'Charity' has again become a growth market in recent years. With increased competition, even from abroad, because Dutch people are known for their generosity. For the fundraising organisations it is therefore all about professionalisation, positioning and distinguishing themselves. We are the only bureau in the Netherlands that specialises in this specific segment of the market on executive and MT level.
Social positions
We have noticed that people's interest in working in socially-oriented organisations has increased enormously. The job openings at charity organisations are usually distinctive and unique by nature and generate a significantly higher than average number of reactions. It is important for charity organisations to create a distinct profile for themselves and stand out from their competitors. Partner/Consultant Bob de Groot: "This is a process that shouldn't be underestimated. It often involves complex organisations in terms of their organisational form and structure, with their own specific dynamics. And with many interests in a sizeable field of stakeholders. In terms of the governance aspects, transparency and supervision, for example, a great deal has changed over the past few years. Everything has become a lot more rigorous."
Committed candidates
In the Netherlands, there are around 20 to 30 charity organisations with large work organisations. From Wereld Natuur Fonds (Dutch World Wildlife Fund) to WarChild, from Dierenbescherming (Dutch RSPCA) up to and including the Dutch Red Cross. We help almost all these organisations to fill key positions on executive and MT level. The same qualifications are in principle required as for comparable positions in other organisations. However, candidates are sometimes not aware of this. Bob de Groot: "Wereld Natuur Fonds, for example, employs around 70 marketing staff. People not familiar with this world would never imagine that. So in fact we're talking about very large, professional organisations." In order to operate on a high level in a charity organisation, Bob de Groot says that candidates must demonstrate clear social commitment over and above the required professional skills: "Or better said, enthusiasm for the organisation's goals. That kind of enthusiasm can already be evident in a candidate's CV - for example, when you see that in addition to their regular tasks candidates are also involved in a range of social activities such as volunteer work as a manager. In the interviews we later hold with the candidates, we cover this subject in great detail. And I personally find that very interesting, because my roots are in that world too."
A selection of recently completed assignments
- Marketing Director Wereld Natuur Fonds
- Financial Director Wereld Natuur Fonds
- General Manager WarChild
- General Manager Stichting Kinderpostzegels Nederland (postage stamps in aid of children)
- Chairperson Veilig Verkeer Nederland / 3VO
- Managing Director Dance4life
- General Manager Stichting Blindegeleidenhonden fund (guide dogs foundation)
- General Manager Dierenbescherming (Dutch RSPCA)
- Director Operations (COO) Dutch Red Cross
- Various MT positions Dutch Red Cross
- Chairman of the Board Max Havelaar Foundation.
For more information: bob.degroot@ebbinge.nl
