Marketing & Communications Manager

Our vision, the department, and our team

When you join Rotterdam Festivals, you’ll be part of an organization that supports and promotes the city’s festival and cultural scene—one that’s deeply rooted in Rotterdam’s DNA. Together with creative festival organizers and cultural leaders, we ensure that Rotterdam remains the vibrant metropolis it is, where there’s always something special to experience. We believe in the power of diversity—in people, ideas, and stories—and work in a data-driven and proactive way to foster a cultural sector where everyone feels represented and welcome.

The Marketing & Communications department is responsible for the Uitagenda Rotterdam section and the business division of Rotterdam Festivals. Uitagenda Rotterdam includes a magazine, website, and social media, while the business division handles effective business marketing communications for Rotterdam Festivals, as well as branding and campaign management for festivals and events.

As Marketing & Communications Manager, you will lead a well-established Marketing & Communications team of seven experienced members. You will also be part of the Rotterdam Festivals management team.

What your work will look like

• Strategy & Branding: You will set the strategic direction for the organization’s reputation, the brand hierarchy and identity of Uitagenda Rotterdam and Rotterdam Festivals, and the branding of the cultural offerings.
• Translating and adjusting policy: You translate the long-term policy into (marketing) communication strategies and initiatives, conduct regular evaluations, and make timely adjustments.
• Spokesperson & Advisory Role: You advise the CEO and management team on opportunities and risks and serve as the spokesperson. You develop organizational communications and corporate stories both proactively and reactively.
• Team Leadership: You motivate, guide, and coach colleagues, ensuring an effective division of tasks and clear communication. You create opportunities for initiative and professional development, so that everyone on the team can continue to grow in their respective areas of expertise.
• Looking to the future: You will guide the department’s development by translating trends into work methods, plans, and resources, and ensure that we, as an organization, continue to innovate and stay on track.
• Projects & Collaboration: You will participate in various internal and external project teams as a project leader or team member and foster effective collaboration both internally and externally. You will operate in a broad and dynamic environment involving a wide range of stakeholders and diverse interests.

What we expect

• HBO+ level of work and thinking, acquired through education and/or experience.
• Excellent command (spoken and written) of both Dutch and English.
• At least eight years of experience in marketing and communications, including functional and operational management of multidisciplinary teams (>5 FTE).
• You have extensive knowledge and experience in the areas of positioning, branding, corporate communications, reputation management, marketing communications, public relations, and editorial management.
• You can translate complex issues into clear, inspiring, and actionable strategies and recommendations.
• You have strong conceptual skills; you think in terms of concepts and propositions.
• You are able to communicate in a diplomatic and clear manner and come across as approachable.
• You are politically, administratively, and socially attuned and a team player.
• Your leadership style is coaching-oriented, empathetic, inspiring, and motivating. You instill confidence, focus on results rather than control, and create a safe environment where people feel free to share ideas and take responsibility.
• You are familiar with Rotterdam (and its cultural scene) and preferably live in Rotterdam (or the surrounding area).
• You’re a team player who thrives on working with creative and ambitious colleagues.

We’re curious to learn more about who you are, what drives you, and how your perspective contributes to our city.

Even if you don't meet all the criteria, we encourage you to respond.

What we offer

We are offering a challenging 36-hour-per-week position in an environment where people are passionate about culture and Rotterdam. We offer a contract for at least one year with the possibility of permanent employment. The salary ranges from €6,000 to €7,000 based on a 36-hour workweek and depends on your work experience.

In addition, we offer attractive benefits, such as a year-end bonus, a company cell phone, and the opportunity to visit events and cultural institutions in Rotterdam. We operate on a partially hybrid model, so you have the flexibility to organize your work schedule. We also offer various programs to help you stay healthy and energetic.

We offer a work environment where engagement, curiosity, creativity, and collaboration are key. You’ll have the freedom to take the initiative and further your professional development.

Apply

We look forward to meeting you! Please send your cover letter and resume, in whatever format works best for you, by November 21, 2025, to werken@rotterdamfestivals.nl, addressed to Manon van der Velde. If you need any accommodations or assistance during the application process, please let us know—we’re happy to help.

Rotterdam is diverse—and diversity strengthens our organization. When candidates are equally qualified, we give preference to those who contribute to an inclusive team.

You can find out more about our activities on the Rotterdam Festivals and Uitagenda Rotterdam websites. If you have any questions about the position, please contact Manon van der Velde, HR Advisor, at 010-433 25 11.