Director

Pampus Fortress Island is a historic icon and the flagship of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Defence Line of Amsterdam. We welcome approximately 60,000 visitors to the island each year.

Pampus tells several stories. First and foremost, the history of the place: how ships anchored off Pampus in the seventeenth century, and how Pampus became the keystone of the Defense Line of Amsterdam in 1895. But also the story of the self-sufficient island and its future: how Pampus was not connected to the mainland for electricity, water, and gas in the nineteenth century, and how this historical fact served as the inspiration for creating the first 100% sustainable, fossil-fuel-free World Heritage Site that it is today. With an innovative combination of proven technologies, the island now provides its own energy year-round and serves as an inspiration for decentralized energy supply. 

The organization consists of a foundation and two limited liability companies (events and hospitality). The foundation owns the heritage site and is responsible for maintaining its operation as a museum. The limited liability companies contribute to the foundation’s objectives in an entrepreneurial manner. The foundation has 11 employees and over 100 volunteers.

We are looking for an experienced executive director for our foundation.

Are you a positive, people-oriented individual who values collaboration while also thriving in an independent, leadership role with ultimate responsibility? Do you also have the ability to combine a clear vision and strategic insight with solid financial knowledge? And do you have an affinity for preserving our heritage and know how to boost revenue generation? If so, we’d love to meet you.

The position

In this challenging role, you will be responsible for overall policy and results. You will develop (commercial) partnerships, strengthen partnership policies, and generate revenue through (corporate) fundraising, government grants, and private donations. The museum’s heritage role is central to this. You have experience with organizational development and maintain close ties with staff, with an eye for (and connection to) the exceptionally enthusiastic and committed employees and volunteers. You will work to increase visitor numbers, including museum, tourist, and educational visitors as well as those attending events. You will also prepare the budget and oversee the preparation of the annual report.

Who are you?

• You serve as a sounding board for both the internal team and external stakeholders
•  You are results- and process-oriented, have excellent planning and organizational skills, and are not afraid to make decisions
• You ensure that financial goals are met
• You have a knack for business and fundraising
• You are an inclusive and collaborative thinker who inspires trust through your integrity
• You bring your own relevant network to the table and have a knack for marketing and PR
• You are focused on (museum and educational) collaboration
• You are intrinsically motivated and want to make a long-term commitment to our organization

What are we looking for?

• A university or college level of work and thinking
• At least 3–5 years of experience in a similar senior position
• Proven experience in successfully guiding a team to the next level
• Strong communication skills in Dutch and English
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills; you connect easily with clients, employees, and other stakeholders at various levels

What we offer:

• A responsible and challenging position in a dynamic, sustainable museum environment
• A permanent full-time position
• A fantastic workplace with a passionate team

Are you the director we’re looking for? Please email your resume and cover letter by November 30 to Piet Boogert, Chair of the Supervisory Board. His email address is pbgrt@xs4all.nl. You can also email him with any questions about this position.

The Pampus Fortress Island Foundation operates under a supervisory board model. The vacancy is therefore for the position of executive director.

Inclusion

Pampus embraces and promotes diversity and inclusion. We believe it is important—and only natural—that our organization reflects the diversity of society, and we recognize the value this brings to our organization. In addition to your talent and experience, we also value your gender, background, education, sexual orientation, disability, or religion. Pampus is for everyone.

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