Director - Project Manager

The world around us looks very different from what it did in the early years of Sexyland: discussions about the role and future of art and culture, political radicalization, social polarization, and the consequences of the climate crisis, which remain unclear to people to some extent. This affects a “time-sensitive” initiative like SEXYLAND World—and we therefore see an important role for ourselves in this complex situation. We know better than anyone how to deal with radicalism: in these turbulent times, by not being afraid or compliant, but by making space for those different forms of radicalism, daring to engage in confrontation—and thus actively inspiring different people and groups to think and take action through art and music.

With its strong artistic and social vision and legacy, Sexyland is therefore currently in a transitional phase—one that is as promising as it is intriguing—toward a new (permanent) location: a hub with doors wide open. A public space with a heart, a place for Amsterdam created by Amsterdammers. Our city’s Cabaret Voltaire, Alice’s looking glass: surprising and ever-changing, unpredictable and spontaneous.

Assignment

The prospective Director-Project Manager is tasked with ensuring that Sexyland’s proven, successful concept is implemented in a way that is organizationally and financially sustainable by 2025, while also overseeing the development of SEXYLAND World at the new location.

Job Description/Responsibilities

The Director-in-Charge is fully responsible for managing the Sexyland organization.

More specifically, for:

1. oversight and support for the short-term development and implementation of programs for the transition year 2025, and
2. the development of the new location;
3. the management and strengthening of the organization, including accountability to the board, external funding agencies, and donors.

In connection with this:

• the further development of the current organization into a more decentralized, independent organization, with the founders remaining actively involved in a manner to be determined.
• the financial management of both current operations and the investment and operating plan to be developed for the new location.

This was done in close consultation with the original founders of Sexyland, Arthur van Beek and Aukje Dekker.

The Director-in-Charge operates independently in this capacity but reports quarterly to the Board of the SuperSexylandWorld Foundation, which bears ultimate responsibility, based on parameters agreed upon in advance.

Skills/Experience

The ideal candidate:

• Possesses an academic level of work and thinking and has demonstrable comprehensive administrative and managerial experience, preferably in the cultural sector;
• Is a generalist with a broad and innovative interest in social issues and a vision for the future;
• Is particularly drawn to the Challenge described above;
• Has a clear vision of the role of the arts in our society, particularly in Amsterdam and the surrounding area, that aligns with Sexyland’s current artistic vision and direction;
• Is able to work with a diverse and unconventional creative team;
• Has experience in or an interest in project development/financing, fundraising, communications, and public relations.
• Has experience with or an interest in developing unconventional organizational and business models (multi-stakeholder models, steward ownership, collective governance, etc.);
• Has experience in working collaboratively and effectively with a Board that is engaged but operates at a clear distance.

Terms of Employment/Compensation

• In principle, the contract is expected to run through the end of 2025.
• Position: 0.6 FTE; however, this is not a typical 9-to-5 job.
• The terms and conditions, as well as the remuneration, are to be agreed upon in good faith, in accordance with standards customary in the cultural sector.

Interested parties are requested to email a cover letter and/or resume to the foundation’s secretary by January 5, 2025