Interim Managing Director (maternity leave replacement)

About Pakhuis de Zwijger

Pakhuis de Zwijger (PDZ) is a cultural institute and progressive platform for dialogue, creation, and transition. We collaborate with a broad network of creators, communities, changemakers, media outlets, partners, and institutions on social issues such as sustainability, the creative industries, the economy, belonging, and democracy, with justice as our guiding principle. Each year, we organize over 500 cultural evening programs, and during the day, our venue hosts everything from international conferences to small-scale productions and events; and our café-restaurant is open all day long.  

Assignment

The interim Managing Director ensures administrative continuity during the current Managing Director’s leave of absence. The focus is on advancing and strengthening the 2026–2030 funding goals, ensuring continuity and stability, and providing direction to the Management Team (MT) and the various teams. In addition, you will ensure the administrative processes within the foundation and its subsidiaries and report to the Supervisory Board (SB).

Key Performance Areas

Leadership & Internal Collaboration

• Management of the Executive Team, comprising the following leadership roles: Head of Development & Production, Head of Marketing, Communications & Audience, Head of Events & Hospitality, Head of Operations, Program Coordinator, and Program Editor.
• Chairing Management Team meetings and ensuring progress and priorities are met.
• Regular consultation with employee representatives.
• Strengthening collaboration, oversight, culture, and clear processes.
• Guiding the management team in balancing strategic planning and day-to-day management within the foundation and its subsidiaries.

 Development & Financing

• Monitoring and advancing progress toward funding goals.
• Maintaining and strengthening relationships with foundations, government agencies, and private investors.
• Preparing (and, where necessary, assisting with) grant applications and reports.
• Monitor progress on the “Friends of Pakhuis de Zwijger” network and donor strategy, new revenue models, audience engagement, and visitor numbers.

Administrative duties

• Represent PDZ at relevant meetings and industry gatherings.
• Ensure timely and complete reporting and accountability to the Board of Trustees.
• Safeguarding of files and handover to ensure a smooth return after leave.

Who we're looking for

The interim Managing Director brings sufficient experience and leadership to support, guide, and strengthen the Development team in the execution of ongoing financing and development projects.

• Several years of experience as an executive director or in a position of ultimate responsibility within a cultural, social, or creative organization.
• Experience with governance and operational management within a foundation structure that includes limited liability companies.
• Proven experience in financing, fundraising, and strategic partnerships (in a leadership role, not an operational one).
• Management experience at the executive and management team levels.

Given the transition PDZ is currently undergoing, experience with transitions, change processes, and strategic organizational development is also a plus. The same applies to experience working with teams that are broadly diverse (including culturally) and a commitment to Pakhuis de Zwijger’s core values.

Skills

• Strong strategic and analytical skills; able to quickly assess and organize information.
• Leading with a sense of calm and purpose.
• Strong communication skills, politically savvy, persuasive.
• Financially savvy and steadfast.
• Independent, decisive, reliable, and attuned to organizational dynamics.

What we offer

We are offering a meaningful interim assignment with strategic impact at a leading cultural institution in Amsterdam. This is a dedicated management team and organization with a strong social and cultural commitment. The current executive director will ensure a thorough and comprehensive handover, including a clear mandate and oversight framework.In short: a unique opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking cultural platform with a social mission.

Interest and feedback

Please send us a brief cover letter and your resume, including your availability and rate (temporary employment is also an option),by Sunday, January 25, via Homerun. If you have any questions, please contact Annick Mantoua, Executive Director, atdirectie@dezwijger.nl.