Chair and Member of the Supervisory Board

Design Academy Eindhoven (DAE) is one of the world’s leading design schools, internationally recognized for its progressive and renowned faculty and alumni. For over 70 years, the school has been training aspiring designers to make a difference in the world. Driven by genuine wonder and fascination, these students engage with the society around them. In this way, they shape the future by thinking freely and openly about what design can achieve and by consistently exploring design as a tool for material, social, and sustainable innovation and change.

Today, DAE is home to a community of many nationalities and cultures. A community that provides ample opportunity to translate personal perspectives on the world into meaningful and bold designs. They are guided in this process by a team of expert designers, architects, researchers, writers, and curators, all of whom are highly active within the academy and in the professional field.

DAE is a University of the Arts that offers both BA and MA programs. In addition to its academic programs, DAE offers internationalchairs and professorships focused on collaborative research projects. Fundamental to DAE are the shared political values of an inclusive society that embraces diversity in every aspect. Furthermore, DAE’s curriculum is distinguished by its hybrid, conceptual, and international approach to design.

DAE has traditionally had a large number of international students. Currently, approximately 800 young people are studying at DAE, 80 percent of whom are from international backgrounds. As a result, DAE contributes to the strong international reputation of Dutch Design. In addition, as mentioned above, DAE places great importance on fostering an inclusive, open, and socially safe environment, where diversity is recognized and everyone has the opportunity to participate.

Supervisory Board

The Supervisory Board adheres to the Code of Good Governance for Higher Professional Education and is primarily responsible for the following formal duties:

• Ensuring effective oversight of DAE’s policies and general operations.
• Supporting the Executive Board as an advisor, sounding board, and sparring partner.
• Approving the budget (multi-year budgets), the financial statements, and the strategic policy plan (multi-year policy plans).
• Effectively fulfilling the role of employer and ensuring that the Executive Board can function effectively.

To this end, the Supervisory Board makes use of two standing committees: the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee. The Supervisory Board currently consists of six members, including the chair. In addition to the chair, one current member will soon step down due to the expiration of their term.

When selecting members for the Supervisory Board, consideration is given to achieving an optimal mix of knowledge, expertise, and skills, as well as personalities, experiences, and diversity in the broadest sense—including gender, age, cultural background, and regional background. Furthermore, each member is, in principle, willing to serve on the Supervisory Board for two terms of four years each.

In addition to meeting specific qualifications, we expect new members to meet the general qualifications for members of the Supervisory Board, as outlined below:

• An affinity for and/or knowledge of education and/or the sectors for which DAE provides training, such as the cultural sector;
• A thorough understanding of the responsibilities and roles of both the Supervisory Board and the Executive Board, as well as familiarity with good governance;
• An understanding of the dynamics within society and how they play out within DAE;
• Expertise in effectively fulfilling the role of an employer while maintaining a balance between engagement and managerial detachment;
• The ability to perform advisory and supervisory roles as part of a team;
• The ability to serve as a good sounding board for the directors;
• Qualities such as critical self-reflection and self-correction;
• Integrity, organizational sensitivity, a commitment to collaboration and inclusion, and independent judgment;
• A relevant network in one's own field of expertise;
• Sufficient flexible time to effectively fulfill the supervisory role and maintain a visible presence within the DAE community;
• A good command of English, as meetings are conducted in English.

What kind of person are we looking for as chairperson?

We are looking for candidates for the role of chairperson who fit the following profile:

• You have a background in or a strong connection to the cultural sector;
• You have a natural, authoritative presence, a broad network in the cultural sector, and a good understanding of current political and policy issues;
• You are an experienced and independent supervisor with a keen eye for governance and interpersonal dynamics;
• You lead meetings effectively and smoothly, ensuring maximum participation from all members and clear, active decision-making;
• You are a unifying, open, and empathetic leader;
• You are decisive, proactive, and ensure that agreements are honored;
• You are not overly formal and are comfortable working in an informal setting;
• You are visible and recognizable to the DAE community;
• You are able to represent DAE effectively in public;
• You appreciate and support DAE’s long-term strategy;
• You have strong analytical skills and know how to take a solution-oriented approach when disagreements arise;
• You have a vision, but you are diplomatic and reserved in your actions;
• You will have sufficient time and flexibility to effectively fulfill your role as a sounding board alongside your formal responsibilities and to ensure smooth collaboration with the Executive Board.

Who are we looking for as members?

We are looking for candidates for the role of board member who identify with the description below:

We are also seeking a member of the Board of Trustees for DAE. Ideally, this person should have knowledge of the inner workings of higher education (HBO or WO)—either through prior work experience in the field or through having served as a supervisor with responsibility for this area. An affinity for legal and financial matters and/or knowledge of innovation and digitization are strong advantages. Candidates must have an affinity with the creative academy and a good rapport with students. In addition, this member will be appointed in consultation with the Student Council, and we expect a high level of engagement with the community of students, faculty, and staff. This member will most likely serve on the Audit Committee.

For one of the positions, having a network in the Eindhoven region is a plus. For both roles, it is essential that candidates be team players and strong communicators who enjoy collaborating with fellow supervisors. For both roles, candidates must also recognize the value of inclusion, equality, and diversity, and actively embrace and promote these principles.

Time spent and fees

Under normal circumstances, the Supervisory Board holds six meetings per year. In addition, the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee hold approximately two additional meetings per year. For both positions, appropriate compensation is provided in accordance with the Executive Compensation Standards Act, along with reimbursement for travel expenses.

Interested?

DAE is working with the executive search firm Colourful People to fill this position. For more information about the application process and DAE, please contact Naima Azough, a partner at Colourful People (06-43449717) or n.azough@colourfulpeople.nl.

You can express your interest by uploadingyour cover letter and resume no later than Wednesday, November 23, 2022, using the “Apply” button at the bottom of this page.