Two members for the Supervisory Board

About the Residentie Orkest

The Residentie Orkest is based at Amare, a center for culture, education, events, and community in the heart of The Hague. Many of our concerts and activities take place at Amare, and through our partnership with the Royal Conservatory, we help nurture top musical talent. We are also a welcome guest at major Dutch venues such as the Dutch National Opera and the Concertgebouw.

The organization has approximately 100 employees, divided between the orchestra and administrative staff. In addition to the audience, of course, the main stakeholders are the City of The Hague and the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science.

We operate on the basis of four pillars that are equally important throughout the organization:

• Symphonic
• Education
• Talent Development
• Community activities

As a member of the Supervisory Board of the Residentie Orkest, you will be part of an orchestra that is constantly evolving. It is a creative cultural organization with roots in tradition but an eye toward the future. Your input is needed to help build on the important role the orchestra plays for the residents of The Hague and the rest of the country.

We are looking for two new members of the Board of Trustees: we expressly invite candidates who have not previously gained experience in the classical music world to apply.

Our key challenges for the coming period

The Residentie Orkest is on the cusp of the new municipal and national cultural period for 2025–2028. This period is therefore focused on reassessing our direction, developing new strategies, and strengthening our connections with the neighborhood, the city, and the national government. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has not gone unnoticed, and we now face new challenges and opportunities regarding finding (new) audiences and sources of revenue.

Description of the Management and Oversight Philosophy

The Board of Trustees is the highest supervisory, oversight, and advisory body of the Residentie Orkest. The Board of Trustees exercises its supervisory role in a supportive yet critical manner. The management of the Residentie Orkest (RO) is entrusted to the Executive Director.

Through its knowledge, experience, contacts, and actions, the Supervisory Board makes a significant contribution to the realization of the foundation’s mission and objectives. It does so in a committed and active manner by anticipating and reflecting on the decisions of the Executive Director. The Supervisory Board focuses on strategically essential issues. The emphasis is on the broad outlines. Transparency, integrity, good relationships, and a positive yet critical attitude are prerequisites for collectively achieving the intended performance and goals. The members of the Supervisory Board are guided in their work by the social and cultural significance of the organization and weigh the interests of all those involved with the organization (stakeholders).

The Supervisory Board meets at least four times a year for a meeting prepared by the chair and the executive director. Members are appointed for a term of four years; a retiring member may be reappointed once. A rotation schedule is followed.

The members of the Board of Trustees do not receive any compensation for their work. However, any expenses may be reimbursed, and Board members are welcome to attend the orchestra’s concerts.

Expected line-up

We expect members of the Supervisory Board to:

• contribute critically and independently to decision-making within the Board of Trustees and have no conflict of interest in doing so;
• have a broad interest in social issues and a demonstrable affinity with the organization’s mission, vision, and objectives;
• possess a broad (The Hague-based) network and be willing to utilize this network for the benefit of the foundation;
• be able, including in terms of available time, to monitor the board’s policies, follow the general course of affairs within the foundation, and assist the board with advice and support;
• demonstrate commitment by attending concerts and other activities on a regular basis.

Portfolio allocation

The Board of Trustees has several standing committees. The chairperson and a fellow member of the Board of Trustees form the Compensation Committee. The member with financial expertise and a fellow member of the Board of Trustees form the Audit Committee. A third committee is the Artistic Committee.

Profile

The Board of Trustees currently has six members. As the two-four-year terms of two of the current members are coming to an end, the Board of Trustees of the Residentie Orkest is seeking two new members.

▪ Member of the Supervisory Board who will serve on the Audit Committee: financial/business background
▪ Member of the Supervisory Board who will serve as the artistic liaison for the Executive Director: artistic background

Profile of a Board of Trustees member with responsibility for finance and business administration

We are seeking a member with knowledge and experience in the field of (financial) business management. Preference will be given to a candidate from a sector other than the cultural sector who has broad experience. As chair of the audit committee, you will discuss financial reports with the executive director and chief financial officer and report on them to the full Board of Trustees. Once a year, there is a meeting with the Works Council, and together with the executive director, you will serve as the point of contact for the auditor. You quickly analyze the figures and identify both the challenges and the opportunities they present. You advise the management in a constructive and engaged manner. You contribute ideas regarding opportunities in the areas of entrepreneurship and sponsorship. You are preferably based in The Hague or the surrounding area and have a strong network of stakeholders relevant to the Residentie Orkest. We also prefer that you have already gained supervisory experience and are familiar with the frameworks of supervision.

Profile of a Board of Trustees member with responsibility for artistic affairs

For the board member responsible for artistic affairs, we are looking for someone who is accustomed to thinking outside the box and can inspire us. You will assist the artistic (and general) director in refining his policy. You will do this by asking thought-provoking yet constructive questions regarding programming, partners, audiences, etc. You certainly do not need to have a background in classical music; in fact, we prefer a candidate who brings new perspectives and possibilities to the table. However, you must be able to understand and endorse the framework of the policy plan that the RO must adhere to. We invite a broad range of applicants to apply for this position, even if you have no prior supervisory experience or work experience in fields related to the arts.

Procedure

The Residentie Orkest is being assisted in this process by the executive search firm Colourful People. For more information about the Residentie Orkest, the Supervisory Board, the specific Supervisory Board positions, or the process, please contact Jantien Plooij, senior partner at Colourful People (06-18403805). You can express your interest by submitting a cover letter and resume (PDF) via the Colourful People website. Rest assured that your information will be treated confidentially.

Schedule

The application deadline for this position is October 19, 2023. Interviews with the selection committee are scheduled for Thursday, November 2, 2023. An introductory meeting with the chair of the works council is part of the process. The intended appointment is scheduled for November 9, 2023.