Two members of the Supervisory Board

About Esprit Schools

Esprit Schools is a major player in education in Amsterdam and the surrounding area. The fifteen schools in and around Amsterdam that are part of Esprit Schools offer a diverse range of primary and secondary education programs. In secondary education, students and parents can choose from the following programs: vocational education, VMBO through Gymnasium, bilingual and international education, and education for newcomers. Each school has its own educational profile and culture in various districts of Amsterdam and just beyond. Esprit Schools is a teacher-training institution and thus contributes to the training, research, and professional development of future and current teachers. With over 1,200 staff members, the schools provide education to more than 9,200 students. Esprit Schools is known for being dynamic, innovative, and decentralized, with a focus on students and educational quality.

Structure and Management Philosophy

The Executive Board (CvB) manages the foundation and exercises authority over the schools. The CvB consists of a chairperson and one member and operates as a collegial body. The CvB is responsible for matters that transcend individual schools and for establishing the frameworks for educational, personnel, financial, and facilities policies. The Supervisory Board oversees the achievement of the goals, the policies, and the general affairs of Esprit Schools and provides both solicited and unsolicited advice. In its capacity as employer, the Supervisory Board also evaluates the performance of the Executive Board. The Supervisory Board consists of six members, and three committees operate within the board: the Audit Committee, the Quality, Education, and Governance Committee, and the Remuneration Committee.

For more information about the organization, the Supervisory Board, the Board of Directors, management, and our goals, please visit the website: Esprit Organization.

Due to the expiration of the terms of office of two members of the Supervisory Board, Esprit is seeking new members. In addition to the desired qualities listed below, the aim is to achieve a diverse and balanced composition in terms of, among other things, gender, age, professional background, knowledge and expertise, background, and personality traits. The Board aims to have at least three female members and at least three members with a bicultural background on the Board.

To prevent conflicts of interest, members may not serve as a school principal or board member at a primary or secondary school organization in the Esprit region, nor may they serve as a board member of any other educational organization in this region.

General Characteristics of the Supervisory Board

The members:

• Have a clear vision of supervision, compliance, and governance and have studied the new supervisory framework
• Have strong analytical skills and can distinguish between main and secondary issues
• Have knowledge and experience with issues related to organizational governance, structure, and accountability, as well as administrative decision-making processes
• Have knowledge of and insight into social and political developments in metropolitan areas
• Have a clear vision of sustainability and know how to put it into practice
• Be able to work independently and critically
• Able to work as part of a team and possess strong communication and meeting skills
• Have an affinity for the mission, vision, and objectives of Esprit Schools
• Possess the following personal qualities: authenticity, leadership skills, a big-picture perspective, integrity, and a strong sense of ethics.

Member of the Department of Educational Science and Pedagogy, Chair of the Quality, Education, and Governance Committee

For this position, we are looking for a candidate with the following background:

• A clear understanding of administrative relationships in education
• Knowledge of and insight into key issues in education, such as strategic positioning, organizational development in schools, internationalization, educational pathways for students, and professional development at all levels
• An understanding of the educational coherence among the foundation’s various components, continuous learning pathways, and a vision for educational innovation and its relationship to societal developments
• Understanding the role of digitalization in learning and work processes from an educational perspective
• A clear understanding of the social and political landscape, both nationally and, preferably, locally as well
• Preferably a good understanding of education in an urban context

Member of the Supervisory Board for HR and Labor Market Issues, Chair of the Compensation Committee

For this position, we are looking for a candidate with the following background:

• Extensive experience in strategic human resources management and developments in diversity and inclusion, age-conscious HR policies, and other HR issues
• Demonstrable administrative knowledge of and experience with HR as it relates to the education sector, the (semi-)public sector, or other large organizations active in education and labor market developments
• A clear perspective on labor market trends
• Experience in organizing within a professional organization
• Can think in terms of solutions and think outside the box
• Can fulfill the role of an employer

One of the members has proven experience in governance and, preferably, supervisory experience. We are looking for candidates who can engage in substantive discussions with commitment, dedication, and the ability to inspire others.

Compensation

When determining the amount of remuneration and expense allowances for members of the Supervisory Board, the laws and regulations governing the compensation of senior executives in the (semi-)public sector and the Industry Code are taken into account.

Procedure

Esprit Schools is being assisted in this process by Colourful People. For questions about the organization, the Supervisory Board, or the positions, please contact Monique Spaansen, a partner at Colourful People. She can be reached at M.Spaansen@colourfulpeople.nl. You can apply by submitting your cover letter and resume via the Colourful People website by April 29. The interviews at Esprit are scheduled for Monday, June 19, in the afternoon and early evening. The goal is for the supervisory board members to begin their roles in the fall.