Two members of the Supervisory Board

The Dutch Museum of Photography

If only you knew… That’show many of the women portrayed by Çiğdem Yüksel in the exhibition of the same name—currently on view at the Nederlands Fotomuseum—begin their stories. From Maviye, who fought for women’s rights, to Selvet, who worked three shifts a day and therefore barely saw her children. The 22 women whom photographer Çiğdem Yüksel features in the exhibition speak about the pain of migration, homesickness, work, love and heartbreak, getting lost, and finding your way again. These are layered stories and photographs that authentically align with the vision and mission of the Nederlands Fotomuseum. After all, the museum collects and displays photography that reflects on the world—images that allow us to see the world through different eyes. 

The museum’s goal is to become the premier international platform for photography from the Netherlands: this is where the debate takes place on photography and all the issues that photographers raise. At its core lies a rich collection. With a photo collection of nearly 6 million images dating from 1841 to the present and various archives of historical and contemporary photographers, such as the estate of Ed van der Elsken, the museum safeguards the visual heritage of the Netherlands and presents it in a contemporary context. Accessibility, inclusion, and diversity of voices are guiding principles in this endeavor; the museum strives to promote diversity and inclusion on all possible fronts—in its organization, programming, and collaborations. The Nederlands Fotomuseum is a national museum—belonging to all of us and for all of us. 

Founded in 2003, it is a state-subsidized museum that also receives funding from the city of Rotterdam. In recent years, there have been significant developments. For example, in 2021, the exhibition space was expanded to include thepermanent Hall of Fame of Dutch Photography. With the renovation ofthe historic Santos warehouse on Rotterdam’s Rijnhaven set tobe completed in 2024 and themove scheduled for fall 2025,the Nederlands Fotomuseum is entering another grand and exciting phase this year. A phase in which the museum will take a tremendous leap forward in fulfilling its role as a national museum, firmly rooted in Rotterdam, with an international reach. 

We are looking for someone for the Nederlands Fotomuseum   

• A member of the Board of Trustees with expertise and experience in finance and business operations 
• A member of the Board of Trustees with expertise and experience in marketing, communications, and digital strategy

About the Supervisory Board

The Nederlands Fotomuseum is governed according to the Supervisory Board model. Day-to-day management is in the hands of the director, Birgit Donker, who bears ultimate responsibility for all activities of the Nederlands Fotomuseum, as well as for the museum’s strategy and direction. The Supervisory Board oversees strategic policy and general operations. In addition, the Supervisory Board advises the director and serves as a sounding board. This is based on an appropriate, statutorily defined division of roles between the supervisory body and the management, as well as a vision of effective oversight. TheCode of Cultural Governanceserves as a guideline. 

TheSupervisory Boardcurrentlyconsistsof six members, including the chair. The Supervisory Board meets at least four times a year, and the Audit Committee also meets approximately four to five times a year to prepare for the Supervisory Board meetings, always in the presence of the executive director and staff from the finance department. The presence of Supervisory Board members at exhibition openings and special afternoon/evening events is appreciated. The atmosphere and manner of interaction are open and professional; the Board functions as a team in which everyone’s strengths are utilized and respected. Transparency, self-reflection, and inclusion are key pillars of this approach. Appointments are for a term of four years, with the possibility of extension for up to four additional years, and members receive an honorarium. We expect the new member to possess specific competencies and to meet the general profile of a Supervisory Board member, as outlined below. 

Who are we looking for? 

Each member of our Board of Trustees possesses the following qualities: All members have a strong affinity for photography and a broad interest in social issues. They are constructively critical, contribute positively to discussions, and are open to different opinions and ideas. They oversee the museum with a focus on collaboration, remain true to their roles, and maintain a healthy balance between personal involvement and administrative detachment. They have an affinity for issues surrounding inclusion and diversity and, based on their own experience, possess insight into the interplay with local and national governments and the political-administrative context in which the Nederlands Fotomuseum operates. 

The following applies to the member responsible for finance and operations: 

• You have administrative or senior management experience in the field of (public-private) financing; experience in real estate is a plus; 
• You have knowledge of strategic financial planning and the organization of administrative systems, and can oversee the preparation of financial statements, multi-year budgets, and financial reports—or, in other words, oversee internal risk management and control systems; 
• You are able to “look beyond the numbers,” or interpret the data to understand the day-to-day operations of the museum; 
• You are willing to serve on the audit committee; 
• Supervisory experience is a plus. 

The following applies to the member responsible for marketing, communications, and digital strategy: 

• You have a broad knowledge of and insight into (strategic) developments in the fields of marketing and digitalization, as well as an understanding of public applications relevant to museums; 
• You have management experience in the private and/or public sector, but in any case have an affinity for public institutions; 
• You are able to act as a strategic partner to the executive board in shaping the museum’s positioning; 
• You are able to support efforts to reach audiences and ensure a consistent visitor experience (both online and offline), both at the conceptual level and, where appropriate, with concrete ideas; 
• You are open to serving as the staff representative’s (PvT) liaison on the Board of Trustees; 
• Familiarity with the cultural sector is a plus. 

Interested? 

The Nederlands Fotomuseum is working with the executive search firm Colourful People to fill this position. For more information about the role or the application process, please contact Naima Azough, partner at Colourful People (06-43449717) or n.azough@colourfulpeople.nl. You can express your interest by uploading your cover letter and resume in PDF formatno later than Friday, May 16, 2025, via the application form on the Colourful People website. Please note: the position may close early if we find strong candidates soon, so please don’t wait too long to apply. 

The Nederlands Fotomuseum 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 the Supervisory Board in terms of regional background, age, social and cultural background, or neurodiversity.

Schedule: 

• Please submit your application for this position byFriday, May 16, 2025, via the Colourful People website.Please note:the application period may close earlier if we find strong candidates soon, so please don’t wait too long to apply. 
• Interviews for thefinance/business administrationtrack are scheduledfor Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Interviews for theMarketing, Communication, and Digital Strategytrack are scheduledfor Monday, June 23, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

We kindly ask applicants to keep these dates and times open for now.