An explorer, connector, and innovator of urban heritage
As a nomadic museum serving both cities and villages, we are committed to working with residents and communities—representing more than 150 nationalities and diverse identities—to explore, preserve, and share tangible and intangible heritage, so that everyone can see themselves reflected in the past and feel connected to the present and the future. Not through a building, but through stories. We bring heritage to life—in various locations across the city and villages, through programs and exhibitions, guided by education and connection. Our mission: to ensure that residents see themselves reflected in the past and feel connected to the present and future of their city. We do this in close collaboration with partners such as the LocHal Library, the Tilburg Regional Archives, the Textile Museum, the Mommerskwartier Foundation, and many others.
The City Museum is evolving. We operate in close connection with both the city and the villages of the municipality of Tilburg. In collaboration with the municipality of Tilburg, a major development project will be central over the next two years: researching and developing various growth scenarios that can take the City Museum to the next phase. We are therefore seeking a Director of the City Museum of Tilburg who will take on this task, together with the team and in close connection with the city.
The assignment
As Director of the Tilburg City Museum, you will be responsible for leading the team and developing strategies to build a stronger, future-proof museum. In this role, you will work closely with the City of Tilburg, the Tilburg Regional Archives, the Mommerskwartier Foundation, and other heritage partners. The focus will be on:
- developing scenarios for positioning, operations, and organizational structure;
- exploring the possibilities for a permanent location in the city;
- increasing the visibility, impact, and accessibility of cultural heritage;
- developing heritage programs, educational initiatives, and exhibitions, as well as managing and preserving the city’s collection.
The position is initially for two years, with the possibility of extension—depending on the outcome of the process and the decision of the City of Tilburg.
What do you bring to the table?
We are looking for a developer with experience in heritage, culture, public services, or a combination thereof. Someone who thinks outside the box and understands how municipal dynamics, policy, and decision-making work. You are a strong writer, can clearly communicate scenarios and business cases, and navigate diverse networks with ease.
You have:
- experience with strategic development projects in the cultural sector or the heritage field;
- a good understanding of political and administrative dynamics, preferably at the local level;
- an affinity with the history and identity of Tilburg and Brabant;
- a collaborative style of leadership and teamwork;
- a clear vision of urban heritage and its social significance;
- a clear vision of the museum’s role in today’s world.
Where will you end up?
You’ll be working with a small, dedicated team at the nomadic Stadsmuseum, which doesn’t have its own building but boasts a growing network and program. Examples include the TijdLab at the LocHal, exhibitions at various locations throughout the city, and educational programs in elementary schools. Stadsmuseum Tilburg is part of the Mommerskwartier Foundation and collaborates with, among others, the TextielMuseum and the Tilburg Regional Archives. Although the Stadsmuseum does not have its own museum building, the team is based at the Kazernehof, near the Tilburg Regional Archives.
Interested?
The Tilburg City Museum is working with the recruitment and selection agency Colourful People on this process. If you have any questions, please contact René Burgler atr.burgler@colourfulpeople.nlor 06 2857 5436.Please submityour cover letter and resume as soon as possible, butno later than August 31, viathe application button onwww.colourfulpeople.nl. If there is sufficient interest, we may close the application process early.
The interviews will take place:
- Starting thethirdweek of August: preliminary interviews at Colourful People
- September 26: job interviews at the City Museum in Tilburg
To ensure an objective and thorough recruitment and selection process, we ask that you address the following questions in your cover letter:
- What appeals to you most about the vision of the Tilburg City Museum and the way we connect heritage with identity and community engagement in the city?
- How do you design a strategic development process that explores different scenarios, brings stakeholders together, and builds support within a municipal and cultural context?
- What defines your leadership and collaboration style, and how do you use it to strengthen a small, dedicated team, set a clear direction, and foster creativity and initiative?
