Managing Director

We are proud to preserve the heritage of the Dutch railways and to highlight the close connection between the railways and society. Our museum tells stories that shed light on cultural, technological, economic, and social developments in the past, present, and future.

As Managing Director, you will be responsible for further shaping, refining, and implementing our strategic vision. You will play a key role in revitalizing our public attractions, ensuring that we can continue to enchant and inspire our visitors.

With an average of 400,000 visitors per year, we offer a fantastic experience for visitors of all ages. For many years, the Railway Museum has been highly regarded as one of the strongest cultural brands. At the Railway Museum, it’s not just about our success, but also about our team. With over 100 dedicated employees and an equally large group of enthusiastic volunteers, we foster a warm and inspiring work environment. Together, we strive to create an extraordinary visitor experience and bring the magic of the railways to life. We have a solid financial foundation, with our own revenue from admission and commercial activities forming the bulk of our income. The Railway Museum is a place where passion and entrepreneurship come together to offer a unique cultural experience, without relying on government subsidies.

Do you think you’re ready to successfully steer the Railway Museum’s train? Join us in shaping the future of the Railway Museum. Apply now and become part of our passionate team that brings railway history to life for a wide audience!

The Position

The position is varied and challenging:

As Executive Director, you will be responsible for the museum’s artistic development, playing a crucial role in further refining and implementing the strategic vision established through 2030. You are the driving force behind renewal and innovation within the museum, with the ambition to present the collection and exhibitions in a contemporary and engaging way.

Working closely with the management team—which you will help strengthen—you will drive organizational development and create an environment where employees are given the opportunity to grow, take responsibility, and develop a sense of ownership.

You have a keen awareness of social developments and trends, including digitalization, sustainability, and diversity and inclusion. You also recognize the role that the museum plays in society as a cultural organization. You actively encourage the museum to adapt to these developments and to take a leading role in these areas.

In short, as the Executive Director of the Railway Museum, you are the face of the organization and are able to build and foster connections both internally and externally. You strive to create a robust organization and foster a work environment in which employees can reach their full potential. In doing so, you are an inspiring leader and a visionary committed to the museum’s further development and growth, with a focus on social trends, the immediate environment, and the needs of visitors.

Your Skills

• Inspiring and Entrepreneurial Personality: Your passion and drive motivate others to embrace opportunities and push boundaries.
• Effective Team Player: You excel at collaborating with diverse teams and individuals. You listen, nurture talent, and leverage ideas to achieve shared goals.
• Bridge-builder: You are skilled at building connections and fostering collaboration among different parties.
• Excellent Networking Skills: You build and maintain valuable relationships, both within and outside the cultural sector.
• Focus on Quality: You have a keen eye for quality and strive to create the best possible experience for visitors, with a focus on high standards.

What are you bringing?

• Academic Level of Work and Thinking: You have an academic background that enables you to make strategic decisions.
• Management experience: You have at least ten years of professional experience, including five years in a management role, preferably within a museum or cultural organization.
• Vision and Innovation: You can formulate a clear vision for the Railway Museum and translate it into concrete actions and measurable results. You have proven experience in revitalizing cultural organizations through innovative initiatives.
• Business Acumen: You have extensive experience and knowledge of the business aspects of museums and cultural organizations.
• Stakeholder Management: You have extensive experience in stakeholder management and building partnerships with various stakeholders.

What do we offer you?

A varied role in a casual and unique work environment, where you’ll have the opportunity to help build a wonderful museum, all as part of a close-knit and dedicated team. A competitive salary determined based on your age and extensive work experience, ensuring you’re rewarded for your expertise and contribution to the organization. More information about the benefits package is available upon request. Upon your start date, a Certificate of Good Conduct will be requested to ensure the integrity of our organization.

Are you interested?

The Railway Museum is being assisted in this process by the executive search firm Colourful People. You can apply by uploading your resume and cover letter (both in PDF format) no later than October 8 via www.colourfulpeople.nl. For direct contact or questions about this position, please contact René F. Burgler, Esq., senior partner at Colourful People, via r.burgler@colourfulpeople.nl or at 06 28 57 54 36.

The (pre-)selection interviews will take place in week 41, and the interviews with the selection and advisory committee will take place in week 43. We intend to complete the process in October, with the expectation that a new director will begin no later than January 1, 2024.