5 members of the Supervisory Board

Introduction

Rotterdammers are proud of their city, and Rotterdam deserves a place where its stories can be told. That is exactly what Rotterdam’s new city museum aims to be: a place where Rotterdammers can see themselves reflected and come together. A place brimming with ambition to showcase the city with pride and creativity to both Rotterdammers and the rest of the world.

For this unique place in the making, we are now seeking board members who are just as diverse, committed, proud, and discerning as the city and its residents themselves. We believe it is important that the Board of Trustees reflects the young, dynamic, and diverse character of Rotterdam. At least two of the five new members may be young and/or have less experience as board members.

The New City Museum

The new city museum aims to nurture the collective memory and make the city’s diverse identity recognizable, discussable, and tangible for residents and visitors alike. It aims to be accessible, to inspire and spark the imagination, and to draw connections between the city’s present, past, and future. The project’s pioneers have outlined an ambitious vision for the future, which can be downloaded at www.ookvanjou.nl

The museum will operate on a professional basis from an attractive location, featuring highlights from the Rotterdam Collection. Working with partners in the city and in collaboration with residents, communities, and creators, the museum will showcase diverse perspectives on the city. In this way, the museum will strengthen residents’ engagement and enhance visitors’ experience of the city. As a supervisor, you will oversee the implementation of these plans. Ambition is in abundance, but the process will also be challenging. As a supervisor, you must take pride in truly wanting to contribute, even during the more difficult moments.

The Supervisory Board

The Supervisory Board meets at least four times a year. Members attend exhibition openings and special afternoon or evening events as often as possible. The atmosphere and manner of interaction are open and professional. The Board functions as a team in which everyone’s strengths are utilized and respected. Transparency, self-reflection, and inclusion are key pillars. Members are willing to serve as ambassadors for the development of the new city museum.

The Supervisory Board has a key responsibility to support, drive, and oversee two major initiatives for the museum in the coming years: the internal transformation process aimed at developing a revitalized organization, and the development—in collaboration with the municipality—of temporary and new permanent facilities.

The Board of Trustees also has a number of specific responsibilities regarding the purchase, sale, or encumbrance of registered property, the selection of the auditor, and the adoption of the budget and financial statements.

Appointments are made for a term of four years, with the possibility of extension for up to four additional years. In addition to meeting specific qualifications, we expect new members to meet the general qualifications for members of the Supervisory Board, as outlined below.

Profiles

1 Cultural Practice

Knowledge of heritage and museum studies, as well as innovative ways in which museum visitors will experience them. In addition, knowledge of cultural practices, trends, and developments is desirable.

2 Finance & Operations

Knowledge and experience in the areas of finance, business operations, and risk management. A strong understanding of financial reports, investment proposals, and other financial matters. Cultural entrepreneurship also falls within this area of focus.

3 Engineering, Technology, and Architecture

Knowledge of and experience with construction, renovation, installation, sustainability, and interior design, including how these factors translate into maintenance and operating costs and associated risks, preferably in a museum context.

4 Community Building

Knowledge of and practical experience in building communities within society. Able to work effectively across the public, private, and cultural sectors. Well-informed about trends and developments in this field. Preferably based in Rotterdam.

5 Marketing, Communication, and Digitalization

Strategic experience in target audience strategy, marketing, and communication. Knowledge of how to use new media to reach new target audiences.

General Qualifications for Members of the Supervisory Board

• Constructive and independent, with no conflict of interest or undesirable entanglement of interests.
• Sufficient administrative experience, but also an eye and an ear for segments of Rotterdam’s population that were previously underrepresented in the cultural sector.
• Widespread public interest, a strong connection to Rotterdam, and an affinity for the new museum’s mission, vision, and areas of focus.
• A good balance of professionalism and approachability; collegial, attentive, and critical when necessary.
• The goal is to have a team in which one or more members have experience with change management processes.
• A strong understanding of social and political dynamics, and a network spanning diverse segments of Rotterdam society, the business community, foundations, and the creative sector.
• Able to fulfill their duties, including in their spare time, attend Board of Trustees meetings, and prepare for them. Estimated time commitment: approximately 5–8 hours per month
• Must be available for at least one 4-year term.
• Most of them live or work in Rotterdam.

The members of the Supervisory Board complement one another in terms of knowledge, expertise, and experience, and form a collegial team that reflects the diversity and dynamism of the city of Rotterdam. Members have areas of specialization but are also capable of thinking, judging, and acting as generalists. They endorse the Governance Code for Culture, the Code of Fair Practice, and the Diversity & Inclusion Code. This is an unpaid position. Expenses, such as travel costs, may be reimbursed.

Procedure

The organization is being assisted in this process by the executive search firm Colourful People. For more information about this position, please call Winfred Voordendag, senior partner at Colourful People, at 06-28284706.

To express your interest, please submit your cover letter and resume via the Colourful People website by Friday, May 19. Please indicate in your application which position(s) you are applying for.

Interviews will be held on Wednesday, June 7, and Friday, June 9, both during the day and in the evening. The hiring process includes a background check and a Certificate of Good Conduct. The position is to be filled as soon as possible, with a target start date of July 1, 2023.