What Design Can Do (WDCD) is looking for two new Supervisory Board members to start as of April 2024. Board members will give special attention to the areas of Fundraising or Finance for a design and sustainability-driven social enterprise. Our Supervisory Board is key to ensuring that WDCD’s impact continues to grow while maintaining excellent accountability, good governance, and robust strategy.
Compensation: Unpaid (travel expenses and directors’ liability insurance are covered)
Time required: participate in 4 Board Meetings a year and in 4 other special events
Reports: Board of Executive Directors (2 members/founders)
WHAT DO WE DO?
What Design Can Do (WDCD) is a prominent international platform headquartered in Amsterdam, with additional hubs on 4 continents. It is dedicated to harnessing design and creativity to address pressing social issues. WDCD serves as a nexus, connecting creative minds with governments, businesses, academic institutions, and citizens through global design competitions, an online platform, and annual events. For details, see our website: https://www.whatdesigncando.com/
WHO ARE YOU?
As a Supervisory Board member, we need committed and passionate people who believe we can create a better world together through the power of design. As you’ll see in the profile outlined below, we seek a range of skill sets from our two new Supervisory Board members. We encourage different perspectives and backgrounds and look for leaders with a large network and specialisation in the areas of Fundraising or Finance.
TIME COMMITMENT AND LOCATION
We hold Supervisory Board meetings at least 4 times a year. We do this face-to-face at our Amsterdam offices or in a designated venue. Some ad hoc input is also expected during the year (e.g., participating in special events WDCD organises and/or engaging with specific projects, depending on your expertise role as defined below.)
LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES: DIVISION OF TASKS
The day-to-day operations of WDCD and its team of ten very motivated professionals are overseen by two Executive Directors (the Board) who report to the Supervisory Board. The Supervisory Board (five members) provides guidance and advice to the Board on strategy, budgeting, annual accounts, results evaluation, and multi-year policy plans and offers insights to refine and execute organisational policies. They cultivate a large existing network and are willing to help WDCD expand its international network. Committed to adherence to the Culture Governance Code, the Supervisory Board maintains a robust governance framework.
BENEFITS
The Supervisory Board member roles are unpaid, although we cover travel expenses if needed and pay for any necessary training. Supervisory Board members also have free access to special WDCD events. We encourage and appreciate their active participation and engagement.
TERM OF APPOINTMENT
Board members are appointed on a 4-year term with the potential to renew up to 2 times.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE (ESSENTIAL):
- Board-level experience and/or Supervisory Board experience
- Minimum 5 years of experience in one of the areas in the specific profiles below
- Strong communication skills and the ability to open and cultivate networks
- Passion to create a better world for people and the environment through design-led change
DEMONSTRABLE SKILLS FOR SPECIFIC EXPERTISE
Fundraising / development role (1 member)
- Expertise in cultivating strategic, long-term corporate partnerships, crafting partnership proposals, and promoting sustainable development, CSR, ESG, and/or climate action.
- Capability to advise on acquisition, new business development, and entrepreneurial initiatives.
Financial role (1 member)
- Proficiency in managing finances within a growing fundraising organisation and/or social enterprise
- Willingness to support the Board/management in maintaining a robust financial standing.
ARE YOU INTERESTED?
If you are interested, send your application and CV to jobs@whatdesigncando.com,
attention of Pepijn Zurburg. The first interviews will start the week of 4th March 2024.
Application deadline: 26th February 2024