Two members of the Supervisory Board

Who hasn’t been to the library at some point? As a child, accompanied by your parents or teacher to borrow your first books; as a teenager, to study in peace or secretly meet up with your boyfriend; or as an adult, to look something up or read a book in a quiet corner. The library is there for everyone. In a time of great disparities in social opportunities, an accessible place where everyone can find knowledge, culture, information, and relaxation is of vital importance. Rotterdam Library is such a place, helping Rotterdammers to participate in our society in a conscious, critical, and active way.

As one of the oldest institutions in the city of Rotterdam, the library plays a major social role in the dissemination of information, education, and personal development. From borrowing books, courses, and language classes, to (digital) information services, films, festivals, lectures, exhibitions, and performances, there is plenty to experience. Today, with its hundreds of employees and volunteers, the library can be found throughout the city—with 21 branches, both physical and digital, and at 170 elementary school locations. Since becoming independent in 2013, the library has grown even stronger and, prior to the pandemic, welcomed over 2.6 million in-person visits in 2019. This makes Rotterdam Library the premier knowledge center and cultural hub of Rotterdam. Rotterdam Library is also a neutral, safe, and literally warm place that is close enough and accessible enough for Rotterdammers from all neighborhoods of the city and of all nationalities, languages, and cultures to easily make use of it.

An inclusive library by and for the people of Rotterdam, but above all, one that involves everyone in Rotterdam. That is our goal.

To help achieve that goal, we are looking for

Two members for the Supervisory Board from the publishing sector (1) and the education sector (1)

For the Education Profile, we are looking for candidates with senior-level experience in elementary or secondary education. We seek individuals who are well-informed about current developments in education, have a relevant professional network, and can establish both personal and substantive connections between the library and Rotterdam’s educational partners.

For the Book Industry profile, we are seeking senior candidates with knowledge of the dynamic developments within the book industry as a whole—from changing reading habits, digitization, publishing houses, and book science to book sales. Strategic partnerships within the Dutch library sector also play an important role. These developments are influential and significant for the Rotterdam Library.

These two members are expected to perform their supervisory role explicitly based on this expertise. In addition, candidates must meet the basic qualifications for the Supervisory Board:

• Optimal commitment to and cultural and social awareness of the objectives and strategy of the Rotterdam Library;
• Administrative experience and/or senior management experience;
• Knowledge and understanding of public administration and/or local or regional politics;
• An affinity with (Rotterdam-based) social and cultural organizations in general, and with the scope of work and objectives of the Rotterdam Library in particular;
• The ability to serve as an advisor and sounding board to the executive;
• Capable of self-reflection and evaluating their own performance and that of the Supervisory Board;
• To critically examine and evaluate the policy developments and direction of the Rotterdam Library with a fresh perspective;
• A well-developed sense of proportion and the ability to maintain a clear sense of role and deal constructively with the tension between oversight (Supervisory Board) and operations (executive).
• And, of course, enough time to serve as a dedicated supervisor.

Rotterdam Library Board of Trustees

Rotterdam Library is governed according to the Supervisory Board model, under which the Executive Director is responsible for strategy and management, while the Supervisory Board oversees strategic policy and general operations. The Rotterdam Library Foundation is an affiliate of the Municipality of Rotterdam. The Supervisory Board advises and supports the executive director. This is done with an appropriate understanding of the roles between the supervisory body and the management, and a vision of effective oversight. The Governance Code for Culture serves as a guideline. The Supervisory Board currently consists of 7 members. The Supervisory Board has a basic profile that applies to all members (see above), supplemented by a number of specific areas of expertise that are important to the library: Education, the Book Industry, Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Culture & Society, as well as Opportunities for Young People. Rotterdam Library believes in the power of diversity. That is why we strive to ensure that the Supervisory Board, in accordance with the Diversity and Inclusion Code, is a balanced reflection of Rotterdam society.

The Supervisory Board meets in plenary session approximately 4 to 6 times a year. In addition, there are opening ceremonies and special events where you, as a supervisor, are warmly welcomed, or you may be active on a subcommittee. The atmosphere is open and pleasant; the Board functions as a team where everyone’s input and strengths are valued. Transparency, equality, and social engagement are key principles in this regard. Members of the Supervisory Board are appointed by the Municipal Executive of Rotterdam upon the Board’s recommendation. Appointments are for a four-year term, with the possibility of extension for up to four additional years, and members receive an honorarium.

Interested?

Rotterdam Library is working with the executive search firm Colourful People to fill this position. For more information about the application process, please contact Naima Azough, a partner at Colourful People (06-43449717) or n.azough@colourfulpeople.nl. You can express your interest by uploading your cover letter and resume no later than Sunday, February 26, 2023, via the “Apply” button at the bottom of this page. However, please respond immediately if you are seriously interested, as this position may close earlier depending on the number of suitable candidates.