Managing Director

De Groene Venen Library

De Groene Venen Library is a dynamic, ambitious, positive, and socially engaged organization that plays a vital role in strengthening the basic skills residents need to fully participate in society. We are the premier platform for knowledge, language, culture, community, and personal development, welcoming tens of thousands of visitors annually to our seven branches in Bodegraven-Reeuwijk, Waddinxveen, and Zuidplas. Together with approximately 35 staff members and over 350 volunteers, we provide language support, digital assistance, educational programs, storytime activities, and, above all, a warm and welcoming environment for everyone.

Duties and Responsibilities

As Executive Director, you will have overall responsibility for the organization’s strategic direction, day-to-day management, and the fulfillment of the five statutory WSOB tasks. You are responsible for a future-proof, financially sound, and socially relevant library, maintaining a clear understanding of financial management, the annual cycle, and the optimal allocation of resources. You ensure reliable and transparent operations, including risk management and governance. You create an open, safe, and collaborative organizational culture in which employees feel valued and motivated and in which talent development is encouraged. You are able to respond flexibly to changes in society, provide situational leadership, and address the needs of the organization, stakeholders, and social and political developments.

As the library’s public face, you maintain close ties with local governments, community partners, and network organizations. You participate in regional and national partnerships and are able to effectively communicate the library’s social value. You actively raise the organization’s profile and inspire local governments to support sustainable funding and grants. In addition, you translate social developments into strategic decisions for the library.

Within the organization, you will directly oversee the Management Team and the Planning Department. You will be responsible for achieving social and financial objectives, implementing the long-term vision, and executing policy. You will report on these results to the Supervisory Board.

What do you bring to the table?

For this position, we are looking for someone with a university-level education and proven leadership experience. The position requires an independent professional who has experience in a social, cultural, educational, or public sector environment or has an affinity for such settings. You possess well-developed financial and organizational acumen and have a good understanding of political and administrative dynamics. You feel at home with the library’s broad social mission and have an affinity for the field.

What we offer

This position is compensated in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Public Libraries, at pay scale 13–14, and offers excellent benefits, including a Personal Choice Budget (PKB), 8% vacation pay, travel allowance, a year-end bonus, and pension contributions through the Public Libraries Pension Fund (POB). A Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) and a development assessment are part of the selection process.

Are you excited?

The application deadline is March 6, 2026. The first round of interviews will take place on Friday, March 13. The second round of interviews will be held on Wednesday, March 18. Candidates who are invited will be notified in advance. Please send your cover letter and resume to: bedrijfsbureau@bibliotheekdegroenevenen.nl

Additional information

For more information about this position, please contact: Suzanne van Nieuwenhuijzen (member of the Supervisory Board) at 06-50732278.