Chair and Member of the Supervisory Board

About the IABR

The International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam (IABR) is a leading knowledge and cultural platform at the intersection of architecture, urban planning, landscape architecture, and societal transitions. Since 2003, the IABR has demonstrated the value of design-based research for a healthy and equitable living environment, addressing themes such as climate adaptation, energy transition, housing, food security, and water management. During the biennial event, designers, policymakers, citizens, knowledge institutions, and civil society organizations come together for exhibitions, debates, lectures, and multi-year research programs. Based in Rotterdam, the IABR works with various partners to play a pioneering role both nationally and internationally. It has thus evolved into a platform that uses design to drive social change and to renew, enrich, and connect the conversation about the future of our living environment. In the coming years, the IABR aims to further strengthen this position through new collaborations, international partnerships, and a solid foundation in governance, finance, and strategic direction.

Supervisory Board The Supervisory Board oversees the strategic policy of the Executive Board and the general course of affairs within the organization. The Supervisory Board also acts as the Executive Board’s employer, sounding board, and advisor, as well as an ambassador to the outside world. The IABR endorses the Governance Code for Culture, the Fair Practice Code, and the Diversity & Inclusion Code, and strives for a team that is composed in a complementary manner in terms of expertise, generations, perspectives, and networks. The Supervisory Board aims to foster an atmosphere that is open, constructive, and professional. Appointments are for a term of four years, with the possibility of a one-time reappointment. 

Due to the expiration of the chairperson’s term and an expansion of the Supervisory Board in connection with the organization’s future development and ambitions, we are seeking a chairperson and a member.

Who are we looking for?

The following competencies apply to all members 

• Strategic and analytical insight.
• Independence, diligence, and integrity.
• Analytical thinking skills to interpret complex issues from multiple perspectives and translate them into direction and decisions.
• Social awareness and appreciation for diversity and pluralism.
• A spirit of collegiality and the ability to collaborate within an open, reflective culture.
• An approach characterized by integrity and diligence, with a focus on quality, good governance, and sustainable decision-making

Chair of the Supervisory Board

For the role of chair, we are seeking a unifying leader who, asa primus inter pares, provides direction, ensures the quality of collective decision-making, and fosters an open, inquisitive, and constructive dialogue within the Board of Trustees and with the executive board. 

The ideal candidate:

• Has extensive administrative and supervisory experience, is well-versed in governance relationships, and is able to strike the right balance between involvement and detachment;
• Is familiar with national and regional political and social dynamics, has a relevant network, and is willing to use it to advance the interests of the IABR;
• Demonstrates independence, integrity, and sound judgment;
• Serves as the point of contact for the annual consultation with the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and the biennial meeting with the Council for Culture;
• Possesses excellent communication skills and an understanding of organizational dynamics;
• Has sufficient time to effectively fulfill the role of chair;
• Promotes quality assurance, a balanced composition, and self-evaluation of the Board of Trustees;
• Serves as a member of the compensation committee and ensures good employment practices;
• Naturally has an affinity for architecture, urban planning, design, culture, and their social impact, and endorses the IABR’s core values regarding architecture, justice, and sustainability.

Member of the Supervisory Board – Social/Governance/Culture Profile

We are seeking a motivated candidate with a strong social orientation and, preferably, experience in civil society, governance, organizational development, or the cultural sector. This role will complement the current Board of Trustees and strengthen the IABR’s commitment to quality, integrity, sustainability, and social and cultural impact.

The ideal candidate:

• Has a clear vision of the public role of cultural institutions and the ability to link the value of culture to policy, partnerships, and broader societal challenges;
• Possesses strategic insight and a keen understanding of social or cultural developments and related sectoral trends;
• Has experience with social innovation, inclusion, or community initiatives;
• Has a broad social network and an interest in social change and inclusion;
• Preferably has governance experience in the public, cultural, or nonprofit sector;
• Experience with the federal government and political-administrative networks is a plus;
• Has an interest in architecture, design, or urban planning and their role in societal transitions.

At least one of these two new members must have a strong network in Rotterdam.

Time spent and compensation

The Council meets approximately four times a year. Members also participate in committees and thematic meetings. In addition, the chair maintains regular, brief, informal contact with the executive board and participates in the annual consultation with the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and the biennial meeting with the Council for Culture.

The Supervisory Board is entitled to reimbursement of expenses.

Diversity

The IABR aims to establish a Supervisory Board that brings together diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences, in accordance with the Diversity & Inclusion Code. Candidates whose backgrounds and experiences contribute to this diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

Interested?

The IABR is being assisted in this process by the executive search firm Colourful People.For more information about the Supervisory Board, these positions, or the process, please contact Naima Azough, a partner at Colourful People, at06-43449717 orn.azough@colourfulpeople.nl.

To apply, please upload your resume and cover letter (in PDF format)by Wednesday, January 14, 2026, via the application form on the Colourful People website.

During the Christmas break—from December 22 to January 5—we can only be contacted via email.

Information about the timeline

• The interview session for the position of chair will take place onFriday, January 30, 2026, between 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
• The interview session for the position of member will take place onFriday, February 6, 2026, between 4:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

We kindly ask applicants to keep these dates open for now.