Managing Director

In the coming period, we will use our refined strategy to build a future-proof knowledge institute that embraces innovation, collaborates openly, further strengthens its digital services, and actively promotes data-driven research. In addition, we are preparing for our institute’s relocation. Both developments mark an important new phase for the institute.

As Executive Director, you will provide comprehensive leadership for the RKD in close collaboration with the current Acting Executive Director. With a strategic vision, you will translate the complex developments in the fields of art history, the heritage sector, and the Digital Humanities into a clear strategic direction for the RKD.

Who We're Looking For

You think from the outside in. You believe in collaboration, the power of networking, and the importance of a learning organization. Above all, you feel at home in an environment where art history, data, and technology come together.

You are an experienced leader who drives change. You inspire colleagues with your vision, build trust, and enjoy working in a collaborative and equal partnership with the other executive director. You are curious, analytical, and people-oriented; a connector who engages employees in change and helps them grow in both professionalism and digital expertise.

What you will be doing

• Drawing on your background in art history and your professional network, you will represent the RKD both nationally and internationally, and position the RKD as the premier digital starting point for art historical research on the visual arts of the Low Countries;
•  You are the driving force behind the digital transition and bring expertise in computational research methodologies.

As a team:

• Do you represent the RKD at the administrative level and involve various stakeholders—including the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science, members of the Supervisory Board, and the broader network, such as museums, universities, and auction houses—in the RKD’s vision and strategic direction;
• Do you focus on the RKD’s core processes: acquisition, processing, and enrichment of the collection, as well as public services, using innovation & IT and marketing & communication;
• Are you building an organization that is well-structured, professional, customer-focused, and forward-thinking?
• Do you ensure strong and efficient business operations: HR, finance, facilities, IT, and information management;
• Do you foster a motivating and safe work environment, and do you lead by example in that regard?

What to bring

• Preferably a PhD in art history and an international network.
• Experience in a senior management position within a complex organization with a diverse range of stakeholders;
• Knowledge of the heritage sector, particularly the library and archives sector;
• Experience with computational approaches within the field, combined with a vision that is both critical and creative regarding how rapidly evolving digital technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, influence art historical research—both conceptually and methodologically;
• A strategic vision and an inspiring leadership style;
• Experience with interdisciplinary collaboration;
• Proficiency in Dutch and English.

What we offer

Working at the RKD means working in an environment where curiosity, expertise, and innovation take center stage. You will have the opportunity to help guide an institutional icon into the future—making an impact on the national and international art history community. The position is classified in scale 15 of the Museum Collective Labor Agreement. This is initially a one-year employment contract with the prospect of a permanent contract.

In addition, we offer:

• A dynamic role at a research institute that is constantly evolving;
• A close-knit team where you and your fellow director make a difference;
• A place where ideas are welcome and where there is room for both professional and personal growth;
• Excellent benefits package: a generous pension plan, full reimbursement of public transportation costs for trips of 5 km or more (up to a maximum of €399.95), work-from-home options, a vacation allowance (8%), and a year-end bonus (3.4%);
• The option to work remotely;
• Discounts on health insurance through select providers;
• The RKD holds an institutional membership with ICOM, which is available to its staff. With an ICOM membership, you get unlimited access to nearly all museums around the world;
• An active employee association and great coworkers.

Apply

We invite you to learn more about the RKD on our website, www.rkd.nl. If you are interested, you can request the job description by sending an email to pz@rkd.nl.

Are you ready to lead the RKD through a period of digital and programmatic innovation? If so, please send your cover letter and resume to pz@rkd.nl with the subject line “Director-Manager Position.” For questions regarding the position, please contact Elske van Amelsfort, Chair of the Supervisory Board, or Astrid Verheusen, Acting Director-Manager, both at deelen@rkd.nl.

We look forward to receiving your response by March 22, 20 , 2026. The first interviews will take place in week 14 (March 30 – April 3, 20 , 2026).

The RKD is convinced that a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives greatly benefits our institution. That is why we are building a workforce that reflects our society, consisting of employees from diverse backgrounds with a range of skills that complement one another. Job openings are explicitly open to anyone who fits the profile.

We do not welcome unsolicited sales calls regarding this advertisement.