Managing Director

About Scapino

Scapino Ballet Rotterdam is the oldest modern dance company in the Netherlands and has been a leading player in the cultural scene since 1945. Based in its home city of Rotterdam, Scapino surprises and moves audiences with bold, multidisciplinary productions—often accompanied by live music—in which artistic excellence goes hand in hand with social relevance. Scapino is a pioneer in dance and is always seeking new forms, new audiences, and new connections.

Choreographer and theater director Nanine Linning took over as artistic director in 2024. With her arrival, Scapino is entering a new phase, in which the company aims to further solidify its position as a leading institution for modern dance in the Netherlands and Europe. Over the next decade, Scapino aims to grow into one of Europe’s five leading dance companies.

Scapino’s management consists of two people: the artistic director and the executive director, both of whom are statutory directors. The executive director has overall responsibility for the day-to-day management of the organization and sets the framework for its artistic policy. Scapino receives structural support from the national government and the City of Rotterdam, supplemented by private funding.

The organization has lofty ambitions, but operates in a sector where financial pressures and social complexities are on the rise. That is why Scapino is seeking a CEO with strong managerial instincts, business acumen, vision, and the ability to provide sustainable leadership to a diverse and passionate organization.

The position

The Executive Director (Managing Director), together with the Artistic Director, bears ultimate responsibility for Scapino’s strategy and policy. The Executive Director manages the internal organization, ensures financial stability, develops strategies for operations, marketing, HR, and partnerships, and represents Scapino within the broader national and international network of culture, politics, and business.

The main challenges for the coming years:

1. Strengthening operational managementand consolidating financial management;
2. Translating artistic ambitions intorealistic multi-year plans and project structures;
3. Revamping the revenue modeland increasing self-generated income through fundraising, sponsorship, private donors, and co-productions;
4. Visibly positioning Scapinoas an urban and (inter)national partner in the arts, innovation, and social impact;
5. Establishing a safe, diverse, and inclusive organizational culture. 

Who are you?

• You have extensive experience as a business director or executive in the cultural sector, preferably in the performing arts or a related field;
• You have a strong background in finance and (preferably) law, and you know how to focus on both results and relationships;
• You are an inspiring leader—empathetic, decisive, and a team player;
• You have experience with fundraising, public engagement strategies, and strategic networking;
• You have knowledge of the Dutch cultural landscape and, preferably, the international cultural landscape as well;
• You have a strong background in developing policies related to human resources, organizational structure, and sustainability;
• You can switch between vision, strategy, and implementation;
• You endorse the Codes of Cultural Governance, Diversity & Inclusion, and Fair Practice;
• You feel at home in Rotterdam—or are willing to commit to doing so.

What does Scapino offer?

• A leadership role within a leading dance company known for its artistic excellence and social relevance;
• An inspiring collaboration with Artistic Director Nanine Linning;
• A dynamic workplace in the heart of Rotterdam with an international flair;
• The opportunity to contribute to the future of dance, innovation, and culture in the Netherlands.

Interested?

Scapino Ballet Rotterdam is being advised by Colourful People | Winfred Voordendag in this process. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an exploratory meeting, please call 06-28284706 or emailw.voordendag@colourfulpeople.nl.

You can apply by August 15 at the latestby sending your resume and cover letter to the email address above. Interviews will be held on Friday, September 5, and Friday, September 12, in Rotterdam.

Scapino Ballet Rotterdam strives to be an inclusive and diverse organization. We encourage anyone who fits the profile to apply, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, or physical disability. Scapino adheres to the Cultural Governance Code, the Fair Practice Code, and the Diversity & Inclusion Code.