Internal Organization Manager

DePlaatsmaker Foundation is looking for an innovative Internal Organization Manager for 36 hours per week. You will work in one of our beautiful buildings in the center of Utrecht.

Why we exist as an organization:

The DePlaatsmaker Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides space for artists, creatives, and cultural institutions. By exploring and developing new opportunities, DePlaatsmaker meets the growing demand for suitable and affordable space. We do this based on the belief that art and creativity bring vibrancy to the city. Artists are innovators, sometimes radical and always unique. They inspire and provide positive stimuli to the economy. Artists bridge cultural differences and encourage others to develop their own talents. Art adds value to the livability, diversity, and appeal of neighborhoods and the city. That is why they can count on DePlaatsmaker. We explore possibilities and build connections to preserve and create space for art. Together with artists and creatives, but also with policymakers, local residents, property owners, and area developers. Space for art is of social value.

What will you be doing:

In this context, you will focus on our internal organization. You will lead our employees working in the areas of Leasing and Projects, Maintenance, Facilities, Finance, IT, and HR. In doing so, you will take responsibility for what happens and is delivered in these areas. While the director/manager with final responsibility works in a dynamic environment to develop the vision and strategy and maintain contact with stakeholders, you are the one who translates that into goals, processes, and working agreements within the organization. You are the driving force behind our internal organization. You provide stability, structure, and reliability to our clients in an ever-changing external world. As a coaching leader, you inspire and empower employees. You help them organize and prioritize. You make decisions regarding schedules and activities. And you initiate and facilitate developments to make things more enjoyable and effective for everyone—both within the team and for the client.

You are the one who has an overview of the entire organization and, from that vantage point, helps integrate and streamline processes into a customer-focused whole. You work closely with the director/CEO. You prepare recommendations for the management team using key performance indicators and detailed proposals. A number of specific tasks are already waiting for you. For example, a customer survey has been conducted, and you will follow up on it to improve the customer experience. You will help get the core processes in order within the maintenance team. Your input is also needed in the areas of procurement management and a mandate structure. In addition, drawing on your experience and expertise, you will take the initiative to come up with improvement proposals yourself. In a growing organization and a challenging environment, you know how to keep the internal organization running smoothly.

What we are asking for:

• Enthusiasm for what we as an organization do for the arts community in Utrecht;
• You have several years of relevant managerial experience;
• You are accustomed to working at the college level;
• You have expertise across a broad range of business operations—including Leasing and Projects, Maintenance, Facilities, Finance, IT, and HR—and understand how these areas are interconnected;
• You are able to translate new developments into how we organize things together;
• You have knowledge of real estate, leasing, and maintenance;
• You have experience with project-based work;
• You have knowledge of and an understanding of collaborative processes within organizations;
• You have experience leading and motivating employees and teams, and you enjoy doing so;
• You are able to adapt well to a changing environment and a dynamic landscape, and can apply these insights to the internal organization.

As a person, you are sociable, have an open communication style, and enjoy helping others. You have a healthy sense of initiative, but also know how to remain patient and calm when the situation calls for it. You find it easy to empathize with others and enjoy achieving results together. You work in a solution-oriented manner, making smart use of the circumstances and situation. You keep the goal in mind without losing sight of quality and process.  You like to work efficiently, easily bring structure to tasks, and have an eye for detail. You naturally take the lead, involve others in decisions, but make decisions independently when necessary. You love to see things through to completion and persevere when obstacles arise.

You have well-developed skills in the following areas: Customer focus / Team-oriented leadership / Innovation / Results-oriented / Initiative / Planning & organizing / Collaboration 

What we offer:

This is a permanent position for 36 hours per week. We are initially offering you a one-year contract, with the intention of converting it to a permanent employment contract if we are both satisfied. The salary is based on pay scale K of the Housing Services Collective Bargaining Agreement and is approximately €4,800 gross per month (based on 36 hours), depending in part on your skills and experience. We offer a comprehensive benefits package. This includes a pension plan and a generous leave policy. 

Why you'll enjoy working with us:

We are a casual, growing organization with currently around 16 employees, based in a unique building in the heart of Utrecht. Together, we work hard on a nonprofit basis to create space for the cultural and creative sector in Utrecht and the surrounding area. Drawing on our respective professional backgrounds, we are passionate about our work every day. Our organization embraces diversity. Effective collaboration is more important than anyone’s background, sex, age, gender, disability, or sexual orientation. We look forward to your contribution to our team!

Are you interested? Let us know right away!

We look beyond just your degrees and past jobs. We’re especially interested in your talents and specific experiences. That’s why applying to us is a little different than usual. If you’re interested right away and meet our requirements, please let us know by email at els@deplaatsmaker.nl , including your name, email address, and phone number. We will then send you a few questions to answer in writing. Please return your answers by August 26 at the latest. You do not need to send a resume or cover letter, as we would like to get to know you through the questions, possibly followed by a personal interview. The first interviews will take place during the week of August 29 through September 2. Our selection process also includes a talent and aptitude assessment. For more information about the position, please contact our director/manager at arna@deplaatsmaker.nl.