Managing Director

The Stichting Omroep Muziek (SOM) produces live music in two major symphonic series for NPO Klassiek, commissioned by and in collaboration with NTR and AVROTROS: the NTR Saturday Matinee and the AVROTROS Friday Concert. These concerts are broadcast live on NPO Klassiek. The concert series are performed for live audiences at the Royal Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht. With its exceptional programming and performances, both of international caliber, the SOM offers a unique enrichment compared to the offerings of other Dutch choirs and orchestras. As a result, the SOM holds an exceptional position in Dutch musical life, both in relation to public broadcasters and within the classical music sector. The main stakeholders are the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, the NPO, the NTR, and AVROTROS, as well as other public broadcasting institutions, the municipality of Hilversum, and the concert audience.

We are looking for a new, passionate, and decisive executive director who can effectively communicate SOM’s vision. Someone who can build trust and support at all levels within a complex environment (both internally and externally). Someone who, with flair, tact, and authority, can fulfill the role of ambassador for SOM within the broader cultural (music) landscape and the world of public broadcasting.

For the period 2022–2026, the focus will be on developing the artistic profile and building sufficient artistic strength for the Radio Philharmonic Orchestra and the Groot Omroepkoor. Both ensembles have a proven track record of high-quality performances of the existing classical music repertoire and newly composed works.

The position: Managing Director:

• develops, in consultation with key internal and external stakeholders, a (long-term) vision and strategy for the organization to enhance its artistic profile. In doing so, the individual takes into account the musical ambitions of the ensembles, while also considering the wishes of the broadcasters;
• implements a successful and forward-looking artistic and business policy. The basis for this is the 2022–2026 multi-year policy plan and the response dated June 19, 2023, from the State Secretary for Education, Culture, and Science to the advice of the Council for Culture regarding this policy plan;
• represents the organization externally, particularly at the strategic level, participates in consultative bodies, and maintains a relevant network of external contacts, including the participating broadcasters and the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science;
• Together with the management team, he/she leads the ongoing development of the organization and creates optimal conditions for an effective organization. He/she is committed to an organization that places a high priority on the long-term employability and well-being of its staff. He/she serves as a point of contact for the works council and ensures that employee participation is properly implemented.

Job requirements: The managing director must:

• extensive strategic administrative and managerial experience, preferably in the cultural sector and/or public broadcasting;
• a fascination with the classical and contemporary classical repertoire;
• vision for the SOM’s position and profile within public broadcasting and the Dutch music scene;
• extensive experience in maintaining open and respectful communication with all levels of a complex cultural organization and its key stakeholders.

Competency Profile

We are looking for an executive director with a collaborative leadership style who can navigate with tact an environment of stakeholders with conflicting interests. He must keep the organization on track. Someone who gives employees the freedom and trust they need to grow and excel. Your approach is motivating and decisive, and you lead in an engaged manner. You combine this with a diplomatic and tactful management style. You always think in terms of opportunities and possibilities. You are decisive and reliable. As a true process-oriented thinker, you ensure that processes are effectively implemented and monitored.

You have strong interpersonal skills and a transparent communication style. You are approachable and open to ideas and feedback, which helps you create a pleasant work environment. With your warm and engaging personality, you build strong relationships without coming across as domineering or self-centered. This combination of qualities makes you a unique and valued leader within the organization.

Additional information about the SOM

To carry out its duties, the SOM receives an annual grant from the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science. The SOM is not part of the Basic Cultural Infrastructure (BIS). However, the Groot Omroepkoor occasionally makes its resources available to BIS orchestras. In addition, in its role as owner, the SOM is responsible for the sustainability and operation of the Muziekcentrum van de Omroep (MCO building), a national historic monument. The SOM produces the Live Music Series (the AVROTROS Friday Concert, the NTR Saturday Matinee, and the Sunday Morning Concert) in close collaboration with the participating broadcasters. On behalf of the involved broadcasters, the SOM manages the budget for these series and is accountable to the broadcasters for its use.

The current annual budget exceeds €23 million. Of this amount, approximately €17 million has been earmarked by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science to cover the costs of the ensembles, the supporting organization, and the facilities. The Ministry makes this amount available to the SOM through the NPO based on the approved 2022–2026 multi-year policy plan. Other revenue comes from ticket sales, rental income, buyouts, fundraising, etc. The SOM employs approximately 230 staff members.

In February 2023, the Council for Culture issued an advisory opinion on the 2022–2026 multi-year policy plan. In her letter dated June 19, 2023, the State Secretary indicated that she would follow the main points of this recommendation. This concerns the establishment of a new cooperation agreement with NTR and AVROTROS, under the direction of the NPO, in which the SOM will be given sufficient artistic clout

The SOM operates under a governance model featuring a supervisory board whose members are appointed by the NPO, in consultation with the relevant broadcasters, NTR and AVROTROS. The SOM adheres to the Cultural Governance Code, the Public Broadcasting Governance Code, and the Fair Practice Code.

Interested?

SOM is being assisted in this recruitment process by the executive search firm Colourful People. You can apply by uploading your resume (in PDF format) no later than January 10, 2024, via www.colourfulpeople.nl. If we receive a sufficient number of qualified candidates, we may close the application process early. 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 SOM aims to build a team that makes the organization more diverse in every respect. The position is compensated in accordance with the remuneration standards of public broadcasting and the cultural sector, commensurate with the responsibilities of the role. The position is based at the Muziekcentrum van de Omroep, located at Heuvellaan 33 in Hilversum, and performances take place in Utrecht (TivoliVredenburg) and Amsterdam (Concertgebouw).

The tentative schedule:

Week 2: January 10 – deadline for comments

Week 3: Preliminary interviews by Colourful People

Week 5: The^first round of interviews

Week 6: Scheduling additional appointments

Week 7: The^second round of interviews