Project manager Community Service Learning

Do you enjoy being the link between science and society? Then apply at the Athena Institute of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

Location: AMSTERDAM
FTE: 0.8 (32 hours per week)

Social awareness and joint involvement are core values ​​of VU University. One of the means by which we add a concrete dimension to these values ​​is through the implementation of a central Community Service Learning (CSL) program. Through CSL, students use their academic skills to contribute to societal issues. CSL has the potential to be a transformative learning experience for the students, while at the same time influencing society. We have several successful ongoing CSL projects and work with key civil society partners.

Within this research project, an innovative CSL curriculum for all bachelor and master students and at the VU will be developed in collaboration with social partners. The aim is to strengthen the link between different courses and society and to scale up CSL across the university. We want to strengthen our team of researchers with a project manager with a focus on supporting and fostering CSL at VU.

Your duties

• Maintain and expand contacts with teachers involved in and/or interested in CSL across VU
• Maintain and expand contacts with various public and private organizations
• Assume the role of a liaison to match the CSL courses/teachers with community partners, including knowledge alliances (sustainability, loneliness, inclusive city)
• Organize meetings/workshops with and between relevant stakeholders
• Plan and organize a marketplace/matching event to match CSL courses/teachers with community partners
• Manage different communication channels (e.g. website, monthly newsletters etc.)
• Contact person for the CSL program in VU
• Provide written documentation and reports on the project activities and progress

• you are a real networker and can build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders (both internal and external)
• you are a proficient communicator who can efficiently communicate and connect with diverse stakeholders
• you have strong management and coordination skills
• you write and speak Dutch and English fluently
• you are a team player
• you have an affinity with the subject of “community service learning” and educational innovations

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. On full-time basis the remuneration amounts to a minimum gross monthly salary of €2,960 (scale 10)

and a maximum €4,670 (scale 10), depending on your education and experience. The job profile: is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for at least 0.8 FTE.

The initial employment contract will affect a period of 1 year. After that, in case of excellent performance, permanent employment will be granted.
Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

• a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment,
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus,
• solid pension scheme (ABP),
• possibility to save holiday hours, for sabbatical leave,
• child daycare facilities available on campus

The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavor – from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 30,000 students. We employ over 5,500 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible and located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity
We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences.

The Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science inspires researchers and students to find sustainable solutions for complex societal issues. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to medicines and from molecules to the moon: our teaching and research programmes cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. We share knowledge and experience with leading research institutes and industries, both here in the Netherlands and abroad.

Working at the Faculty of Science means working with students, PhD candidates and researchers, all with a clear focus on their field and a broad view of the world. We employ more than 1,250 staff members, and we are home to more than 11,000 students.

Athena Institute, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences
The position is offered within the Athena Institute, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences. The institute’s mission is to study and design interfaces between science and society to contribute both to a deeper understanding of innovation processes as well as a responsible implementation of research and innovation in society. Athena’s research program amongst other focuses on analysing complex global health challenges, designing interventions and conducting participatory monitoring and evaluation research. The section presently has a position vacant for a Postdoc/Lecturer.
For more information about the Athena Institute visit our website .

Are you interested in this position? Please apply via the application button and upload your curriculum vitae and cover letter until

Applications received by e-mail will not be processed.

Vacancy questions
If you have any questions regarding this vacancy, you may contact:

Name: Prof.dr. M.B.M. Zweekhorst
Position: Chair Innovation and Education in the health and life sciences
E-mail: [email protected]

No agencies