Chair and Member of the Supervisory Board

AboutMuseum Rotterdam

Museum Rotterdam is not just a museum in name only. It belongs to the people of Rotterdam, is run by the people of Rotterdam, and is right in the heart of the city. Here, history isn’t just told—it’s lived. As a unique startup museum, Museum Rotterdam captures the energy of the city and its communities, creating a place where people come together.

Rotterdam is a city of many lives and many communities, and this is reflected in the museum. As a network museum, Museum Rotterdam builds relationships, particularly with the people and communities for whom a visit to the museum is not a given. Past, present, and future intertwine here. The stories, projects, and exhibitions resonate with everything that makes the city great: love and humor, loss and perseverance. Major themes such as work, migration, care, and religion run like a common thread through the collection. The similarities and differences between Rotterdammers from different eras and centuries bring the past closer. Equally important are the everyday experiences: how people celebrated life together, then and now, and how they dealt with adversity. Together with the stories of war and reconstruction, they form the foundation of the museum—a lasting reminder of the fragility of freedom and the resilience of Rotterdam.

Museum Rotterdam is on the cusp of a new chapter. Over the past year, under the leadership of the current director, the organization has emerged from a period of vulnerability. A sense of calm and trust has been established among staff, the municipality, and partners. With a lean organization, an entrepreneurial mindset, and a clear social mission, Museum Rotterdam will operate from the Steigerkerk starting in the fall of 2026: a striking post-war reconstruction site in the heart of the city. From there, the museum will continue to build strong public relations and secure future-proof, sustainable funding.

Supervisory Board

The Supervisory Board oversees the strategic policy of the Executive Director and the general affairs of the organization. The Supervisory Board acts as the Executive Director’s employer, critical friend, and sparring partner; it also serves as an ambassador to the city and stakeholders and adheres to the Cultural Governance Code, the Fair Practice Code, and the Diversity & Inclusion Code. The Supervisory Board strives for a composition that reflects the diversity and complexity of Rotterdam, with members who provide independent and expert oversight in an atmosphere that is open, constructive, and based on trust. The final preferred candidates are nominated by the Supervisory Board for appointment to the Rotterdam Municipal Executive. Appointments are for a term of four years, with the possibility of a one-time reappointment.

General guidelines for all members

All members of the Supervisory Board are expected to:

• contribute constructively and independently to decision-making, without any conflicts of interest;
• have administrative and/or supervisory experience and an understanding of governance;
• be able to think strategically and analyze complex issues from multiple perspectives;
• combining social commitment with professional detachment;
• be willing to invest time and effort in preparation and active participation;
• have an affinity for culture in general and for the mission and positioning of Museum Rotterdam.

The Council places great importance on urban legitimacy. Candidates should preferably live or work in Rotterdam and be familiar with the city, its communities, and its dynamics.

Chair of the Supervisory Board

For the position of chair, we are seeking a confident, authoritative leader who can provide direction to the Board, ensure the quality of decision-making, and maintain a balanced relationship with the executive director. The chair plays a key role in further developing the Supervisory Board as a professional team.

The ideal candidate:

• has extensive administrative and supervisory experience, preferably with supervisory experience in a public or cultural context;
• possesses political and administrative acumen and understands municipal decision-making and dynamics;
• has a relevant and active network in Rotterdam (in the public and/or private sector) and knows how to leverage it effectively;
• is a valuable sounding board for the CEO, with an eye for governance and a balance between engagement and detachment;
• brings clarity and calm to a situation involving complex issues and external dependencies;
• promotes professional planning, clear communication, and self-reflection within the Council;
• supports Museum Rotterdam’s social mission and actively contributes to the museum’s positioning within the city.

Member of the Supervisory Board Profile: Public / Participation / Communities

For this position, we are seeking a board member who has close ties to the city and who, drawing on that experience, will firmly embed the perspectives of the public and community engagement within the Board. This member will bring the voice of Rotterdam to the strategic discussion regarding the museum’s social role, its audience reach, and its connection to the city.

The ideal candidate:

• is deeply involved in social, cultural, and/or community-driven organizations;
• understands the significance and responsibilities of a city museum in a highly diverse urban context;
• can translatelived experienceand proximity to diverse communities into strategic reflection at the oversight level;
• brings a fresh, critical, and curious perspective;
• is willing to actively delve into cases and contribute to a professional oversight culture;
• does not yet need to have extensive supervisory experience, but is motivated to develop in that area.

Diversity and Representation

Museum Rotterdam aims to establish a Board of Trustees that brings together diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences, in accordance with the Diversity & Inclusion Code, and to represent Rotterdam in all its diversity and complexity. Candidates whose background and experience contribute to this richness are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates with strong ties to Rotterdam and/or Rotterdam-Zuid are preferred.

Time commitment and compensation 

The Supervisory Board meets approximately five times a year. Members also serve on specific committees, and online meetings are scheduled as needed. Both positions are unpaid. Expenses may be reimbursed, and training in the field of supervision is available.

Interested?

Museum Rotterdam is being assisted in this process by the executive search firm Colourful People. For more information about the Board of Trustees, the organization, these positions, or the process, please contact Naima Azough, a partner at Colourful People: 06-43449717 | n.azough@colourfulpeople.nl. To apply, please upload your resume and cover letter (in PDF format)by Friday, February 13, 2026, via the application form on the Colourful People website.

Information about the timeline

• The interview round for the position of chair will take place in March 2026 (date to be announced as soon as possible)
• Interviews for the position of member will take place in March 2026 (date to be announced as soon as possible)

We kindly ask applicants to tentatively set aside these dates, which have been set on short notice.