Assistant Director of Opera
The Dutch National Opera & Ballet is one of the largest cultural organizations in the Netherlands and is located in the heart of Amsterdam. With over 650 colleagues representing more than 30 nationalities, we work together every day to enrich the lives of as many people as possible through the wonder, beauty, and meaning of opera and ballet. Every detail counts, which is why we value craftsmanship in every part of our organization. Would you like to use your experience and enthusiasm to contribute to this?
About the role
As an assistant, you and your colleague will energetically and proactively support the director of De Nationale Opera and the business manager in organizational and secretarial matters. A significant part of the job involves managing the director’s full inbox and complex schedule. To do this effectively, you’ll need to stay informed about what’s happening in the production processes and the organization. You’ll draft emails, mailings, and letters on behalf of the director.
The opera director maintains a wide network of internal and external artistic and business contacts—an international group of people, each with their own (cultural) background. On a daily basis, you monitor priorities and ensure that tasks are handled in a timely and appropriate manner. You serve as the director’s eyes and ears, ensuring that she is informed and prepared for her appointments and (international) meetings.
About you
You have experience with the tasks mentioned above, preferably in complex, internationally oriented settings. You are a decisive and experienced professional who is friendly, communicative, and solution-oriented. With your strong personality and positive energy, you thrive under pressure. You can adapt to the organization’s dynamics while maintaining an overview and monitoring progress. You have excellent knowledge of Dutch and English and are a professional in business correspondence in both languages. You understand proper style and can adapt it to the message and the recipient. You interact easily with people from diverse backgrounds. In principle, you will work on-site. It is helpful if you have some flexibility in your working hours.
What we offer
- An appointment initially for one year, with the intention of extending it.
- The salary for this position ranges from a minimum of €2,991 to a maximum of €4,519 gross per month, depending on knowledge and experience. A 3% pay raise will be added to this effective July 1, 2026.
- 30 vacation days and 5 compensatory time off days.
- 8% vacation pay and a good pension plan.
- An attractive package for our opera and ballet performances.
- Opportunities for growth, including training and development.
- A contribution toward a gym membership.
- Travel allowance, including a bicycle allowance for shorter distances and a bicycle plan.
- An excellent artists' lounge that doubles as a company cafeteria.
- Work in a unique location in Amsterdam, surrounded by creativity and craftsmanship.
- The NO&B collective bargaining agreement applies to this position (click here).
Apply
Are you interested in this position? Please submit your resume and cover letter by May 10, 2026, using the“Apply”button on our website. We process applications through our HR software, so please do not apply via email. Initial interviews are expected to begin on May 15.
The Dutch National Opera & Ballet embraces diversity and inclusion. Job openings are open to everyone.
Contact
If you have any questions, please feel free to email the HR department at hr@operaballet.nl.
Recruitment agencies: Thank you, but we’d prefer to hire our new colleague ourselves.
(c) Photo credit: Bart Grietens
