The Saba Educational Foundation is recruiting a:
Directeur-bestuurder (daily board)
On the beautiful island of Saba, the Saba Educational Foundation is searching for one (1) directeur-bestuurder (daily board), which establishes one school, the Saba Comprehensive School. After implementation of a new two-tier board structure and the appointment of a temporary directeur-bestuurder member until December 2025, we are currently entering a new challenging phase where the Saba Educational Foundation is looking for a directeur-bestuurder to follow up with and stabilize the improvements implemented by our current temporary directeur-bestuurder, based on the remedial orders from the reports of the Dutch Inspectorate of Education.
Therefore, we are looking for a professional who has provable financial understanding of school systems, governance of schools, quality of education, communication, identity and housing, in the capacity of a single “directeur-bestuurder”. The focus areas are creating and further finetuning proper procedures and guidelines within the long-term vision of the school, along with the necessary Planning & Control-cycles for educational quality and finances. The directeur-bestuurder will work closely with the Management Team, the participation council (MR), teaching and non-teaching staff, and the supervisory board in order to achieve the beforementioned improvements and goals of the board in general.
In addition, candidates should have experience as a daily board in education, have knowledge of the Dutch education system, demonstrable managerial background and show willingness to familiarize with the Saban culture.
Within this unique opportunity, we’re looking for candidates that:
- Have a proven track record in educational turnaround management, particularly in challenged or underperforming schools, on a board level.
- Have experience in crisis management and stakeholder communication to navigate sensitive issues and instill confidence in students, staff, and parents.
- Have knowledge of the Dutch education system and strong understanding of schools regarding finances, administration and governance.
- Are able to think on a strategic level and analyze developments from a certain distance
- Are proactive, positive and have an open attitude
- Have enough time and energy to dedicate his- or herself to an adequate filling of the position
- Can critically assess their own contribution as a supervisor on an annual basis, as well as that of the Board as a whole
- Can be a sparring partner for the school with empathy and from connection and ability
- Are proficient in both Dutch and English
Employment conditions:
Salary scale will be in accordance with the established salary scaling for secondary education on the Dutch BES Islands (scale 13) and based on the experience of the to be appointed directeur-bestuurder. Included in the salary are holiday pay and end-of-year bonus, Saba allowance, (if applicable) child allowance, participation in the Caribbean Netherlands Pension Fund (PCN), holiday according to holiday schedule of SCS educational staff, relocation assistance for candidates moving to Saba and professional development opportunities. When fully registered on island, health care is free. The position is offered on a one-year contract basis in the first instance. A permanent appointment may be considered following a successful evaluation.
The selection process will include the candidate providing a VOG with an educational profile and a reference check.
If you are excited about this unique opportunity and would like to apply, please send your motivation letter and resume (including references) to the Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Saba Educational Foundation, Mr. Devi van Groningen via board.scs@sabalearns.org. The vacancy will close on July 2nd, 2025.