Head of Development and Events

Theater Rotterdam

The words 'I am because of you' capture the vision of Theater Rotterdam (TR) in a nutshell. The awareness that all interactions with others make us human gives TR its direction. Since 2021, under the leadership of artistic director Alida Dors, we embrace polyphony. In our artistic practice, different voices, languages and forms come together. From our makers, but also from our audience as co-creators. It is our mission to make differences productive and to let them enrich one another. As a theatre, we are the director of encounters, we create frameworks for temporary but memorable fusions of worlds. As one of the largest theatre companies in the Netherlands, TR can be seen on national and international stages and festivals. We are a home for established, mid-career theatre makers as well as emerging ones. They make innovative and non-conformist theatre in which the present moment is palpable. What unites them is reciprocity: from each person's perspective, we work together on what theatre can mean. TR is a place where different truths and perspectives are heard. Dialogue and debate are prerequisites for truly allowing polyphony to resonate. TR's workplace is equally characterised by an interplay of cultures, knowledge and experience.

About this position

As Head of Development & Events, you are responsible for realising a healthy funding mix needed to fulfil the ambitions of Theater Rotterdam. The Development and Events team is responsible for subsidies, funds, donors, corporate partnerships and events. The department consists of a team of six professionals: three event managers, a fundraiser, a corporate relations manager and a development officer. As department head, you are responsible for developing and executing a strategic course and meeting set targets. Together with your team, you build new collaborations with funds, companies and individuals. You strengthen existing relationships and identify opportunities for growth through corporate venue hire and events. You work closely with the Artistic Bureau and the dramaturgs, and the departments of Programming, Marketing and Communications, Finance and Education. You report directly to the managing director and work closely with the artistic director.

What will you be doing?

• Strategy:Developing and implementing strategic policies in the areas of development and events.
• Leadership:Managing, coaching, and empowering the team; ensuring the department is organized effectively, including budgeting and planning.
• Fundraising:Developing and implementing sponsorship, partnership, and fundraising policies for public and private funds, individual donors, and the business community
• Events & Rentals:Developing an event policy aimed at increasing commercial and cultural rentals.
• Relationship management: Representing TR in networks; maintaining contacts with (potential) partners, funds, companies, donors and tenants.
• Collaboration: Close collaboration with colleagues from marketing, programming, education, finance and the artistic bureau.
• Innovation:Identifying relevant developments and trends in the field. 

Who are we looking for?

You are an experienced and enterprising development expert with a strategic mindset and a deep appreciation for art and culture. You easily navigate between vision and execution, identify opportunities in a changing environment, and know how to inspire and engage people. You understand that development isn’t just about money, but above all about relationships, substance, and impact. You know how to translate complex plans into realistic goals and are able to get others on board with them.

Do you recognize yourself in the following?

• Entrepreneurial:You have extensive experience developing strategies for fundraising, partnerships, and events. You build a sustainable financial foundation and know where to make adjustments when necessary.
• Connecting:You are a natural networker, maintain long-term relationships with foundations, companies, and donors, and know how to effectively communicate the organization’s story.
• Leadership:You provide structure and direction, set clear goals, and know how to motivate your team and guide them through change. You have an eye for both people and results.
• Creative and results-oriented:You think in terms of opportunities and solutions, are not afraid to develop new ideas, and know how to implement them with conviction and effectiveness.
• Data-driven:You work effectively with CRM systems and digital tools and know how to strategically leverage data to optimize relationship management, fundraising, and impact.

Please note: experience in the cultural or nonprofit sector is a plus, but not a requirement. Above all, we are looking for someone with strategic insight, a commitment to social issues, and the drive to make a real difference. We believe in the power of diversity of voices and are looking for someone who connects with diverse perspectives—both within and outside the organization—and actively contributes to an inclusive and safe work environment. Does this profile sound like you? Then we’d love to meet you.

What we have to offer

We don’t just ask things of you—we also have something meaningful to offer: a challenging and inspiring work environment where you can realize your ambitions. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to our visibility and relationship strength in the short term, and to help build a future-proof organization in the long term. You’ll have the chance to further develop the department and shape your own professional growth—within an organization with strong substantive ambitions and a central role in Rotterdam’s cultural life.

We offer:

• A salary in accordance with the Theater and Dance Collective Bargaining Agreement, at pay grade 10, ranging from €4,780 to €6,429 gross per month for a 38-hour workweek. Your pay grade will depend on your experience and potential.
• Opportunities for professional development, including access to training, networking, and external expertise.
• Attractive benefits package, including vacation pay, a year-end bonus, and retirement benefits.
• An inclusive and safe workplace where you can put your talents to use and be yourself.
• A one-year employment contract, with the intention of extending it.

Interested in applying?

Are you enthusiastic and do you recognise yourself in this role?

Go to werkenbij.theaterrotterdam.nl and upload your resume and cover letter by May 17, 2026. We look forward to reading your ideas and approach!

The first job interviews will take place on May 21, 2026; the second round, which includes a practical assignment, will be held on June 4, 2026. Be sure to mark these dates on your calendar.

If you have any questions about the job, please contact the HR team by emailing teamPO@theaterrotterdam.nl