Director (m/f/d) at Kunstmuseum Bern – Zentrum Paul Klee.
Chair of the Executive Board with overall artistic and operational management (100%)
Application deadline: 12 July 2026
The Kunstmuseum Bern was founded in the spirit of the Enlightenment of the late 18th century. Our collection spans works from the late Middle Ages to contemporary art and is today one of the most significant in Switzerland.
The Zentrum Paul Klee is the international centre of excellence for the complete artistic oeuvre of Paul Klee, set within an extraordinary architectural framework. At the same time, it is a place for interdisciplinary art and cultural education, as well as a unique venue for encounters, events, and conferences.
In this key position, you will bear overall responsibility for the artistic and operational management of the two largest art institutions in the Canton of Bern. You will lead the Executive Board, be responsible for the exhibition programmes, the further development of the collection, and provenance research. Together with the curatorial team, you will drive the programmatic development of the two institutions. You will cultivate contacts with artists, collectors, patrons, sponsors, foundations, as well as with political and administrative bodies. As a charismatic personality with an international network, you will shape public perception and lead the teams of both institutions.
Your profile
- University degree in Art History, Cultural Studies, or a related field (doctorate preferred)
Several years of leadership experience in a senior position at a museum or large cultural institution, or heading a major sub-division - Proven curatorial expertise and international networking
- Experience in dealing with the findings of provenance research
- Experience in strategic development and organisational management
- Demonstrable success in fundraising, sponsorship, and stakeholder management
- Strong communication skills, confident demeanour, and political acumen
- Negotiation-level proficiency in German and English; French language skills desirable
- Ability to lead two institutions with distinct profiles
The offer
- One of the most prestigious museum directorships in Switzerland
- The opportunity to strategically develop two internationally significant institutions
- A committed team, a broad network, and an inspiring cultural environment
- Attractive employment conditions and a workplace with a high quality of life
Further information at: kunstmuseumbern.ch / zpk.org
Application
The selection of candidates will be carried out by a dedicated commission, which also includes representatives from the international museum scene.
Please send your complete application documents, stating the subject line “Kunstmuseum Bern – Zentrum Paul Klee”, in digital form by 12 July 2026 to:
aeschbacher@meister-executive.ch
Meister Executive Search AG
For the attention of Lukas Kühne & Laura De Paolis
Bern | Zurich | Lausanne
Image credits: Via Kunstmuseum Bern – Zentrum Paul Klee Website