Managing Director

We are looking for an inspiring and unifying

executive director who is steering the museum forward with great ambition

a self-starter and a team player who, in collaboration with management, will help lead the organization

is leading us into a phase of development and renewal. As the face of the

The museum director is strengthening the museum’s national and international standing, while

he or she sets an inspiring direction internally that motivates employees and

involves management in development and innovation. A leader who is transparent

and makes well-considered decisions, actively involving employees in the direction of

is organized and accessible to everyone in the museum.

About Rijksmuseum Boerhaave

Rijksmuseum Boerhaave is a thriving museum with 64 employees and 40

volunteers. Visitors appreciate our exhibitions, the

permanent exhibition, the many events, and the well-rounded educational

programming. By 2024, with approximately 100,000 visitors, we will be almost back to

the pre-pandemic level. We recently revised our collection policy and

For the 2025–2028 programming period, we are working on a socially relevant

Exhibition calendar.

During the past growing season (2021–2024), we have made significant

made preparations for the museum's expansion with a Life project

Science & Health Pavilion. With the purchase of the nearby Kijkhuis

we have taken the first step toward that goal. We also have a beautiful design

decided to build a new facility at that location. With this expansion, we aim to

highlighting scientific developments in the field of life sciences

in the city center of Leiden. The new building will raise the museum’s profile

further strengthen, and with the 100th anniversary in 2028 on the horizon

Rijksmuseum Boerhaave is gearing up for an even brighter future with a solid

place in society. We don’t do this solely through ongoing dialogue

with ambassadors and business partners.

The Challenge

In light of the expansion plans and further strategic development

Within the museum, the director plays a crucial role as a figurehead and

initiator. This requires a leader who can manage relations with the federal government, the

The City of Leiden, Leiden Bio Science Park, and other partners maintain and

is expanding. In addition, experience with redesign projects and/or renovations

a major advantage.

The managing director is able to strike a balance between external visibility

and internal connections. We are looking for a leader who inspires employees and

further develops the museum as an employer. Creating a safe, inclusive

A stimulating work environment is essential in this regard.

Who are we looking for?

The ideal candidate is an experienced executive with a clear vision for the

role of Rijksmuseum Boerhaave in the broader social and

scientific field. The following qualities and experience are desired:

• Enthusiastic and passionate: an inspiring leader with a passion

for science, heritage, and public outreach.

• A connector and team player: someone who, both internally and externally

encourages collaboration and successfully engages strategic partners.

• A skilled communicator: adept at conveying a vision and

plans to various stakeholders.

• An authentic and approachable leader: someone who, with a

a service-oriented attitude creates a culture in which employees feel heard and

feel appreciated.

In addition, the new managing director has:

• Proven management skills and leadership experience in

strategic level.

• Extensive experience in the museum sector and a relevant network within

culture, science, and government.

• Strategic and business acumen, combined with the

ability to help an organization grow and develop.

• Analytical thinking and the ability to tackle complex issues

translate these into concrete strategies.

• Political and administrative acumen and experience with

stakeholder management.

• Experience in Development & Partnerships, including

securing external funding.

• Organizational sensitivity, organizational development, and team building,

with a focus on a safe and supportive work environment.

What do we offer?

Rijksmuseum Boerhaave offers a challenging and influential position within a

a dynamic organization. The executive director will have the opportunity to build

the future of a leading museum and making an impact at the intersection of

science and society. The terms of employment are in accordance with the Museum Collective Bargaining Agreement and

commensurate with the responsibilities of the position. The work environment is inspiring, with a

a dedicated team of professionals who work together to fulfill the museum’s mission.

Interested?

Rijksmuseum Boerhaave is being assisted in this recruitment process by Werving en

Recruitment agency Colourful People. For more information, please contact us

with René Burgler, senior partner at Colourful People, via email (r.burgler@colourfulpeople.nl)

or WhatsApp (06 2857 5436).

You can apply via the

Application form on the Colourful People website.

We ask candidates to submit, by April 15 at the latest, a

submit a video application of up to five minutes. In it, you will present

yourself and guide us through four key questions: who you are, what

the knowledge and experience you bring to the table, and what inspires or motivates you to apply

for this position, and how you envision an interview in NRC two years from now in which

Your vision as director of Rijksmuseum Boerhaave is highlighted. The

Job interviews at Rijksmuseum Boerhaave will take place in May.