Head of Collections

Job Opening: Head of Collections

Fries Museum | Princessehof Ceramics Museum

Who are we looking for?

As Head of Collections, you will have overall responsibility for developing and implementing policies related to collections: collection development, knowledge development, collection and knowledge management, access, and mobility.

You are an expert in collection policy, research, and collection and knowledge management. You see it as a challenge to contribute your expertise as a member of the management team, working alongside other members to shape the museums’ strategy and the organization’s development. You have a clear vision of where the museums should be in five years and know how to inspire and persuade others both within and outside your department and the organization.

You have extensive experience leading professionals and are a results-oriented manager. You motivate and bring together the department’s employees, while recognizing their individual expertise and skills.

Job Requirements

• Academic level of thinking and work in the field of (contemporary) art and heritage;
• Extensive experience leading a team of professionals;
• A strong affinity with at least one of the museums’ collections and with provenance research;
• A network with national and international relevance;
• Demonstrable knowledge of collection management;
• Knowledge of new developments in the field of digital collections;
• Experience with complex programs involving exhibitions, publications, and other products;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in at least Dutch and English;
• An affinity for the Frisian language and culture;
• Willingness to live in the region.

Skills

• You are creative, can develop visions for the future, and have ideas for bringing those visions to life;
• You are an empathetic and inspiring leader who can bring people together;
• You are culturally sensitive and can develop an inclusive approach;
• You encourage the exchange of different backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas;
• You are enterprising and results-oriented;
• You are decisive and good at delegating;
• You are an inspiring and unifying leader, focused on appreciation and collaboration;
• You have strong communication and interpersonal skills.   

Organization

Fries Museum | Keramiekmuseum Princessehof is an organization of independent and contemporary museums where quality and the public come first. With its large and varied collection, the Fries Museum offers a reflection of the past and perspectives on the future. The museum is a treasure trove of heritage and visual arts, attracting, connecting, and inspiring both local residents and visitors from across the country. One of its components is the Fries Resistance Museum, which focuses on World War II, its aftermath, and freedom today. An innovative and challenging project for the coming years is Fries Museum on the Road: starting in the spring of 2024, the Fries Museum will spend three years traveling with items from its collection to the villages in Fryslân where the collection originated, to share and gather stories.

The Princessehof is the national ceramics museum and the only national museum in the Northern Netherlands, housed in an^18th-century city palace, which is also the birthplace of M.C. Escher. With its world-famous collection, the museum tells current and relevant stories, ranging from imperial porcelain from China, beautiful Art Nouveau ceramics, and Delft Blue, to works by modern and contemporary artists and designers. The museum organization consists of 68 employees with a combined workload of55 FTE, spread across six departments (Collections, Public & Presentations, Facilities & Hospitality, Management, Finance & Control, and Human Resources). They work together with over 160 volunteers and a large number of externally hired staff.

We offer

• An interesting and challenging position for 32–36 hours per week in a dynamic and open organization with enthusiastic colleagues;
• a salary based on knowledge and experience in accordance with the pay scales of the Museum Collective Bargaining Agreement, up to €6,527 gross per month for a 36-hour workweek;
• a one-year temporary appointment with the prospect of permanent employment.

We adhere to the Museum Collective Bargaining Agreement. The exception to this is the pension fund: the Fries Museum and the Princessehof Ceramics Museum are members of the ABP.

Apply

Are you our Head of Collections? If so, please email your cover letter and resume by July 23, 2023, to Mr. Kris Callens (Executive Director) at vacatures@friesmuseum.nl, with the subject line “Head of Collections Job Opening.”

For more information, please contact Mr. Kris Callens at k.callens@friesmuseum.nl orby phone at 058-2555507.

The first job interviews will take place on July 31, 2023.

The follow-up interviews will take place on August 14, 2023, and August 17, 2023.

If you require any accommodations during the application process, please let us know.

Fries Museum | Keramiekmuseum Princessehof is an inclusive organization that welcomes all segments of society. Through our human resources policy, we aim to contribute to a labor market where everyone has equal opportunities and where there is no room for discrimination. We welcome a diversity of backgrounds and expertise and select our employees based on the required qualifications.

See also www.princessehof.nl and www.friesmuseum.nl

Recruitment agencies are asked to refrain from contacting us regarding this job opening.