Head of Program and Collection

Note: This call was translated from Dutch

Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar

Location: Alkmaar, Netherlands
Position Type: 28–32 hours/week (0.8–0.9 FTE)
Contract: 1-year initial term, with potential for permanent extension
Salary Range: €4,532–€7,093/month (based on 36 hours) + 8% holiday allowance + 3.4% year-end bonus
Application Deadline: April 27, 2025
Interviews: May 8–9, 2025

Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar is a dynamic art and cultural history museum with a strong regional presence and a collection of (inter)national significance. It attracts 60,000 visitors annually through three core program lines:

1. Old Masters (16th–17th century)
2. Bergen School (early 20th-century art)
3. Contemporary & cultural-historical themes

The museum is expanding its role as the leading art institution in Northern Netherlands, showcasing world-class art while fostering local connections.

Role Overview

As Head of Program and Collection, you will:

• Lead strategic vision for exhibitions, collections, and public programs (education, participation).
• Manage a team of 8 (curators, educators, collection managers) to deliver high-impact content.
• Develop multi-year policies for acquisitions, conservation, and audience engagement.
• Bridge departments as part of the Management Team (MT), aligning programs with institutional goals.
• Represent the museum regionally and internationally (donors, institutions, governments).

Key Responsibilities

Content & Strategy

• Shape a cohesive exhibition program with the Director and Head of Public Engagement.
• Oversee collection development, including preservation, research, and acquisitions.
• Translate mission into accessible public programs for diverse audiences.

Team Leadership

• Foster collaboration across curatorial, education, and collection teams.
• Mentor staff and optimize workflows.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure efficient processes for exhibitions, loans, and projects.
• Monitor budgets and reporting.

Who We’re Looking For

Essential Qualifications

• Proven museum leadership (min. 5 years) in curatorial, education, or collections.
• Strategic thinker with ability to align vision with operational execution.
• Strong communicator (Dutch fluency preferred; English required).
• Project management skills (exhibitions, public programs).
• Passion for art history (Old Masters, modern, or contemporary).

Preferred Traits

• Experience in audience development and participatory practices.
• Knowledge of Dutch/European art networks.

Why Join?

• Impact: Shape the future of a growing museum.
• Benefits:
  • Pension scheme (ABP).
  • Professional development opportunities.
• Work Culture: Collaborative, inclusive, and innovative.

How to Apply

Submit your CV + motivation letter to sollicitatie@museumalkmaar.nl by April 27, 2025.

Questions? Contact Director Marrigje Rikken via Iris van Beusekom:

• Email: iris@museumalkmaar.nl
• Phone: +31 72 548 9724

Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar values diversity and encourages applications from underrepresented groups.