Head of Collections and Exhibitions

The Hague Museum of Art is one of Europe’s leading museums of modern art. We manage a collection of over 170,000 objects and consist of three museums across two locations: the Hague Museum of Art in the iconic Berlage Building, and the Hague Museum of Photography and KM21 in the adjacent Schamhart Wing. Each year, we welcome approximately 450,000 visitors with a diverse program of exhibitions, educational initiatives, and public events.

Starting this year, we have been operating under a renewed mission and vision. Our starting point is The Hague’s rich collection of art and culture. From there, we develop diverse exhibitions and programs, both inside and outside our buildings. We do this in collaboration with artists and partners from the city, the Netherlands, and beyond. Our core values are optimism, diversity, and entrepreneurship.

Key developments

The Kunstmuseum Den Haag is currently undergoing a period of further development and renewal. We are a public museum evolving into a place where we create culture together: a production house for Art with a capital A, encompassing everything from craftsmanship to storytelling and cuisine to groundbreaking youth culture. We are strengthening and expanding our public programming and working to make the museum more accessible to a broad and diverse audience. At the same time, we are preparing for a large-scale sustainability upgrade of the historic Berlage Building. This upgrade also offers us the opportunity to make the museum future-proof in a broader sense.

What will you be doing?

As Head of Collections & Presentations, you will serve as a strategic advisor to the executive board and a member of the management team. You will set the direction for policies regarding the acquisition, management, research, and presentation of the collection. Together with the Executive Director, you will determine the museum’s substantive direction and ensure that our collection remains visible and relevant to the public of today and tomorrow. Working closely with colleagues from departments such as public programs and education, you will share responsibility for a diverse exhibition program.

You will lead the new Collections & Presentations cluster, which comprises approximately 50 professionals, including curators, conservators, registrars, and museum technicians. You will provide direction and structure, with a strong focus on collaboration and ownership. In addition, you will be a driving force behind museum innovation, digitization, and research that brings new perspectives to our collection.

Your main responsibilities

• Overall management of the Collections & Presentations cluster (approximately 50 employees, including various coordinators and team leaders).
• Developing and implementing policies for collecting, managing, researching, and presenting the collection, in line with the museum’s mission and vision.
• Work with the executive director to shape the acquisitions and exhibition policy.
• Guiding the digital transformation by streamlining processes and fostering a digital mindset and way of working—from registration and archiving to the design of the collection management system and the online discoverability and visibility of the collection.
• Promoting research, both in art history and in the social sciences, and developing an appropriate publication policy.
• Actively contribute to sustainability and portfolio development, with a focus on security and continuity.
• Promoting national and international collaborations and the exchange of loans.
• Represent the museum in national and international networks.
• Building and maintaining long-term relationships with artists, lenders, museums, galleries, private donors, and other partners, and representing the museum in external collaborations and fundraising activities. 

Your profile

• An experienced, inspiring, and unifying leader with strategic insight and a keen sense of (administrative) dynamics.
• Extensive experience with collection and acquisition policies and with organizing high-quality exhibitions.
• You foster a culture in which diverse perspectives are heard and valued, and actively contribute to an inclusive work environment.
• Ideally, you have experience with complex museum projects and issues, such as those related to storage and renovation.
• Digitalization and innovation are close to your heart. You understand how digitalization enhances the visibility and accessibility of the collection, and you have experience with relevant systems and applications.
• You navigate national and international networks with ease and maintain long-term relationships with foundations, lenders, collectors, and artists.
• At least eight years of experience in a senior role within the museum sector and excellent command of Dutch and English.

What do we offer?

A key role at a leading museum with a strong mission and vision. You’ll work in an inspiring environment alongside passionate professionals and have the opportunity to shape both content and organizational development.

• A gross monthly salary of up to €8,986.00 (scale 15 of the Museum Collective Bargaining Agreement) on a full-time basis (36 hours per week), depending on knowledge, experience, and education.
• A one-year contract with the possibility of a permanent position.
• Attractive employee benefits, including an NS Business Card or mileage reimbursement if you commute by bike, an 8% vacation allowance, a 3.4% year-end bonus, a solid pension plan, and employment terms in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement.
• A unique workplace in an iconic museum building.
• Plenty of room to grow, along with courses and training opportunities to help you develop.

Job Applications & Interviews

Would you like to help shape the future of the Kunstmuseum Den Haag in this role?

Please send your cover letter and resume to Margriet Schavemaker (Managing Director) by January 4, 2026, by clicking on“Apply Now.”

Please answer the following questions in your cover letter (maximum half a page).

Describe a situation in which you, as a leader, implemented a major change. What was your role and contribution in this process? What leadership style and interventions did you use?

The first round of interviews will take place on Wednesday afternoon, January 7, or Monday morning, January 12. The second round will take place on Monday afternoon, January 19, or Thursday, January 22. This round will consist of a case study/presentation; more information will follow later.

We strive to build a diverse, multi-voiced, and inclusive team and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Do you have any questions?

If you have any questions, please contact Nienke Schilstra (Interim HR Manager) at nschilstra@kunstmuseum.nl or 06 41789501.