Director

Amsterdam Noord Music School is a close-knit, social, and committed organization where music, people, and social impact come together. We work with an enthusiastic team of teachers (approximately 45) and support staff (approximately 7), who collaborate in an open, flat organizational structure. Our strength and pride lie in the direct lines of communication we have with one another, the doors that are always open, and the space available for a creative and exploratory process.  

Ambition

Within the Amsterdam cultural sector, our goal is to collaborate with as many partners as possible, to coordinate the joint organization of arts and cultural education in Amsterdam, and to work toward a shared vision. The Executive Director of MAN and MA plays a central role in this, but we expect the Director of MAN to champion arts and culture in the city based on the shared interests of Amsterdam’s children and youth.

MAN is committed to ensuring that every child and young person in Amsterdam (North) can develop musically and learn to play together in a way that suits them. We believe that accessible and diverse music and cultural education is a right. It contributes to their cultural, personal, and social growth. In the process, they discover the power of difference, how to navigate it, how to listen, and how to create. These skills form the building blocks for a stronger, more connected, and more tolerant society.

By making music together, children and young people not only have fun, but also learn to invest in themselves and others. They share their passion and music with their peers, thereby contributing to the cultural identity of the neighborhood.

Our core values:

• Respect and equality
• Empathy and social engagement
• Closeness and trust
• Openness and directness
• Room for entrepreneurship and the freedom to fail

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a personable, collaborative director who will work with the staff to shape the music school’s vision for cultural education, tailor it to the needs of the neighborhood and the city, and communicate this vision with passion and dedication to all external stakeholders. 

External:

• You operate on the principle that there is one overarching goal: to give as many children and young people in Noord as possible the opportunity to experience the joy of making music (together). Everything else is secondary to this goal. You know how to keep this goal front and center in all your interactions with the municipality, the education sector, and other external partners.
• Together with the executive director, you effectively manage the lines of communication between the music school and the municipality, the education sector, and other external parties, and maintain active contact with them. You understand that collaboration with partners and external parties is crucial and essential to reaching as many children in the district as possible. 
• You can offer constructive criticism without being divisive.
• You will be the public face of MAN in Amsterdam North and, where necessary, beyond.
• You can think and act beyond the confines of a single institution and help shape a strong, citywide cultural policy for Amsterdam and its implementation.
• You are able to link your substantive knowledge in the field of cultural education to a social mission.

Internal:

• You have experience in the field of music education.
• You understand the dynamics of a cultural organization and keep the strategic aspects on track, but you’re also willing to give the creative process room to breathe—a process that always brings about change and ad-hoc situations.
• You’re organized, approachable, and positive—that’s what makes our school a pleasant and safe place. “We’ll figure it out together”; you lead by serving others.
• You serve as the link between faculty, support staff, and the entire organization.
• You know how to empower people and you really listen to and engage with your employees.
• You can delegate and provide guidance when necessary.

Administrative and strategic:

• You strike a balance between preserving our own identity and adapting to broader administrative developments (such as a potential administrative merger).
• You have a broad perspective on the cultural landscape and ask questions about the future: Are we reaching all the groups we want to reach? Is our approach still appropriate?
• You are committed to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the team.

Personal profile:

• You are open, positive, and cheerful.
• You have an eye for both individual and collective interests.
• You'll feel right at home in a casual work environment with short lines of communication.
• You’re willing to give people room to grow, even if that involves taking risks.

Job Requirements:

• You have an academic background and way of thinking.
• You have a background in cultural education or have demonstrable knowledge of the sector (music/art/culture/education).
• You have management experience or can demonstrate that you possess management skills.
• You have a clear vision for leading a publicly funded organization in a changing environment.
• You have a good understanding of finance and business operations.
• Ideally, you are familiar with Amsterdam’s music, art, and cultural sectors.
• You have a good sense of what the city needs in terms of music education (which means being a good listener and picking up on cues) and can translate this into policy.
• You have a keen understanding of how the organization fits into the specific Amsterdam context.
• You keep your focus on long-term goals without neglecting day-to-day operations.
• You have strong communication skills and are sensitive to the interests of the various stakeholders.
• You are a team player, creative, and able to inspire others;
• You are decisive and ambitious.

What will you be doing?

• You will build and maintain networks in Amsterdam North and, as much as possible, throughout the rest of the city to promote and achieve MAN’s mission, strategy, and business objectives.
• You will contribute to the development of corporate policy in all its aspects. The annual grant applications based on the MA business plan are crucial in this regard.
• You ensure effective and efficient operations, optimal working conditions, and an excellent work environment.
• You provide direction for ideas and plans and can turn them into actionable initiatives.
• You foster "cultural entrepreneurship" and maintain a constant focus on securing adequate funding for the organization.
• You will ensure that MAN serves as the primary point of contact for the Amsterdam Noord district in the area of music education and will take a leading role in this effort.
• You will provide guidance on initiatives to ensure that MA and MAN continue to develop in a forward-looking manner.
• You are (delegated) responsibility for the organization's operations.
• You will facilitate substantive and organizational coordination between MAN, MA, MZO, LO, and ID wherever possible, and focus on the best interests of the entire organization.

What we offer

• A challenging workplace where you can work with a passionate team to continue strengthening music education in Amsterdam.
• A salary based on the Collective Bargaining Agreement for Arts Education.

Interested?

We want the diversity of backgrounds and perspectives that Amsterdam has to offer to be reflected in our school’s staff. Anyone who believes they can contribute to this diverse and inclusive city is strongly encouraged to apply.

Please submit your application by January 15, 2026, to https://airtable.com/shrQaZESyf1kA5Nso?prefill_Vacaturenummer=1057

The first interviews will take place on January 26.

If you have any questions, please contact Johan Akerboom: jakerboom@manoord.nl