Managing Director

The Rotterdam Foundation for Artistic Education (SKVR) is one of the largest institutions for arts education and amateur arts in the Netherlands. Through year-long classes, courses, workshops, and projects in fields such as music, dance, theater, visual arts, fashion & design, photography & media, and writing, SKVR fosters the personal development of thousands of Rotterdam residents. We do this with over 100 full-time staff members and more than 350 freelancers, at locations throughout the city, in schools, and in collaboration with many partners in the cultural and social sectors.

In recent months, SKVR has undergone a major reorganization, partly driven by a changing political and economic landscape that had led to persistent financial shortfalls, particularly in the area of individual music instruction. SKVR has since returned to calmer waters and has become more stable both financially and organizationally. As part of these changes, a new structure has been adopted to support a more decisive course of action: operations and finance will henceforth be managed by a director of operations.

At the same time, we continue to face fundamental questions that constantly test our resolve and adaptability: how do we remain visible, meaningful, and flexible in a city that is constantly changing? And how do we reconcile our social mission with the reality of being a partially subsidized, partially market-oriented organization?

The position

As Executive Director, you will lead the team leaders—and, indirectly, all staff and professionals—in collaboration with the Operations Director (to be appointed). You will report to the Supervisory Board and serve as a key point of contact for the Works Council. Together with your team, you will translate SKVR’s social mission into a clear direction and a practical strategy.

You are actively engaged in the urban network of culture, education, and the social sector; you serve as a visible figurehead and are skilled at identifying and developing strategic alliances, including those that transcend sectoral boundaries. You are approachable, visible, and non-hierarchical. You are also a recognizable figurehead internally and inspire trust. You invest in strengthening internal trust, developing a common language, and fostering professional ownership. You encourage collaboration between teams, create space for expertise, and provide direction through a coaching style.

You easily balance substantive goals with organizational and administrative realities. You feel at home in the dynamic environment of metropolitan practice and are attentive to the interests of the municipality, partners, the public, and professionals. You listen, build connections, and are not afraid to provide direction. You bring calm, continuity, and a visible presence.

You are responsible for SKVR’s strategic positioning in Rotterdam and the surrounding area and will shape its short- and long-term vision. In doing so, you will focus on healthy and future-proof operations, foster cultural entrepreneurship, and ensure financial sustainability—including building a financial buffer and securing a diverse funding mix (such as grants, fundraising, and market revenue). 

What do you bring to the table?

We are looking for a steadfast executive director who can bring calm and direction while also keeping the people with whom and for whom we work in mind. You are an authentic leader with experience in complex environments and a keen sense of administrative, political, and social dynamics. You are a visible figurehead, substantively persuasive, and navigate networks with ease. You are decisive, communicatively sensitive, and have a keen eye for opportunities, risks, and interests. You have:

• Extensive experience in a leadership or management role within a public or socially oriented organization;
• Experience with change management processes, organizational development, and collaboration with various stakeholders;
• Political and administrative sensitivity;
• Financial acumen and experience with complex business operations, including multi-year budgeting and financing strategies;
• A collaborative leadership style: visible, supportive, and guiding;
• An interest in art and culture; 
• A passion for Rotterdam’s diversity.

You also recognize yourself in these competencies:

• Leadership: steady, reassuring, and inspiring; you provide direction and create opportunities for growth;
• Political and administrative acumen: you navigate seamlessly between strategic goals and administrative realities, with an eye for building support and timing;
• Professional and forward-thinking: you know how to combine social responsibility with sound business practices and cultural entrepreneurship;
• Networker and figurehead: you know how to connect people and fields and raise SKVR’s profile in the city and the sector.

What does SKVR offer?

A unique opportunity to contribute to the cultural and social development of Rotterdam. You will work alongside passionate people at an organization that makes a difference in the city and beyond. The position is classified according to the compensation guidelines for directors of arts education in salary group E.

Application Process

Do you see yourself in this profile and would you like to contribute to the mission of SKVR? If so, we’d love to meet you. We are working with the executive search firm Colourful People on this recruitment process. For more information about the position, please contact Judith Gunneweg, senior partner at Colourful People. She can be reached at 06-51515567 or via j.gunneweg@colourfulpeople.nl.

You can upload your cover letter and resume via the application form on the website. We would like to receive your applicationby September 5 at the latest. Interviews at SKVR are scheduled for Monday, September 29, and Wednesday, October 1.

SKVR and Colourful People strive to be a diverse and inclusive organization. Do you see yourself in this profile, even if you don’t meet all the requirements? Then we warmly encourage you to apply.

Sharing this position within your own network is greatly appreciated.