About the Citymarketing Heerlen & Partners Foundation
Heerlen is entering a new phase. The city is growing, changing, and showcasing what it has to offer. With a new brand and a clear strategy, Heerlen aims to raise its profile as a city to live in, work in, do business in, study in, and visit. The Citymarketing Heerlen & Partners Foundation (SCMH) was established to communicate this story in a powerful and cohesive way.
The foundation provides a solid foundation for Heerlen’s city marketing. With boldness, creativity, and quality, it tells the city’s story. The goal: to strengthen pride among residents, attract visitors and new residents, and position Heerlen as an attractive destination for businesses, investors, students, and talent.
The Supervisory Board plays a crucial role in this. The Supervisory Board monitors the organization’s direction, oversees the executive director, offers advice and inspiration, and helps guide the young organization. The Board consists of five members with diverse areas of expertise: (city) marketing and communication, legal affairs, finance and operations, governance and political-administrative experience, and entrepreneurship and innovation. At least two members have a clear connection to Heerlen, as they live or work there. Two positions are filled upon nomination by the Founding Partners: the Municipality of Heerlen and the Heerlen Entrepreneurship Fund. The specific areas of expertise required for these positions will be determined during the recruitment process.
Role of the Supervisory Board
The Supervisory Board ensures that the foundation achieves its objectives and remains aligned with its strategy. The members assess and evaluate the executive director and provide advice, oversight, and inspiration. Together, they expand the organization’s network and support base and ensure transparent and prudent governance.
Board Member – (City) Marketing & Communications
- Extensive experience in (city) marketing, brand strategy, and communications.
- Familiar with digital media, creative campaigns, and storytelling.
- Insight into national and international trends in branding and city marketing.
This team member is creative and inspiring, thinks ahead, and turns opportunities into impactful actions. He or she asks critical questions, but does so constructively and with a focus on results. This person focuses on reach and impact and knows how to inspire enthusiasm in others.
Board Member – Legal Affairs & Governance
- Legal background, preferably in administrative law or corporate law.
- Experience with governance, compliance, and legal structures.
- Understanding grants, agreements, and contract types.
This team member is meticulous and analytical and possesses a strong sense of integrity. He or she identifies risks early on and can explain complex issues in a clear and practical way. The person combines sharp insight with pragmatism and helps the organization move forward by providing clarity.
Board Member – Finance & Operations
- Experience as a financial director, accountant, or controller.
- Proficient in budgeting, reporting, and accountability.
- Familiar with co-financing, grants, and KPI-based management.
This board member is critical and results-oriented, yet also transparent and approachable. He or she combines a practical approach with social sensitivity and always maintains a broad perspective. With a forward-looking mindset, this board member helps make sound financial decisions and stay on course.
Member of the Supervisory Board – Board & Political and Administrative Experience
- Experience in governance, politics, or public organizations.
- Understanding of policy processes, decision-making, and social dynamics.
- Experience in bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders.
This individual is a team player and a diplomat, with strong communication skills. He or she is able to carefully weigh different interests and keeps an eye on both consensus and the long term. This person knows how to stay the course in a playing field with many different stakeholders.
What we offer
The Supervisory Board offers the opportunity to help shape a young and ambitious organization. You will contribute to the reputation and development of Heerlen and work alongside a collegial Board that brings together a diverse range of expertise and perspectives. Members receive an honorarium of €300 per meeting, with an average of six meetings per year.
What you bring to the table
As a member of the Board of Trustees, you will contribute your knowledge, experience, and network. You will provide oversight, ask the right questions, and help shape the organization’s direction and strategy. You will help build support for the foundation and assist the executive director in growing this pioneering organization. In doing so, you will directly contribute to strengthening Heerlen’s position.
Diversity & Inclusion
The Citymarketing Heerlen & Partners Foundation considers diversity and inclusion to be essential. Different perspectives make us stronger and help us share Heerlen’s story in a way that resonates with a broad audience. Candidates from all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
Procedure
The recruitment and selection process is being managed by Colourful People, a firm specializing in executive search with a focus on diversity. Are you interested in serving as a member of the Supervisory Board? If so, please apply via the Colourful People website and submit your cover letter and resumeby Sunday, November 16, via the application form on the website. Interviews will take place on Friday, November 28. For questions, please contact Winfred Voordendag, partner at Colourful People (w.voordendag@colourfulpeople.nl, 06-28284706).
