Director of the Wijchen Library

About the Wijchen Library

The Wijchen Library is much more than just a place to borrow books. We are a vibrant community hub in the cultural heart of Wijchen, where art, culture, healthcare, and well-being come together. Every year, we organize more than 700 activities for people of all ages and actively contribute to personal growth and digital inclusion.

With the policy plan Stronger Together we are building The Library of 100 Talents: an organization where everyone’s strengths matter and where employees and volunteers can fully utilize their talents. We believe in collaboration, local ownership, and social impact. Building on our strong local roots, we are seeking an Executive Director who is eager to help us grow further with energy and vision.

Your role as Managing Director

As Executive Director, you will be our public face and will set the course and direction for the library’s development. You have ultimate responsibility for realizing our mission, leading the team, and ensuring a healthy, future-proof organization. With a clear vision and a keen eye for social developments, you know how to capitalize on strategic opportunities and position the library as an indispensable link in the cultural and social life of Wijchen.

Internally, you’ll work with the operations manager to establish structure, ensure clear processes, and implement efficient workflows. At the same time, you’ll give people the confidence and freedom to take ownership of their responsibilities. This fosters an open, professional culture where employees and volunteers feel valued and take pride in contributing to the library of tomorrow.

You effortlessly navigate between different levels: from colleagues and residents to administrators and partners. You maintain and strengthen networks, secure grants, and ensure that the library’s social impact is both visible and tangible in Wijchen. Do you have a strong local network and a connection to Wijchen and its residents? That’s a plus—and makes your role all the more meaningful.

You will work closely with the Supervisory Board, consult with them on important matters, and draw on their advisory role. Transparency and equal partnership are central to this process.

What do you bring to the table?

• Substantial experience in a managerial, administrative, or strategic role.
• Understanding of civil society organizations and administrative relationships.
• A clear-eyed perspective on the role of the library in a changing society.
• Strong networking skills and experience in maintaining partnerships.
• Proven experience in securing grants and effectively allocating resources to drive growth.
• A coaching and decisive leadership style with a flair for innovation and change.
• Excellent communication skills and a keen political sense.
• You are focused, decisive, and flexible when necessary.

Why do you want to work at the Wijchen Library?

We offer you a key role in a meaningful organization. A close-knit environment with 16 dedicated colleagues and approximately 115 enthusiastic volunteers. A challenging field of work where culture, knowledge, and society come together. You’ll have the freedom to build and innovate, with the challenge of achieving maximum impact with minimal resources.

What do you get?

• Salary based on pay scale 13 of the Public Libraries Collective Bargaining Agreement: min. €6,151, max. €7,448, based on a 36-hour workweek. The starting salary is indicative and depends on experience. A 3.75% collective bargaining agreement increase will take effect on July 1.
• Excellent benefits, including flexible working hours, reimbursement of travel expenses, a laptop and phone, a year-end bonus, and pension contributions through the Public Libraries Pension Fund. Visit www.debibliotheken.nl/informatie/cao-openbare-bibliotheken/ for an overview of the terms of employment.
• Initially, this is a one-year contract with the prospect of permanent employment.

Ready for the challenge?

Then apply now! Tell us who you are, what you stand for, and what motivates you to take on this important role. We look forward to receiving your application no later than Monday, May 5 via the application form on the website. The first interviews are scheduled for Tuesday, May 13.

A case study or presentation is part of the selection process.

Want to learn more first?

Rijnbrink is assisting the Wijchen Library with the recruitment and selection process for this position. Do you have any questions or would you like to know more? Feel free to contact Miranda Mostert via WhatsApp 06 4590 3688 or by email at recruitment@rijnbrink.nl.

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