Chair of the Supervisory Board

Information about the organization: 

The Leonardo da Vinci School Group is a public school group in the city of Leiden consisting of four schools: Da Vinci College Kagerstraat, Da Vinci College Lammenschans, Leonardo College, and Da Vinci College ISK (International Transition Class). Together, the schools provide education ranging from VMBO to VWO, including Technasium, elite sports programs, and education for newcomers. The school group has a total of over 3,000 students and 400 staff members. The school group has a two-member Executive Board (CvB) consisting of principal-administrators who oversee the schools and the administrative office. Our schools have an open and pleasant atmosphere where students and staff feel at home. We educate young people to become self-assured global citizens who take responsibility, contribute to their community, and think sustainably. More than just handing out diplomas: that is what we see as our social mission.

The Supervisory Board

The Board of Trustees serves as the employer, supervisor, and strategic partner of the Executive Board. Comprising five members, the Board of Trustees oversees the university’s operations in accordance with the VO-raad Code of Good Governance. To bring clarity and balance to the relationship with the Executive Board and to enable accountability and legitimization of policy toward the broader community, the Board of Trustees established a new supervisory framework in 2024. The term of office for members of the Board of Trustees is four years, and members may be reappointed once. Due to the chairperson’s departure to work abroad, we are seeking a new chairperson. This position is nominated by the parent representatives of the Joint Participation Council (GMR). The Leiden City Council formally appoints the chairperson upon the recommendation of the Board of Trustees, following the advice of an appointment advisory committee comprising representatives from the Board of Trustees, the Executive Board, and the GMR.

Qualifications for the Chair of the Supervisory Board

The chairperson we are looking for has the following qualifications: 

• Strategic insight and social commitment. Combines a vision for education and organizational development with a focus on the social mission of a public school district.
• Administrative acumen. Navigates complex administrative and political relationships with ease and knows when to maintain distance or engage closely.
• Reflective oversight. Demonstrates self-reflection, recognizes their own role in the interplay with management and employee representation, and is vigilant regarding checks and balances.
• Strong communication skills. Builds connections through words and demeanor, is able to broach difficult topics, and fosters open dialogue with the Executive Board, the General Management Council, and fellow supervisors.
• Collaborative leadership. Promotes constructive collaboration within the Supervisory Board and contributes to a culture of shared growth and development.

And the following personal characteristics: 

• Committed. Shows a genuine interest in education, students, and staff, and feels a shared responsibility for the public good.
• Balanced. Able to weigh different interests and maintain a balance between distance and closeness, decisiveness and modesty.
• Has a relevant professional network and, preferably, lives or works in Leiden or the surrounding area. 

The Leonardo da Vinci School Group has four core values: equality, freedom, connection, and diversity. We are a public school group by design: everyone belongs and is given equal opportunities. We strive for a diverse team of supervisors that is representative of our student population. Do you identify with this profile and our vision? If so, we invite you to apply. Want to read more? See:Board and Supervision at SG Leonardo da Vinci

Commitment and expectations

The time commitment amounts to approximately seven meetings per year, including committee meetings, meetings with the alderman, the employee representative body, and possibly the community advisory group, as well as a few working visits. The chair plays a key role in preparing for the meetings and is regularly available to serve as an advisor to the board. 

Compensation

Remuneration is determined in accordance with the Supervisory Board’s compensation policy. The remuneration is based on the standards set by the VTOI-NVTK. In addition, the Senior Executives’ Remuneration Act is observed. For the role of chairperson, this amounts to approximately 7,500 euros per year.

Procedure

The Supervisory Board is being assisted in the recruitment and selection process by the executive search firm Colourful People. For more information about the organization, the Supervisory Board, and the position, please contact Monique Spaansen, a partner at Colourful People (m.spaansen@colourfulpeople.nl). You can express your interest by uploading your cover letter and resumeby May 13via the application form on the Colourful People website. Interviews with the BAC are scheduledfor the evening of June 10, with the goal of reaching a tentative appointment before the summer break.