
• Strong analytical skills, willing to ask probing questions, and quick to pick up on signs.
• Experience in regulatory or policy-related roles in the public sector.

General competencies for both profiles

• Independent, ethical, and socially responsible.
• A team player with the ability to bring people together and keep things in perspective.
• Strategic thinking and an understanding of organizational dynamics.
• An interest in education, diversity, and the city of Amsterdam.
• Willingness to invest time, even outside of formal meetings.

Diversity is a core value at ASKO. Candidates with a bicultural or Muslim background are strongly encouraged to apply.

Time commitment and compensation

The Supervisory Board meets approximately six times a year, not including committee meetings, school visits, and special meetings. The compensation amounts to approximately €8,500 per year, in accordance with the guidelines of the VTOI-NVTK.

Are you interested?

ASKO is being assisted by Colourful People in this process. If you are interested in a supervisory role at ASKO, please submit your resume and cover letter by August 22 at the latest viawww.colourfulpeople.nl. If you have any questions, please contact Hatice Türkmen, senior partner at Colourful People, at 06 46 08 12 32.

The preliminary interviews will take place onAugust 25 and 26 (online), and the final interviews at ASKO are scheduled for the evenings ofSeptember 8 and 9.