Training Manager (shared position)

About the Maastricht Theatre Academy

The Maastricht Theatre Academy is a household name in the Netherlands and beyond. It is a close-knit community of thinkers, risk-takers, and doers. Many well-known actors, directors, and theater makers have studied in Maastricht and found their way in the field. The theater world is constantly evolving under the influence of artistic, social, and technological developments. The world and the professional field are changing, and more and more performing artists are developing a hybrid professional practice. In the coming years, the Theater Academy will train a new generation of theater makers who know how to position themselves artistically, socially, and professionally.

To optimally prepare students for this evolving professional landscape, the Maastricht Theatre Academy is launching a curriculum overhaul. A flexible bachelor’s program will be introduced, featuring a shared foundational year that brings together the disciplines of acting, directing, performance, and scenography. This provides a solid and broad foundation for a subsequent master’s program and a future-proof education. This transition is a major undertaking for the coming years: bringing about real change that benefits both students and the professional field, while preserving the academy’s core values and incorporating them into the renewal.

Who are we looking for?

To strengthen the team, the Theater Academy is seeking asecond program managerwho, together with colleague Anne de Loos, will lead this transition and oversee the Theater and Theater Education programs. In this dual-role position, you will be jointly responsible for the strategic and academic direction of the programs. You will divide the portfolios but work closely together to ensure the quality, innovation, and organization of the educational programs. You will be part of the academy’s management team, which is chaired by the Director of Performing Arts, to whom you will report. There is close collaboration with the Maastricht Conservatory, other Zuyd (arts) programs in Maastricht, and external artistic and social partners.

You have a passion for theater and education and know how to bring these two worlds together. You foster innovation and collaboration in a dynamic environment where students develop into the performing artists of the future. You are a unifying leader who can provide clarity and stability to staff and students. You have strong language skills and communicate effectively, both internally and externally.  You know how to inspire and energize the new direction.
You have a good sense of the field. You know the professional field from personal experience, have an eye for quality, and pay attention to the development of the teachers’ professional vision. You can make the connection between the program, the professional field, and the world.  

You're a good fit for this position if:

• You see opportunities in educational innovation and want to train your students to become versatile creators.
• You enjoy leading a relatively small, independent institute that operates under the umbrella of a large, comprehensive university.
• you feel comfortable with budgets, human resources, and strategic agendas.
• You enjoy working alongside teachers as an equal partner in an innovative and interdisciplinary work environment.
• you are able to bridge the gap between education, research, the performing arts, and the world around us.
• you have a vision for the future of theater education and are flexible and adaptable in a changing environment.

What are you bringing?

• Extensive experience in a leadership role within arts institutions or arts education.
• Experience with and/or insights into educational development and curriculum reform.
• A relevant and up-to-date network in the performing arts and arts education. At least nationwide, and ideally international as well.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to reconcile differing interests and serve as a public face both internally and externally.
• Excellent command of Dutch and English.
• Stability, decisiveness, inspiration, and a sense of connection. You provide both freedom and structure.
• A solid understanding of and insight into the business aspects of an arts education program.
• A flexible approach to your work schedule, and a willingness to relocate to the Maastricht area.

Meet your team

Together with your fellow program manager, you will lead a dedicated team of faculty and support staff, focused on creating an inspiring learning environment for students. You will work closely with the administration and academic departments to continuously innovate our educational programs and align them with professional practice. As part of the management team, you will contribute to the academy’s strategic direction and the development of strategic plans for the programs.

Why work at Zuyd?

At Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, you’ll work in an inspiring environment where art, education, and research come together. You’ll be part of a dynamic work environment where, as a program manager, you can truly make a difference.

We offer:

• A 0.8 FTE position at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences. This is a 12-month contract with the possibility of a permanent employment contract.
• Salary in accordance with Scale 13 of the CAO-HBO collective bargaining agreement, up to a maximum of €7,495.89 gross per month for a full-time position.
• Vacation pay (8%), a year-end bonus (8.3%), and ample opportunities for professional development.

Procedure

The current training manager, Rob Ligthert, will be stepping down effective September 1, 2025. We are seeking a new training manager to start on that date. Our goal is to make the appointment by July 1, so that a September 1 start date is realistic. Please submit your application for this positionby Friday, May 23. Interviews will be held onThursday, June 5, and Monday, June 16, 2025.

The Maastricht Theatre Academy views the diversity of our society as a given and an asset. When candidates are equally qualified, preference is given to those who enhance the diversity of our program in terms of age, gender, and social and cultural background.

Interested?

The Maastricht Theatre Academy is being advised by Colourful People in this matter. Winfred Voordendag, a senior partner at Colourful People, will be happy to answer any questions you may have. He can be reached at w.voordendag@colourfulpeople.nl or by cell at 06-28284706. Applications are welcome viathe application formonthe website, accompanied by a resume and cover letter.