The Rijksmuseum is the Netherlands’ national museum of art and history, with a collection of over one million objects that tell the story of 800 years of Dutch history, from the Middle Ages to the present day. We are at the heart of society and are committed to making our collection accessible to everyone. Diversity and inclusion are central to this: we strive to ensure that everyone feels welcome, safe, and valued in our museum—both our visitors and our staff.
We are looking for a
Head of Development
About the Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is the Netherlands’ national museum of art and history, with a collection of over one million objects that tell the story of 800 years of Dutch history, from the Middle Ages to the present day. We are at the heart of society and are committed to making our collection accessible to everyone. Diversity and inclusion are central to this: we strive to ensure that everyone feels welcome, safe, and valued in our museum—both our visitors and our staff.
About the role
The Head of Development is responsible for the strategic and operational management of the Rijksmuseum’s Development Department. The department consists of several teams: (corporate) partnerships, foundations, friends, private donors, and events. Together, they generate additional revenue for the museum and build lasting relationships with national and international partners, foundations, and private donors.
What makes this position special
As Head of Development, you will lead an experienced and dedicated team of approximately 34 professionals and report to the Director of Public Engagement. You are the face of the department both internally and externally, actively build a relevant network, and contribute to the strategic direction of the Rijksmuseum. You are responsible for strengthening and innovating fundraising and donor relations, with an emphasis on developing sustainable relationships with donors and diversifying revenue streams.
You align the Rijksmuseum’s strategic goals with the needs and interests of current and potential partners, such as foundations, corporations, and donors. You know how to translate these into concrete proposals and partnerships. You are responsible for generating revenue from sponsorships, fundraising, and private donations, and you develop innovative strategies that contribute to the museum’s financial sustainability.
As an inspiring and unifying leader, you know how to set the course and motivate professionals. You translate the Rijksmuseum’s strategic objectives into concrete proposals and partnerships with foundations, companies, and donors. In addition, you are responsible for the strategic use of the CRM system within the Development department and foster collaboration with other departments such as Communications & Marketing, Finance, and the Collections sector (Fine Arts, History, the Rijksprentenkabinet, and Conservation & Science).
With a clear vision and innovative strategies, you will ensure that the Rijksmuseum can achieve its goals and that the Development Department’s impact continues to grow.
Our ideal candidate
- Possesses an academic level of work and thinking.
- Has extensive experience in strategic fundraising and building lasting relationships with companies, foundations, and individual donors. Rejuvenating the donor base and capitalizing on international opportunities are key strategic priorities in this regard.
- Is an inspiring and unifying leader within a highly competent team with proven experience in managing professionals.
- Has a relevant (international) network and is able to connect new contacts to the museum.
- Thinks strategically and knows how to set the course in a complex organization.
- Has excellent communication skills and is able to naturally inspire others.
- Can switch between strategic and operational roles and is able to make an impact at both levels.
- Has a keen sense of social trends and knows how to turn them into opportunities for the museum.
- Is approachable, professional, and has a strong likeability factor.
What we offer
At the Rijksmuseum, you’ll have the opportunity to work at a leading museum where art, history, and society come together.
We offer:
- A challenging and versatile role that makes a difference.
- A team of experienced and dedicated professionals.
- A dynamic work environment where collaboration and innovation are key.
- A one-year contract for 36 hours per week, with the intention of extending it.
- A salary in accordance with the Museum Collective Bargaining Agreement, scale 15 (up to €8,682 for a 36-hour workweek).
- An 8% vacation bonus and a 3.4% year-end bonus.
- Full reimbursement of public transportation costs for trips of 5 km or more (up to €345).
- A museum annual pass for unlimited access to more than 450 museums in the Netherlands.
- The option to work remotely and a budget for setting up a home office.
The Rijksmuseum is working with Colourful People on this recruitment process. If you have any questions about the position, please contact Henna Seedorf at h.seedorf@colourfulpeople.nl or 06-24274368. Please submit your application (CV and cover letter) by April 8, 2025, via the Colourful People website.
The preliminary interviews will take place on April 10, 11, and 14, 2025. The first and second rounds of interviews with the selection and advisory committees will take place on May 6, 2025, and May 14, 2025, respectively.
Recruitment agencies are asked to refrain from contacting us regarding this job opening.
