SOFREU VZW is a Belgian non-profit organisation building open-source software alternatives to dominant US platforms — developed with AI, delivered by a certified European partner network, and hosted exclusively in EU data centers.Our mission is to give European businesses true digital sovereignty: software they can trust, inspect, modify, and own — free from vendor lock-in, foreign jurisdiction risks, and opaque licensing.Every euro generated goes back into the ecosystem: 20% to food banks, 40% to new software development, 40% to operations. No shareholders. No exit strategy. Permanent infrastructure for Europe.Voluntary Now — Paid Role After EstablishmentThis role starts as a voluntary board position with full expense coverage during the founding phase (legal setup, grant applications, first members). Once the VZW is legally established, operational, and generating revenue, this position transitions into a paid executive function within the VZW. The board will determine appropriate compensation based on the organisation's financial health and Belgian non-profit regulations.Role DescriptionWe\'re looking for a senior executive at CEO or CIO level to join the founding board and lead the VZW through its critical startup phase. You\'ll be the face of SOFREU to banks, EU funding bodies, founding members, and development partners. Your track record and credibility are what will open doors and secure the trust and capital we need to launch.Why This Role Is CriticalBanks and funding bodies invest in people first, ideas second. A proven executive with a track record in non-profit governance and EU funding is the single most important factor in securing our startup capital.EU grant applications (Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, NGI) are evaluated on the quality of the consortium and leadership team — not just the project idea.Founding members and enterprise clients need to see experienced leadership before committing €5,000–€10,000+ in annual membership fees.Partners need confidence that the VZW is professionally governed before committing to retainer-based collaborationKey ResponsibilitiesStrategic LeadershipSet and execute the VZW\'s multi-year strategyRepresent SOFREU to EU institutions, media, and industry eventsBuild and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across EuropeEnsure alignment between mission, operations, and financial sustainabilityFunding & FinanceLead EU grant applications (Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, NGI, VLAIO)Negotiate and secure bank loans and credit facilitiesOversee transparent budget allocation and financial reportingBuild the financial case for founding member recruitmentEnsure compliance with Belgian VZW law (WVV Book 9) and EU regulationsChair or co-chair the Board of DirectorsOversee statutes, internal regulations, and governance frameworkGuarantee the 20% food bank commitment and social impact reportingEcosystem BuildingRecruit and onboard founding members and enterprise clientsEstablish the certified partner network and star ranking systemDrive adoption of SOFREU software across European marketsBuild alliances with EU open-source communities and advocacy groupsWhat You Bring✓ Experience setting up and/or leading a non-profit organisation✓ Proven success securing EU funding (Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, NGI, or similar)✓ Track record negotiating bank loans or credit facilities✓ Deep understanding of open-source software and European digital sovereignty✓ 10+ years in C-level or senior executive roles✓ Network within EU institutions or policy circles (preferred)✓ Understanding of GDPR, NIS2, EU Data Act, and Cyber Resilience Act✓ Multilingual — English required; Dutch, French, or German preferredQualificationsProven experience in organizational leadership, team management, and strategic planningKnowledgeable in open-source software development, project management, and AI-assisted toolsProficiency in budgeting, fundraising, and financial oversightStrong communication, negotiation, and relationship management skillsExperience in European grant writing or working with non-profit funding models is an advantageProven ability to develop and nurture partnerships with stakeholders and certified partnersFamiliarity with compliance and regulations applicable to non-profit organizationsBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, Non-profit Management, or a related fieldFluency in English and Dutch; additional European languages are a plusHow to ApplyIf you recognise yourself in this profile and want to help build digital sovereignty for Europe, we\'d love to hear from you. Please send:Your CV highlighting relevant non-profit, funding, and executive experienceA brief motivation letter (max 1 page) explaining why SOFREU matters to youReferences from previous board positions or EU-funded projects (if available)More info: https://sofreu.eu/board-member
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