Member of the Supervisory Board

With a collection of over one million objects spanning from the Middle Ages to the present day, the Rijksmuseum preserves, manages, researches, restores, and presents cultural heritage of exceptional value. Each year, the museum welcomes over two million visitors from the Netherlands and abroad. More than 850 people are affiliated with the museum and work to fulfill this public mission. 

As a world-leading institution, the Rijksmuseum operates at the intersection of culture, society, and politics. Public funding, its own revenue, societal expectations, and its international reputation all converge here. Overseeing the Rijksmuseum means contributing to the future of an institution that helps shape the public memory and the public discourse.  

The Supervisory Board 

The Supervisory Board exercises comprehensive oversight of the Executive Board’s policies and the general affairs of the Foundation. In addition, the Supervisory Board serves as a strategic advisor, the employer of the Executive Board, and an ambassador for the Rijksmuseum. 

The Supervisory Board operates collegially and independently, with a strong focus on clear roles and responsible governance. Laws and regulations, the articles of incorporation, the Cultural Governance Code, and the Rijksmuseum’s public mission form the regulatory framework. Diversity in expertise, experience, and perspective is essential to the quality and legitimacy of oversight.  

Profile of a Supervisory Board Member 

Due to the expiration of the maximum term of office for one of the members, a vacancy has arisen for a member of the Supervisory Board.  

We are seeking a board member with a strong public focus and extensive experience in a political-administrative, social, or public-institutional context. The candidate is familiar with the dynamics of the public sphere and understands the interplay between policy, society, and institutions. Overseeing the Rijksmuseum requires intellectual independence, social commitment, and administrative strength. It means sharing responsibility for an institution that is a global leader and of special significance nationally. We are seeking a board member who is committed to fulfilling this responsibility with conviction, integrity, and diligence. 

The ideal candidate:  

• Has management experience in a complex organization, or the ability to effectively oversee strategic-level operations with authority. 

• Has an understanding of political and administrative relationships and social issues. 

• Possesses a well-developed sense of ethical principles and a demonstrable commitment to issues related to democracy and representation. 

• Makes independent judgments, demonstrating an understanding of administrative, political, and inclusive considerations. 

• Has sufficient time and commitment to fulfill the role with dedication. 

Personal profile 

The new member: 

• Combines social sensitivity with administrative strength. 

• Combines strategic insight with analytical acumen. 

• Asks critical questions out of a sense of commitment to the public interest. 

• Judge carefully and impartially. 

• Possesses natural authority and administrative maturity. 

• Be able to accommodate different perspectives in a dialogue while maintaining clarity of roles. 

• Preferred qualifications include experience with or strategic insight into digital transformation, audience positioning, marketing, and modern media.  

Diversity and Complementarity 

The Rijksmuseum aims to have a Board that broadly reflects Dutch society. Diversity and complementarity are key guiding principles in this regard. In light of the Rijksmuseum’s national significance and public mission, this appointment seeks to further strengthen diversity and complementarity within the Board. In this regard, special attention is given to candidates who contribute to diversity in cultural and social backgrounds, as well as to candidates who both live and work outside the Amsterdam region, in order to strengthen the Board’s national reach. 

Appointment and Time Commitment  

• Appointments are made by the Supervisory Board. 

• Term of office: four years, with the possibility of reappointment. 

• Time commitment: approximately 15–20 days per year on average. 

• The position is unpaid. 

Procedure 

The Rijksmuseum is being assisted in this process by the executive search firm Colourful People. Interested candidates may contact Henna Seedorf, senior partner at Colourful People, directly. You can reach her by email at h.seedorf@colourfulpeople.nl or by phone at 0624274368.
You can express your interest by uploading your cover letter and resume to theColourful People website no later than March 27, 2026. 

Important dates: 

• Deadline for comments: March 27, 2026 

• First round of interviews with the selection committee (members of the Board of Trustees): April 20–27, 2026  

• Introduction of Other Board of Trustees Members - May 2026 

• Appointment - July 2026