Chair and Treasurer of the Board

Starting in 2025, the foundation will also be responsible for the Dutch Archaeology Innovation Platform—an initiative that promotes collaboration and innovation in the sector, supported by an innovation fund from the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science. With this platform, the Reuvens Foundation is taking the next step in professionalizing the archaeological sector in the Netherlands. Dietske Bedeaux has been appointed director of the foundation and leads an executive office with three staff members dedicated specifically to the Innovation Platform and the associated fund. The first innovative projects have also been approved and launched. Therefore, now is the time to strengthen and expand the board, in line with the organization’s continued growth and professionalization.

The foundation has three core tasks:

• The organizers of the Reuvensdagen, the premier national archaeology conference;
• Facilitating the Groot Reuvensoverleg, the consultative body for the archaeology sector;
• The Dutch Archaeology Innovation Platform and the management of the innovation fund.

The Board

The board of the Reuvens Foundation bears ultimate responsibility for the organization’s operations. It ensures that the foundation achieves its objectives and serves the entire archaeology sector in an open and transparent manner. In the coming period, the foundation will undergo a significant professionalization process, transitioning from an executive board to a remote board, in accordance with the principles of the Governance Code for Culture. In the long term, it is likely that the foundation will transition to a model with a Supervisory Board. To effectively shape this next phase, the Reuvens Foundation is seeking two new board members:

• a Chairperson – an authoritative and unifying leader who will guide the board through the ongoing process of professionalization;
• a Treasurer – a financial expert who helps further strengthen the quality of governance.

Chairperson

The chairperson leads the board and is able to provide direction, foster connections, and inspire others. She or he ensures an open, professional, and results-oriented board that works in close collaboration with the director and the executive office.

The chairperson has extensive administrative experience and a keen sense of governance issues. He or she has the ability to lead people through change, build trust, create support, and act as a persuasive representative of the foundation.

Profile:

• Has extensive experience with governance and administrative processes within complex, public-private, or cultural organizations;
• Has a broad and relevant network at the national level and can strengthen the lobbying process for archaeology; 
• Possesses authority, the ability to bring people together, and persuasiveness;
• Can the board support a quality initiative aimed at professional oversight and remote management;
• Has an affinity for the field of archaeology and understands its social significance, but does not come directly from the field itself;
• Understands the role of grant and fund management and has experience with publicly funded organizations, for example from a current or previous position at a municipality, province, fund, or federal agency;
• Has excellent communication skills and is able to bring together diverse interests into a shared vision.

Treasurer

The treasurer is responsible for the foundation’s financial health and ensures that it meets the highest standards of transparency and accountability. She or he serves as a sounding board for the director and fellow board members on matters related to budgeting, reporting, and governance. The treasurer brings expertise in financial, tax, or economic matters and helps the board further strengthen the quality of operations.

Profile:

• Has experience as a financial manager, controller, tax specialist, or economist, preferably in a (semi-)public or cultural organization;
• Has a solid understanding of reporting, governance, and grant regulations;
• Is accustomed to working with accountability processes involving government agencies or funding organizations;
• Combines analytical skills with an understanding of the social and cultural context in which the Reuvens Foundation operates;
• Has a deep appreciation for culture and an affinity for the foundation’s mission;
• Is capable of overseeing the financial frameworks of the Innovation Platform and the Reuvensdagen, as well as providing strategic advice on the future of the organization.

General competencies of board members

Board members of the Reuvens Foundation:

• Endorse the foundation’s mission and objectives and wish to contribute to the development of the archaeology sector;
• Understand the balance between involvement and administrative distance;
• Operate independently and collaboratively within the board;
• Have relevant administrative experience and professional networks;
• Have an affinity for culture, heritage, and innovation;
• Endorse the Cultural Governance Code, the Diversity & Inclusion Code, and the Fair Practice Code.

Time commitment and compensation

Board members receive an annual stipend for their service. Expenses are also reimbursed. The board holds brief monthly meetings online and meets in person twice a year. In addition, the chair attends the Groot Reuvens Overleg three times a year. Board members are also involved in special events such as the Reuvensdagen and in consultations with partners and government officials.

Procedure

The Reuvens Foundation is working with Colourful People for recruitment and selection. Interested candidates can express their interest by submittingacover letter and resume via the Colourful People websiteno later than January 16, 2026. Interviews will take placeon the evening of Monday, February 2. For more information about these positions, please contact Winfred Voordendag, partner at Colourful People, at 06 – 28284706 or w.voordendag@colourfulpeople.nl.