Three Members of the Supervisory Board

The museum has an international focus while remaining firmly rooted in Zwolle and Overijssel. Working closely with local communities and educational institutions, it identifies new talent and fosters cultural development in the region. Art is approached from multiple perspectives and translated into exhibitions, educational activities, and public programs, both within and outside the museum’s walls.

With two distinctive locations—Museum de Fundatie in Zwolle and Kasteel het Nijenhuis with its sculpture garden in Heino/Wijhe—the museum offers visitors the opportunity to experience art in a variety of ways. Open, dynamic, inclusive, and curious: these core values form the foundation of everything the organization does.

In this context, the Supervisory Board plays a key role. The Board oversees the policies of the Executive Director and the general affairs of the organization, and monitors the social mission, continuity, and governance of both foundations. For the coming period, Museum de Fundatie is seeking three new members who will collectively contribute to a balanced composition of the Board and to the museum’s further, forward-looking development. 

1. Member of the Supervisory Board – Culture / Heritage Profile

We are seeking a board member who brings authoritative knowledge of the cultural and museum sector. This individual understands the artistic vision of Museum de Fundatie, can critically and constructively challenge the museum’s programmatic direction, and recognizes the social significance of art and heritage. The focus is not primarily on international expansion, but on someone who understands and can strengthen the museum’s national positioning, with a sense of public funding and administrative relationships.

The candidate has extensive experience in the cultural or museum sector, for example as a director, board member, supervisor, artist, curator, policymaker, or researcher. This person is familiar with current developments in museums, heritage, and cultural policy and understands how social issues translate into public programming and education. They possess insight into the tension and balance between artistic ambition, social relevance, and organizational feasibility. A relevant network within the cultural field is desirable, preferably with a national focus.

The new member is capable of contributing strategic insights into the museum’s long-term direction and engaging in discussions regarding quality, positioning, and impact. As a substantive sounding board for the executive director, this member contributes to an open and constructive relationship between management and the board of trustees. This involves an understanding of the regional context and of how public decision-making takes place at the municipal and provincial levels. The added value lies in combining substantive authority with administrative wisdom.

This individual is independent in judgment and reflective in approach. They operate with ease at the strategic level while simultaneously bridging different perspectives. Innovation and inclusion are actively encouraged, without losing sight of the museum’s core mission. Their personality is characterized by calmness, authority, and the ability to ask incisive questions rooted in a sense of commitment.

2. Member of the Supervisory Board – Entrepreneurship / Business Profile

We are seeking a member who can bring entrepreneurial spirit, business acumen, and strong networking skills to the Board of Trustees. Museum de Fundatie aims to strengthen its network of friends, corporate members, and private supporters, and is looking for a trustee who can help establish a sustainable economic foundation to support its cultural ambitions. This member will serve on the finance committee and contribute to shaping the organization’s strategic and financial direction.

The candidate has proven experience as an entrepreneur, executive, or senior manager and possesses strategic insight into business operations, financial management, and future-proof revenue models. There is an understanding of how organizations develop, how brand positioning is strengthened, and how sustainable growth in reach and engagement is achieved. Specific expertise in the areas of marketing strategy, audience development, and (digital) audience communication is a clear asset. An affinity for culture and social impact is essential, as is a sense of the regional context in which the museum operates. A relevant network in Zwolle, Overijssel, or the immediate surrounding area is desirable.

The new member helps maintain a healthy balance between the museum’s cultural mission and economic realities. From a strategic perspective, they will contribute ideas on strengthening external relationships, broadening support, and developing entrepreneurial initiatives that align with the museum’s character. By sharpening strategy and positioning, this role helps create space for artistic ambition. The added value lies in the ability to combine entrepreneurial thinking with public responsibility.

This individual is strategic, analytical, and forward-thinking. They have the courage to explore new possibilities, combined with the ability to act prudently and carefully within the framework of a cultural institution. As a bridge-builder between culture and the economy, this board member brings energy, a network, and a sense of realism to the Board. Their commitment to the region is visible and sincere, and contributes to the museum’s sustainable integration into its community.

3. Member of the Supervisory Board – Legal/Governance Profile

We are seeking a board member who can ensure governance, integrity, and compliance with laws and regulations. The Board operates within two foundations with ANBI status, which requires careful decision-making, clarity regarding responsibilities, and a keen understanding of legal frameworks. This board member will contribute to a solid and transparent governance structure that is commensurate with Museum de Fundatie’s social standing.

The candidate has a legal background and extensive experience, for example as an attorney, in-house counsel, notary, or general counsel. The candidate has knowledge of governance issues, preferably within the cultural or nonprofit sector, and is familiar with relevant areas of law such as foundation law, labor law, contract law, and privacy legislation. Experience in supervisory roles or administrative responsibilities is preferred. The candidate understands the unique position of a cultural institution in the public sphere and is able to place legal frameworks within a broader social context.

The new member enhances the quality of decision-making within the Board and ensures that roles remain clearly defined in relation to the CEO. The focus is on integrity, risk management, and due diligence, without getting bogged down in micromanagement. The added value lies in combining legal acumen with administrative proportion and balance, enabling the Board to operate with confidence when addressing complex issues.

This individual is meticulous, independent, and analytically strong. They communicate with clarity and composure, even when dealing with sensitive or complex issues. They instinctively strike the right balance between oversight and trust. This profile is characterized by managerial maturity, integrity, and a keen sense of responsibility.

General Principles

For all three profiles, candidates must identify with the social significance of art and culture and be motivated to contribute to a museum that fosters connection and dialogue through art. New members are expected to actively help build an open, professional, and constructive oversight culture, in which trust, clarity of roles, and a rigorous strategic dialogue reinforce one another. In this regard, we are explicitly seeking complementarity within the Board: new members bring their own expertise and perspective and strengthen the collective whole, so that the Board, as a team, is able to guide the museum’s artistic, social, and operational challenges in a cohesive manner.

Within the context of Museum de Fundatie, awareness of the regional environment is of vital importance. The relationship with the municipality of Zwolle, surrounding municipalities, and the province of Overijssel requires administrative sensitivity and an understanding of how public decision-making and collaboration take shape in the region. In addition, the organization, with its two distinctive locations, requires attention to different dynamics within a single entity. Supervisors are expected to be mindful of the unique character of both venues and to understand that pace, culture, and development do not proceed at the same rate everywhere, but must remain interconnected.

The time commitment consists of regular meetings and preparation, supplemented by committee work and occasional consultations regarding relevant developments. Commitment, availability, and a willingness to actively contribute to the Council’s collective functioning are therefore essential prerequisites for successfully fulfilling this role. The position is currently unpaid. 

Museum de Fundatie is committed to ensuring a diverse composition of its Board of Trustees. Candidates with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and social experiences are invited to express their interest.

Are you interested?

Museum de Fundatie 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 March 11via the application form on the Colourful People website.

For direct contact or questions about this position, please contact René Burgler-Roga, Esq., Senior Partner at Colourful People, via r.burgler@colourfulpeople.nl or at 06 28 57 54 36.

We will contact you immediately after receiving your application to schedule an in-depth preliminary interview. Interviews with the selection committee will take place in week 13. We plan to complete the process in March.

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