Project Manager

ORGANIZATION

The Fund for Cultural Participation is a national cultural fund that promotes active cultural participation in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. We support cultural projects by providing grants. For example, to strengthen cultural education in schools, organize a neighborhood theater festival, or develop creative approaches to new media and heritage. We are active in the fields of cultural education, cultural participation, heritage, and talent development. We contribute to a level playing field for diverse cultural creators, forms of culture, and ways of creating culture. In doing so, we work closely with national and local partners. 

With an organization of about fifty employees, we are guided by our core values— accessibility, commitment, courage, inclusivity, and connection —as we dedicate ourselves to what drives us: the power of art and culture.

FUND IN THE REGION

We want all citizens of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to be able to turn to us as applicants. To achieve this, it is important, among other things, for our organization to be as approachable and accessible as possible. By working locally in a more informed, hands-on, and collaborative manner, the Fund can carry out its work more effectively and sustainably. Our presence at the regional level, combined with a flexible set of tools that addresses diverse regional needs, is made possible by the multi-year development project “Fund in the Region.”

JOB TITLE 

We are looking for an experienced project manager who can break down this complex issue and the challenging task ahead of us in the coming years into manageable sub-plans that can be implemented in a coordinated manner. In 2023, the focus will be on preparing, tendering, and coordinating research into:

• A multi-year development plan aimed at regional diversification;
• A vision for ecosystem-based approaches;
• Achievable goals;
• Required instruments;
• Methods of monitoring and evaluation;
• Alignment with core activities;
• Embedding within the organization.

The findings serve as the theoretical foundation and input for the approach to, and launch of, region-specific activities. These activities can then develop iteratively and expand in scope, for example through the use of pilot projects.

In this role, you will work closely with the development manager on strategic planning and alignment.

PROFILE

You are an independent, proactive, and capable project manager who excels at planning and organizing, works in a results-oriented manner, maintains a clear overview, and is both socially aware and sensitive to organizational dynamics.

You have experience in drafting project specifications, putting research out to bid, and managing consulting firms. You understand what level of quality can be expected from a management consulting firm and how to assess this during pitches and ongoing processes. You have a clear understanding of what is needed to complete the process in a way that allows the next phase to begin, even if this means that someone else is better suited to take over.

You understand how policymaking works within the cultural sector and how cultural institutions relate to it. Experience working with local and regional governments is a plus.

WE OFFER

The Cultural Participation Fund offers experienced, friendly professionals as colleagues. We work together through direct lines of communication. The hourly rate is competitive.

The assignment is for 24–32 hours per week until the end of the calendar year and may be extended into 2024 if both parties are satisfied and there is a good fit for the follow-up assignment.

Would you prefer to be employed by the Fund under a project-based employment contract? That is negotiable.

Apply

Does the above profile sound like you, and are you looking for a challenging assignment with a cultural and social organization? If so, we look forward to hearing from you! 

To ensure an objective assessment based on your qualifications, we will evaluate the applications based on five questions. Please send us your resume along with your answers to the questions below by July 31 at the latest. Please limit your response to 220 words per question. A separate cover letter is not required.

1. What motivates you to apply for this position at the Fund for Cultural Participation?
   
2. Can you give an example of a large-scale project you’ve worked on that led to new structural initiatives within the organization? What was your role? What was unique about your approach? How long did the project take? And what was the outcome?
   
3. What is your experience with overseeing an action-oriented study conducted by an external firm? What did you find important in that process, and what were the results?
   
4. What characterizes your working relationship with your client/manager? And what do you need in this relationship?
   
5. Finally, would you mind answering a few practical questions? What is your desired hourly rate for an assignment of this scope? When can you start? Would 24–32 hours per week fit your availability until the end of the year? And how do you feel about a possible extension into 2023?
   

Do you have any questions about the Fund for Cultural Participation in the region and/or this project? Please contact Development Manager Maarten Bul at m.bul@cultuurparticipatie.nl or 06-41054008. 

Please note: To apply, click the button on the website that takes you to the application form. You’ll find this button at the bottom of the page.