Head of Education

The Education & Public Programs Department is part of the Public Cluster.

Whether you live by the sea or inland, have been in the Netherlands for generations or have just arrived—maritime culture touches us all. We make that connection tangible. The Education & Public Programs department develops programs that show how shipping is part of everyday life: in the things we use, the language we speak, and in the history that has shaped us. We tell stories of innovation and of inequality, such as the colonial past and slavery. In this way, we help visitors understand their place in a shared past—and encourage them to reflect together on the future.

To achieve this goal, the Maritime Museum is looking for an enthusiastic: 

Head of Education (32–36 hours) 

What will you be doing?

You will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic policies in the areas of education and public engagement. Together with your team—comprising two educators, three public engagement staff members, two planners, and museum docents—you will ensure that the Maritime Museum remains accessible and relevant to a broad and diverse audience.

Your duties and responsibilities will also include:

•  You coach and motivate your team and help foster a positive atmosphere within the team. You encourage collaboration, ownership, and professional development, and guide colleagues in driving innovation both within and outside the organization;
•  Together with your team, you will develop a forward-looking vision for education that aligns with both the museum’s social mission and the needs of diverse audience groups, such as schools, adults, and families, and you will promote this vision both internally and externally;
•  Together with your team, you will develop educational resources and programs tailored to different target audiences and ensure an accessible and inclusive approach. 
• You are actively involved in various exhibition projects;
•  You will work closely with the Marketing & Communications department to develop a communication strategy for your department’s activities;
•  Together with the department, you provide key input on grant and sponsorship requests and initiate such requests in the field of education;
• You initiate participation in collaborative projects with cultural, educational, and other institutions;
• You are ultimately responsible for the quality of the work performed by the museum educators and docents, as well as for collaboration with them;
• You will work closely with the Events and Guest Service departments to ensure visitors have a positive experience, from the moment they arrive through to the educational programs and public activities;
•  You represent the museum in the relevant professional field and within networks, working groups, and advisory bodies; you identify and bring to the forefront developments in the field, take action in response, and contribute to the innovation of activities and campaigns.

Who are we looking for?

You are a collaborative and enthusiastic colleague and a strong sparring partner within the Public Engagement cluster. You have a people-oriented leadership style that allows you to motivate and inspire your team. You are a true connector and move easily between the various departments within the museum and externally among different target groups and partners. You have broad knowledge of education, various forms of public engagement and interaction, and a clear vision of the role of education in the museum and of museums in a diverse society and dynamic city like Amsterdam.  You are curious, socially engaged, and have experience with themes such as pluralism, the colonial and/or slavery past, and their lasting impact. You also enjoy rolling up your sleeves to implement plans and working through participation and co-creation. You enjoy networking and are always on the lookout for (new) collaborations both within and outside the museum.

We also ask: 

• A completed relevant associate's or bachelor's degree;
• Extensive experience in the field of museum education policy;
• Demonstrable experience in a leadership role;
• Experience with project-based work;
• A demonstrable interest in history and heritage. 

What do we offer?

You will be working alongside enthusiastic colleagues who are all dedicated to the Maritime Museum from their respective fields. The salary depends on your education and work experience. The full-time salary in this pay scale ranges from €4,131 to €6,268 gross per month. The employment contract will be with the Dutch Maritime Museum Foundation, and the Museum Collective Labor Agreement applies. In addition, we offer: 

• A one-year contract for 32–36 hours per week, with the intention of extending it;
• 8% vacation pay and 3.4% year-end bonus; 
• Enrollment in a pension plan and a discount on group supplemental insurance;
• An NS commuter pass for commuting between home and work (for one-way trips of more than 10 km);
• Opportunities for growth and development; 
• Option to work partially from home;
• Work out at an affordable price at a gym near you through Corporate Fitness;
• A museum pass, free admission to the museum, and discounts on activities through, for example, the Club van Elf;
• Our activities committee regularly organizes fun activities with colleagues

Comment

Does this profile sound like you, and are you excited about the opportunity? If so, please apply as soon as possible, but no later than Sunday, July 20, 2025, via this link. We’re curious to see how our mission aligns with what drives you professionally, and we’d also love to hear a concrete example of how you’ve developed or implemented an educational program around complex social themes such as the colonial past. What was your approach, and what challenges did you encounter? We realize that it’s summer and vacation time. Please also let us know your availability for the second half of July and the month of August so that we can take this into account when scheduling interviews.

For more information about working at the Maritime Museum, the department, the Public Cluster, and/or the details of this job opening, please contact Repti Suprantinah (Head of Public) by email at rsuprantinah@hetscheepvaartmuseum.nl. For questions about the application process, please contact the HR department at (020) 52 32 425. Please note that the application for a Certificate of Good Conduct is part of the selection process.

The Maritime Museum aims to be a safe haven for everyone. An inclusive work environment where there is room for diversity, where you feel safe, and where you can be yourself. Here, you’ll meet colleagues from diverse backgrounds and with a wider range of expertise than you might imagine—from skilled curators to commercial marketers and passionate event managers. All connected by the water. And by curiosity. In the world, and toward one another. So you, too, are welcome in our home port.