Head of the Directors' Office & Strategic Planning

About the Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is the Netherlands’ premier museum of art and history, with a rich collection of over a million objects that tell the story of our country, from the Middle Ages through the 20th century. We are at the heart of society and aim to highlight our collection from diverse perspectives and make it accessible to everyone. Diversity and inclusion are our top priorities; we strive to ensure that everyone feels welcome, safe, and valued in our museum—both our visitors and our staff.

About the role

In this new role as Head of the Directors’ Office & Strategic Planning, you will have the unique opportunity to help shape the strategic direction of the Rijksmuseum. You will be responsible for translating our long-term strategy into concrete, measurable plans that contribute to the realization of our mission and ambitions. You will build support by working closely with various departments, such as HR and Finance, as well as external partners, to ensure that our strategic goals are widely supported and optimally implemented.

This role calls for a candidate who is not only strategically strong but also capable of thinking practically and innovatively. You will build robust project management structures that ensure every project—from planning to execution—aligns with the Rijksmuseum’s strategic vision. Using clear performance indicators, you will monitor progress and ensure that the impact of our work is measurable and tangible for both our organization and our visitors.

What makes this position special

In this role, you will have the freedom and responsibility to shape and execute our strategy from start to finish. You will lead a team of senior program managers who report to you and work alongside you to ensure the effective implementation of our goals. You will serve as a bridge between departments, inspire your colleagues, and foster a work environment where everyone’s contributions are valued.

Our ideal candidate:

• Possesses a university-level education and way of thinking, with extensive experience in strategic and policy-related issues within complex organizations, preferably in the cultural or social sector.
• Possesses strong analytical and organizational skills and experience with various management tools for establishing and monitoring performance indicators.
• You have proven experience leading strategic initiatives and inspiring teams; you know how to get people on board and are committed to fostering an inclusive work environment.
• Is a strong networker with excellent communication skills who knows how to inspire and engage a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Is innovative, flexible, and driven to continuously improve and update processes and structures.
• Brings an open and inclusive mindset to the role and has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, both within the team and across the broader organization.

What we offer

At the Rijksmuseum, you’ll have the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment where art, history, and society come together. We offer:

• A salary in accordance with the museum collective bargaining agreement, up to €7,663 (scale 14) for a 36-hour workweek.
• 8% vacation pay and 3.4% year-end bonus.
• A one-year contract for 36 hours per week, with the intention of renewing it.
• The flexibility to alternate between working from home and working in the office, including a budget to set up your home office.
• Full reimbursement of public transportation costs starting at 5 km (up to a maximum of €345), including reimbursement for a secure bicycle parking facility.
• After your probationary period, you will receive a Museum Year Card that grants you unlimited access to 450 museums in the Netherlands, including a free guest pass for the Rijksmuseum.
• Participation in various events and sports activities, such as the Rijksrun.

Interested?

Are you excited about this opportunity and interested in playing a key role in shaping the Rijksmuseum’s strategic direction? Apply now!

The Rijksmuseum is being assisted in this process by the executive search firm Colourful People. For more information about the position or the Rijksmuseum, please contact Henna Seedorf, senior partner at Colourful People (06-24274368). You can express your interest by uploading your cover letter and resume via the Colourful People website no later than December 3. The pre-selection interviews will take place between November 25 and December 3. Interviews with the selection committee are scheduled for the week of December 12–17.