Business Manager

Brainwash Festival is looking for a business manager

Would you like to put your financial expertise, experience with grant applications, and strategic insight to work for the largest festival of ideas in the Netherlands and Belgium? Would you enjoy helping to strengthen our organization over the next few years, leading our small team, and setting the direction together with the artistic director? Yes? Then we’re looking for you. 

What are your responsibilities:

• You are responsible for the financial and strategic policies of the Brainwash Foundation.  
• Together with the artistic director, you’ll help set the organization’s direction. With our multi-year plan (2025–2028) in hand, you’ll have the confidence to think big. 
• You will be responsible for a small team consisting mainly of freelancers. 
• You are responsible for fundraising.
• You will be responsible for maintaining contact with our existing sponsors and actively seeking out potential new sponsors. 
• You will prepare and monitor budgets, process payments, serve as the point of contact for the accountant, and report on the financial situation to the board. 

We are looking for someone who:

• Has big dreams for the festival’s future and an eye for long-term (strategic and financial) opportunities. 
• Has proven experience in managing budgets, preparing and submitting grant applications, and developing a compelling fundraising plan.
• Has an inspiring vision of the festival’s role, form, and content within a rapidly changing context, and is eager to engage with the world of today and tomorrow. 
• The cultural sector in Amsterdam gets it (funding organizations, the city government, venues, etc.) 
• brings with it a network of potential sponsors and partners.
• Has excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, in Dutch and English.
• Has a hands-on approach, is able to handle stress, and enjoys working as part of a team.

What we offer:

• A challenging role within a small, dedicated team.
• Flexibility in organizing your workweek.
• A nice office in Amsterdam (with plenty of room for working from home, of course).
• A lot of responsibility and room for initiative.
• Salary commensurate with the nature and scale of the festival (in accordance with the VLAM21 collective bargaining agreement).

A position averaging 3.5 days per week, with the possibility of becoming a full-time employee. Of course, this varies throughout the year, with peaks around certain activities. Freelancing is negotiable.

Are you interested in this position?

Please email your letter and resume to Board Chair Ted Tettero (ted@brainwashfestival.nl) by Monday, January 13.