Chair of the Supervisory Board

RAUM is developing rapidly. The current (temporary) layout of RAUM is shaping the development of the new construction on Berlijnplein. Currently, the municipality is working with RAUM and various cultural and social organizations on the preliminary design for the Circular Culture Cluster. This 9,200-square-meter cultural gathering place will offer space for public programs as well as workspaces and development areas, such as studios and dance studios.

Profile of the Chair of the Supervisory Board

We are seeking a Chair of the Supervisory Board who will assist the organization in implementing its multi-year plan—which is linked to a multi-year municipal grant—and in developing RAUM’s organizational structure in the lead-up to the new building. The chairperson monitors the strategic direction and supports collaboration with the executive directors. In addition, the chairperson oversees the annual evaluation of the Board of Trustees and serves as the figurehead of the oversight process. As the primary point of contact for the executive directors, the chairperson ensures communication between the board and the members of the Board of Trustees. The chairperson has experience with the development and growth of cultural organizations. In this context, values such as cultural entrepreneurship, professionalization, and creativity must go hand in hand.

Who are we looking for?

• You have experience as a supervisor in the (Utrecht) cultural sector and are committed to the growth and professionalization of the organization.
• You are a unifying chairperson who fulfills this role with openness and natural authority. You foster a culture of integrity, inclusivity, and social safety within the Board of Trustees, where people feel heard and valued.
• You have a well-established network within relevant social, cultural, and political sectors (including the City of Utrecht), and ideally also have knowledge of the cultural funding landscape.
• You have experience in human resources management, organizational development, and HR issues. Knowledge of new construction development is a plus.
• Expertise in governance and knowledge of the Cultural Governance Code, the Fair Practice Code, and the Diversity & Inclusion Code are a plus.
• You have the availability and flexibility to fulfill this role, including representing the Board of Trustees to external parties.
• You are familiar with RAUM, know your way around Utrecht, and are up to date on the development of the Leidsche Rijn neighborhood.

In this role, the chairperson is specifically responsible for the following tasks and responsibilities:

• Drafting the agenda for the Board of Trustees and coordinating it with the executive directors.
• Presiding over the Board of Trustees meetings.
• Ensuring effective collaboration among the members of the Supervisory Board.
• Maintaining regular and ongoing communication with the executive directors.
• Ensure that the Board of Trustees operates in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the adopted codes.
• Carrying out the duties of the managing directors in their capacity as employers. This includes conducting performance reviews and progress meetings as chair of the compensation committee;
• Ensure the annual self-evaluation of the Supervisory Board and ensure transparency and accountability regarding the Board’s performance.

Practical Information and Procedures for the Foundation

RAUM was founded in 2017 and is led by two executive directors. The team consists of staff members and freelancers totaling approximately 11 full-time equivalents. Since 2023, RAUM has had a Supervisory Board consisting of five members who meet at least five times a year. This meeting cycle of the Supervisory Board is linked, among other things, to the submission of the annual report and financial statements for the subsidy from the municipality of Utrecht. This is an unpaid position for which an attendance allowance is available per meeting. In the composition of the Board of Trustees, we strive for a representation that reflects the M/F/X ratio, with age and cultural background aligned with RAUM’s DNA.

Apply

Interested candidates may email their resume and cover letter to the board secretary at janneke@raumutrecht.nl, with the subject line “Application for Chair of the RAUM Supervisory Board.”

The application deadline is March 1, 2025. If you have any questions, please contact Board of Trustees member Sjoerd Segijn at 06-22205588.