Managing Director

We are seeking an Executive Director (hereinafter “Executive Director”) who, effective September 1, 2024, will form the two-person board together with the Artistic Director. The Executive Director will help to implement and further develop the ambitions and ideas outlined in the 2025–2028 multi-year plan. Oranjewoud Festival receives multi-year funding from the Performing Arts Fund, the Province of Fryslân, and the Municipality of Heerenveen. Together with other benefactors and stakeholders, these funders provide a stable foundation for realizing our many plans and tackling new challenges.

Responsibilities

Together with the artistic director, the executive director, as a member of the board, determines and oversees the long-term strategy of the Oranjewoud Festival, both artistically and operationally, with regard to growth, organization, the festival’s position within the festival landscape, and its public image. The executive director has final responsibility for the operational and organizational aspects of the festival and ensures compliance with the Diversity & Inclusion, Governance, and Fair Practice codes. For half of the year, the board works with a compact core team; in the months leading up to the festival, it works with a larger festival team.

The responsibilities include financial management, general operations, and internal organization: 

• The Executive Director leads the festival team, with a clear division of responsibilities. He or she oversees the financial administration and manages the Business Coordinator, the external accountant, and the controller in this regard;
• The Executive Director conducts contract negotiations with staff members and is always involved in the recruitment and selection of staff; is responsible for process oversight; and, in collaboration with the Artistic Director and with input from the Head of Marketing & Communications, prepares the content for donors and the annual report;
• The Executive Director, in consultation with the Artistic Director, recruits sponsors, foundations, and other supporters. This includes conducting negotiations and discussions with these (potential) partners and government agencies, as well as maintaining these relationships;
• The managing director reports to the board of supervisors.

Features

We are looking for someone with an enthusiastic and collaborative leadership style. She or he thinks on their feet, devises creative solutions, and acts as an equal sparring partner for fellow board members. The Executive Director also has the expertise to organize a performing arts festival with limited infrastructure and a high degree of dependence on a wide variety of stakeholders, can contribute ideas across the various disciplines within the team, and maintain a clear overview.

Job Requirements

• HBO or university-level work and thinking skills, demonstrated through education or relevant experience;
• Extensive experience with and knowledge of financial management;
• An eye for a structured and process-oriented approach;
• Ability to serve as a public face of the organization in dealings with donors, government agencies, and other stakeholders;
• Experience in government grants, fundraising, and securing sponsorships, as well as access to an extensive (Frisian) network that can be leveraged specifically for sponsorship purposes;
• Experience in the world of performing arts festivals and an affinity for classical music are preferred.

Skills and Personality

• A unifying leader who can foster a sense of teamwork and is able to build trust and support at all levels;
• An eye for personnel-related issues, the ability to identify problems early on and respond appropriately;
• Ability to provide business and organizational leadership;
• Strong communication and writing skills, with an understanding of administrative matters;
• Decisive, solution-oriented, and able to handle stress.

What do you get in return? We offer:

• A responsible, rewarding position at the intersection of classical music and performing arts festivals. Both fields are rapidly evolving and are characterized by their dynamic and diverse nature; 
• A close-knit team that operates on an equal footing, where members inspire one another whenever possible and support one another when necessary;
• A freelance position requiring approximately 24 hours per week, with a competitive fee. A fixed-term employment contract is also negotiable.

Are you feeling inspired?

Are you interested? If so, please contact us by Friday, March 29 viamarinda@oranjewoudfestival.nl, addressed to Marinda de Groot with the subject line “Application for Business Director-Manager.” You can also email her with any additional questions.

Procedure

In the week of April 8, representatives of the supervisory board and the artistic director will meet in person with a delegation from the organization in Heerenveen or Leeuwarden to interview a select number of candidates. Depending on the outcome of those interviews, a second round of interviews will take place on a date to be determined. Finally, an introductory meeting will be held between the selected candidate and the festival team.

The intended start date is September 1, 2024; availability for a brief onboarding period in May with the outgoing business director and participation in the festival from May 30 through June 2 is required.

Background information

You can find more information about the festival on the website mentioned above. You can download the 2025–2028 strategic plan atwww.oranjewoudfestival.nl/meerjarenplan.