Greenfield Board Member — Executive Director VZW

Company Description

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 Establishment

This 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 Description

We'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 Critical

Banks 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 collaboration

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

▸ Set and execute the VZW's multi-year strategy

▸ Represent SOFREU to EU institutions, media, and industry events

▸ Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across Europe

▸ Ensure alignment between mission, operations, and financial sustainability

Funding & Finance

▸ Lead EU grant applications (Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, NGI, VLAIO)

▸ Negotiate and secure bank loans and credit facilities

▸Oversee transparent budget allocation and financial reporting

▸Build the financial case for founding member recruitment

Non-Profit Governance

▸ Ensure compliance with Belgian VZW law (WVV Book 9) and EU regulations

▸ Chair or co-chair the Board of Directors

▸ Oversee statutes, internal regulations, and governance framework

▸ Guarantee the 20% food bank commitment and social impact reporting

Ecosystem Building

▸ Recruit and onboard founding members and enterprise clients

▸ Establish the certified partner network and star ranking system

▸ Drive adoption of SOFREU software across European markets

▸ Build alliances with EU open-source communities and advocacy groups

What 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 preferred

Qualifications

* Proven experience in organizational leadership, team management, and strategic planning

* Knowledgeable in open-source software development, project management, and AI-assisted tools

* Proficiency in budgeting, fundraising, and financial oversight

* Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills

* Experience in European grant writing or working with non-profit funding models is an advantage

* Proven ability to develop and nurture partnerships with stakeholders and certified partners

* Familiarity with compliance and regulations applicable to non-profit organizations

* Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, Non-profit Management, or a related field

* Fluency in English and Dutch; additional European languages are a plus

How to Apply

If 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 experience

* A brief motivation letter (max 1 page) explaining why SOFREU matters to you

* References from previous board positions or EU-funded projects (if available)

More info: https://sofreu.eu/board-member

Contact: [email protected]