Director

Music Matters is looking for a director

Music Matters is seeking a Director (32–36 hours per week, based in Rotterdam) who is passionate about providing young people with equal opportunities to express themselves through music, through talent development and cultural education.

For this position, we are looking for:

• A strong (business) leader who positions the organization to carry out our mission
• A bridge between the various Music Matters communities and established Rotterdam institutions, as well as interesting newcomers in the cultural field
• An understanding of the latest developments in the cultural sector and the ability to translate these into appropriate priorities and mission objectives for the organization
• A creative thinker who knows how to tap into various funding sources to carry out our mission.
• A plus: a network within the (Rotterdam) cultural sector and living in Rotterdam.

We know we're asking a lot, but we also know you're out there!

What we offer

An organization where you’ll have the freedom to turn your vision into reality. A work environment where you’ll be expected to perform, but also encouraged to experiment. A home base within a dynamic organization with a top-notch team. We’re starting with a one-year contract, with the possibility of extension based on performance. Given the substantive challenges and the appropriate scale for an organization of this size, the position is at scale 13 with a benefits package in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement for Arts Education.

Music Matters

Rotterdam has a rich musical cultureshaped by everything from and within the hip-hop scene, brass bands, gospel choirs, electronic music, classical music, and Cape Verdean traditions. Music Matters develops activity programs for young people in Rotterdam to help them develop their musical talents, from sparking their initial interest in music to becoming professional musicians. We don’t do this alone. We act as a bridge between young people in Rotterdam, the cultural sector, the education system, and the music industry. In doing so, Music Matters is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all young people in Rotterdam to discover and develop their talents.

Music Matters is a foundation with a governance structure in which the director formulates the foundation’s policy and is entrusted with overall management of the foundation. The director reports to the board.

Job Description

As director, you will serve as the face of the organization at higher policy levels, ensuring the visibility and public profile of Music Matters. You will oversee the development and implementation of programs in the areas of cultural education and talent development. You will lead a team of six staff members (both freelance and full-time).The Music Matters team is passionate, innovative, and agile. They have a strong affinity with the target groups, music culture, and the city. They exude great ambition and potential to make an impact. Under your leadership, this team will realize this potential. Inclusivity is central to the team and is an integral part of Music Matters’ approach. The director is expected to actively promote this guiding principle, both in the development of programs and the management of the team, as well as in the field.

At the same time, plans are in place to develop the new multi-year plan for the 2025–2028 Cultural Planning Period in 2023. To this end, you will work with the team to develop a new strategy and program lines.

What is expected in day-to-day operations?

• Overseeing the operational development and implementation of programs and projects within the current cultural planning period (2021–2024)
• Initiating and maintaining strategic partnerships to promote access to and progression within talent development and cultural education in Rotterdam through music
• Stakeholder relations (municipality, foundations, partner institutions, industry associations, arts education programs, participants)

• Day-to-day management of the team, including:
• Leading and inspiring the team. This involves guiding team members in their professional development using a coaching leadership style.
• Monitoring quality standards and guiding the team in setting priorities.
• Secure external funding for the various projects
• To be accountable to the board, funding agencies, and other external stakeholders for the policies pursued, the organization’s operations, and the implementation of those policies

More information

For more information about the position, please contact Mirjam ten Have (chair of the board) atmmtenhave@gmail.com or 06-52333319. Information about the organization can be found on the Music Matters website atwww.musicmatters.nu.

Please email your cover letter and resume toadministratie@musicmatters.nu by February 16, 2023. The first interviews will take place during the week of February 20, and the second interviews during the week of February 27.

Recruitment agencies are asked to refrain from contacting us regarding this job opening.