Head of Collections

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 managing professionals. Your leadership style is characterized by integrity and empathy, yet you are also decisive and results-oriented. You motivate and unite the department’s employees, while recognizing their individual expertise and skills.

What we're looking for

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

What do you bring to the table?

• You are creative and enjoy working with a team of professionals to shape visions for the future;
• You are an inspiring and unifying leader, focused on appreciation and collaboration;
• You are culturally sensitive and can develop an inclusive approach;
• You have a strong grasp of the big picture while also paying close attention to the details;
• You are decisive and good at delegating;
• You have strong communication and interpersonal skills; 
• You love a challenge and don't let setbacks get you down.

About us

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 component 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 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 78 employees with a combined total of 55 full-time equivalents, divided across five departments (Collections, Public & Presentations, Relations & Fundraising, Operations, and Human Resources & Organization). They work together with over 150 volunteers and a large number of externally hired staff.

What we offer

• An interesting and challenging position for 32 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 €6,855 gross per month for a 36-hour workweek;
• A one-year provisional 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 April 1, 2025, to Annemarie Lavèn (Head of Public Engagement & Presentations) at vacatures@friesmuseum.nl, with the subject line “Head of Collections Job Opening.”

For more information, please contact Annemarie Lavèn at a.laven@friesmuseum.nl or by phone at 058-2050034.

The first job interviews will take place on April 7, 2025.

The follow-up meetings will take place on April 14 and April 17, 2025 .

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.

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