Executive Director

Pioneers in Early Childhood Development

The Bernard van Leer Foundation is currently seeking an innovative, experienced Executive Director to lead this ground-breaking organisation.

For over 40 years, the Bernard van Leer Foundation has led thought and policy developments on issues of early childhood development.  As a private foundation, the BvLF is committed to funding projects and programmes that are bold, pioneering, and experimental. Working with other organisations, the foundation's mission is to develop and support programmes that create significant positive change for children up to the age of eight who are living in circumstances of social and economic disadvantage.  The foundation is also committed to working in partnership with its grantees, learning through monitoring and evaluating grant-supported projects, building coalitions and networks, and leveraging its impact through publications and policy advocacy.

The organisation has an innovative and cutting edge approach to grant making and venture philanthropy.  Based in the Netherlands with an operating budget of € 24 million ($US 34 million), an international staff of 50, and 134 projects in 21 countries, the foundation has been instrumental in putting early childhood development high on the public agenda.  

The successful Executive Director candidate could come from a variety of backgrounds including public, private, or not-for-profit. Ideally, s/he will have experiences that cut across multiple sectors.  This individual must have at least 10 years executive management experience, a track-record of implementing new approaches to important challenges, and the ability to manage and invigorate a global staff.  The Executive Director will report to the foundation's Board of Trustees and has a broad mandate to design and execute underlying policies to achieve the goals set by the Board. 

For further information on the Bernard van Leer Foundation, please visit: www.bernardvanleer.org

The Bernard van Leer Foundation has selected Korn/Ferry International to partner with them to conduct this very important search.  Expressions of interest and/or recommendations will be held in strict confidence and should be sent to BvLF@kornferry.com

A competitive compensation package is being offered to attract exceptional candidates.  This position will remain open until a successful candidate is selected.