Chair of the Supervisory Board

Chair of the Supervisory Board – Het Zuidelijk Toneel

Het Zuidelijk Toneel (HZT) is one of the most distinctive companies within the cultural infrastructure. From our home base in Tilburg, we create exciting theater: challenging, humorous, philosophical, and accessible. We appeal to a broad and diverse audience, ranging from seasoned theatergoers to curious first-time visitors. At a time when we are investing heavily in a recognizable artistic signature, a permanent ensemble, and a sustainable relationship with our audience, we are seeking a unifying and steadfast chairperson for our Board of Trustees.

Are you an experienced supervisor with an affinity for culture and a keen sense of governance? Do you have a keen awareness of political and social developments, know how to motivate people, and view supervision as a combination of reflection, guidance, and support? If so, we warmly invite you to apply.

About Het Zuidelijk Toneel

For seventy years, HZThas been a breeding ground for innovative theater. We are based in Brabant, visible throughout the Netherlands, and active within European networks. Our new direction revolves aroundfiction, fun, and future-proofing: stories that stimulate, put things into perspective, connect people, and offer a sustainable outlook. We are building brand recognition, audience trust, and accessibility. With a solid strategic plan, an enthusiastic team, and an ambitious ensemble of creators led by Artistic Director Sarah Moeremans and Executive Director Rick Spaan, we are at the start of a new phase.

We are financially sound, artistically strong, and undergoing administrative changes: the coming years will be decisive for our position within the national cultural landscape, for the impact of the BIS policy on regional companies, and for our role as a model for sustainability, inclusion, and fair practices.

The Supervisory Board of HZT

Our Supervisory Board consists of six members with diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise. The board oversees our direction, acts as the employer of the executive board, and serves as a sounding board for substantive and strategic issues. In recent years, we have invested in building a solid foundation and strong governance. The atmosphere among members is engaged and critically constructive. The Supervisory Board seeks a balance between professional distance and informal closeness—and values transparency, diversity of perspectives, and shared responsibility.

For the coming period, the focus will be on:

• supporting management in positioning and branding initiatives;
• guiding the organization in the further development of its new strategic direction;
• ensuring accountability and professional oversight;
• and strengthening relationships with stakeholders, funding agencies, and policymakers.

The chairperson we are looking for

As chair, you facilitate collaboration within the Supervisory Board and with the executive board. You oversee the dynamics of the group, lead meetings with both focus and flexibility, and foster constructive dialogue. You are visible, approachable, and able to distinguish between main and secondary issues. You are a natural bridge-builder who creates space but also sets boundaries where necessary. And you are able to engage effectively with policymakers, funders, and cultural partners.

We are looking for someone who is available, takes the company seriously, has an eye for both artistic and administrative dynamics, and who can contribute to HZT’s future with enthusiasm and authority.

Core Qualities

• Experience with governance: You have extensive experience as a board member, preferably also as a chairperson, and you are familiar with the Cultural Governance Code;
• Political and administrative acumen: you have a network or a proven understanding of the dynamics of cultural policy, at the national or regional level;
• Connective leadership: you can encourage reflection, make room for different perspectives, and enable the council to function as a collective;
• An affinity for the performing arts: you recognize quality, understand the value of culture, and are curious about the field;
• Strategic and approachable: you’re willing to devote time and attention to both formal and informal processes and know when to make yourself available;
• National network (preferred): You ideally have a national network within the cultural, government, or social sectors, which you can use to enhance HZT’s visibility and influence.

Important considerations

• Visibility and availability: You are willing to attend events, premieres, and meetings where your presence makes a difference. The Board of Trustees meets four times a year, plus one self-evaluation session.
• Diversity: HZT strives for a diverse composition of the Supervisory Board in terms of background, perspective, and experience.
• Compensation: The position of chair is unpaid.

Interested?

Zuidelijk Toneel is being assisted by Colourful People throughout this process. If you have any questions about the position or the process, please contact Jantien Plooij atj.plooij@colourfulpeople.nlor06-17703534.

You can express your interest by uploading your cover letter and resume byMay 28, 2025, using the“Apply”button at the bottom of this page. Once your application has been successfully uploaded, you will receive a confirmation email. If you haven’t received it, please contact Jantien Plooij. Rest assured that your information will be treated confidentially.

Schedule

The preliminary interviews will take place online during week 23. The interviews with the selection committee will take place onJune 18, 2025. We kindly ask you to save the date.