Managing Director

In practical terms, this includes: music lessons in the classroom, theater and museum visits for students, after-school and summer activities, funding for recreational programs, training for creators and organizations, joint marketing efforts, and a help desk for questions. It also includes projects that make culture accessible to seniors, newcomers, and people with disabilities. And we administer grant programs on behalf of the municipality, so that the cultural sector in Westland can thrive.

Our core values form the foundation of our daily operations and guide our work: we work with courage, focus on impact, share leadership, and foster meaningful connections. With a team of thirteen, we are committed to embedding cultural participation and cultural education in Westland.

Cultuurweb is committed to ensuring that every resident of Westland can participate in cultural activities. We are convinced that we can only achieve this if our organization is diverse and inclusive. We want our team to reflect society as a whole. We are therefore actively seeking candidates who will contribute to diversity within Cultuurweb. 

What challenges do we face as an organization?

After twelve years, Cultuurweb is firmly established and professionally organized. Our vision is rock-solid, and our activities are robust and impactful. The foundation is in place. In the coming years, we will consciously build on what works: we will standardize processes and ensure quality, stay the course, and improve step by step. We approach innovation in a targeted manner—drawing on our existing strengths and keeping feasibility in mind. As a system partner designated by the municipality, we receive a structural subsidy covering half of our budget; we secure the other half through temporary funding and project grants. This requires entrepreneurship, courage, and flexibility to consistently capitalize on opportunities and sustain our impact.

As a network organization, we are constantly connected with associations, creators, art schools, independent professionals, schools, social service organizations, and the municipality. We often serve as the driving force behind innovation. Cultuurweb is the sole system partner in the field of cultural practice in Westland—and at the same time a funder of other parties. This makes it essential to clearly define our boundaries. This requires a knack for stakeholder management, the ability to build bridges, and moral leadership.

In addition, there is an important challenge regarding how we perceive culture: what do we in Westland mean by cultural engagement? This perception needs to be more inclusive and broader, so that everyone can identify with culture and support for it grows. We are looking for an executive director who can lead this conversation in a visible and inspiring way.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for an inspiring and articulate executive director who leads with a people-first approach and stays the course in a dynamic environment. You have sharp strategic insight and a passion for art and culture. You know when to build connections, when to challenge, and when to take decisive action.

• You are a coaching leader who provides space and trust, motivates employees and partners, and collaborates on an equal footing. You create a safe environment in which others can thrive.
• You are a visible figurehead: someone who inspires trust, effectively communicates the value of culture, and firmly anchors our position in society.
• You are a passionate networker who can build and maintain relationships with our key stakeholders: local government, the education sector, the cultural sector, and the health and welfare sector.
• You have proven experience in leading a social or cultural organization, understand the dynamics of public funding, and have a good grasp of political and administrative processes.
• You are able to strike a healthy balance between preserving the existing infrastructure and implementing targeted improvements where they add value and create opportunities.

In short: you are someone who combines sharpness and firmness with inspiration and people-oriented leadership.

In addition, the following characteristics are important:

• Knowledge of and an interest in art, culture, and education.
• Strategically strong, with the ability to set and achieve clear goals.
• You have a strong business background and keen financial insight: you’re skilled at setting up and monitoring processes.
• Guts and ambition.
• You're curious about the richness of cultural life in Westland.

What do we offer?

• An inspiring workplace within a flexible organization that is constantly evolving.
• Colleagues who love to blaze new trails, innovate, and collaborate.
• Challenging work and plenty of opportunities for personal growth.
• A temporary position of 32 hours per week for one year (with a one-month probationary period), with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance.
• A competitive salary, in accordance with Cultuurconnectie’s compensation guidelines for executive directors, salary group B.

What do you think?

Does this sound like the right fit for you, and are you interested? If so, we’d love to hear from you by Monday, October 13, at the latest. Please email your cover letter and resume to werkenbij@westlandcultuurweb.nl, addressed to Eric Borggreve (Chair of the Supervisory Board). Would you like to know more? Please contact the current Executive Director, Ilona Rozenboom, at 06-26762073. Or visit our website at www.westlandcultuurweb.nl. You will be notified by Monday, October 20, at the latest, if you have been invited for an interview. The first round of interviews will take place on Monday, October 27. The second round of interviews will be held on Monday, November 3. Recruitment agencies are not welcome to apply for this position.