Managing Director

The Shoe District

From Elvis’s loafers, Lady Gaga’s outrageous boots, and David Bowie’s red platform boots to Beyoncé’s thigh-high boots. In the temporary exhibition Put on your red shoes, shoes, culture, and identity come together. Just like in the permanent collection at the Schoenenkwartier. How many pairs of shoes do you have in your closet, and what do these shoes say about you? Shoes are part of everyone’s identity—for young and old, rich and poor, every community, and every individual. Shoes belong to the world and are for everyone. In countless forms. And they come with many diverse stories.

The recently opened Schoenenkwartier is not just about viewing and raising awareness, but also about learning and getting involved. It uniquely combines heritage and technology with fashion, design, and innovation. The Schoenenkwartier highlights the history of shoes and the shoe industry in Waalwijk and the surrounding area, while also shining a light on the future. To help shape that future, we are looking for a

Managing Director (36 hours)

The Schoenenkwartier, located in the historic Kropholler complex in the center of Waalwijk, boasts a rich collection of 13,000 shoes, numerous leather goods, and related objects and machinery, offering visitors a museum experience centered on discovery, creation, and wonder. It presents the collection in a contemporary, interactive way, allowing you to learn about the history of the craft while also designing, creating, or exploring on your own.

That is why, in addition to being a museum with permanent and temporary exhibitions, the Schoenenkwartier is also a maker lab and knowledge center where contemporary designers, makers, students, and producers can draw inspiration from the rich collection and create new designs, methods, and materials. Of course, it also provides a space for meetings and discussions. In addition to a café and a shop, there are distinctive spaces and a wide range of facilities, from a business club and auditorium to an atrium where larger events can take place.

Supervisory Board

The Schoenenkwartier Foundation operates under a Supervisory Board model, with a Board consisting of four members. The Executive Director is responsible for strategy and management, while the Supervisory Board oversees strategic policy and general operations. In addition, the Supervisory Board acts as a sounding board for the Executive Director. The Schoenenkwartier has close ties with the municipality of Waalwijk.

What will you be doing?

• You are responsible for personnel policy and the management of the 11 staff members and approximately 75 volunteers;
• You will lead the ongoing organizational development and further refinement of the Schoenenkwartier’s vision to transform it into a destination that attracts even more visitors, based on a clear strategic vision, a multi-year policy, and concrete action plans; with engaging programming, a strong identity, and a communication strategy;
• You will work to further establish the Schoenenkwartier’s external reputation as a center for cultural heritage and foster long-term partnerships within the city, the region, and the national and international industry;
• You will ensure sound business operations and a financially sustainable budget, prepare multi-year and annual budgets, and monitor the planning and control cycle with clear performance targets and transparent communication with (municipal) funding agencies;
• You are responsible for securing and effectively managing municipal grant funds, as well as for broader fundraising efforts to secure additional resources.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a strong, unifying leader with proven skills in managing teams or organizations comprising both professionals and volunteers. You are familiar with the museum, cultural, or social sectors and know how to navigate them effectively. As the figurehead and advocate for the Schoenenkwartier, you are able to navigate political sensitivities with great skill and operate effectively within a variety of forums. You are collaborative and diplomatic, but you can also—when necessary—calmly weigh business dilemmas and make clear decisions. You know how to position the Schoenenkwartier and ensure a strong connection and anchoring of the museum within the city, region, and the national and international sector, as well as with diverse stakeholders, ranging from the business community and education to cultural partners.

Externally, you serve as the organization’s public face; internally, you work with employees to build a stable, efficient, and future-proof organization. You are a committed and supportive leader who is culturally entrepreneurial, able to identify commercial opportunities, and skilled at forging new partnerships. This enables you to drive innovation and embed sustainability within the organization. You are committed to the Diversity and Inclusion Code and will actively apply it within the organization.

Job Requirements

• You have experience as a manager and/or executive in a leadership role and bring a certain level of managerial authority to the table;
• You have experience and/or an interest in the museum sector and in the areas of exhibitions, presentation, and public relations;
• You have knowledge of or an interest in the art of shoemaking, product development, design, art, and heritage;
• You have experience with project-based work and research issues;
• You are decisive, a strong communicator, and results-oriented;
• You are socially engaged, driven by creativity, sustainability, and innovation, customer- and audience-focused, and an entrepreneurial networker;
• You have knowledge of and insight into finance and business operations;
• You have a good command of English;
• You have relevant professional networks.

What do we offer?

A challenging leadership role within a new and dynamic Schoenenkwartier, with dedicated staff and the opportunity to help shape the future of the organization. The terms of employment follow the Museum Collective Labor Agreement, with a salary range of €6,500 to a maximum of €7,500 (scale 14/15) for a 36-hour workweek, with the starting salary depending on experience and expertise. This is initially a one-year employment contract, with the intention of extending it.

Interested?

We are being assisted in the recruitment and selection process for this position by the executive search firm Colourful People. For more information, please contact senior partner Naima Azough at 06-43449717 or n.azough@colourfulpeople.nl. You can express your interest by uploading your resume and cover letter by Sunday, March 19, 2023, viathe “Apply Now” button on this page.