Interim Head of Programme (freelance)

Nieuwe Instituut, the Netherlands’ national (and international) museum and institute for architecture, design and digital cultures and caretaker of the national collection for Dutch architecture, is immediately looking for an interim Head of Programme (32-36 hours/week).

Reporting to the Artistic Director, the Interim Head of Programme will oversee exhibitions, public events, projects and partnerships that are part of Nieuwe Institute’s forthcoming 2026/27 programme. Working in close partnership with the programme team, the Interim Head of Programme ensures continuity and effective delivery. The role also includes personnel management responsibilities, including leading and supporting members of the Teamlead Production and Programme managers. The role is initially for six months, with the possibility of extension to be determined in due course.

The Programme Department

The Programme Department of Nieuwe Instituut is responsible for the public programme and consists of the hospitality team, programme managers and producers. The Hospitality team ensures a welcoming and accessible experience and acts as a bridge between the institute and its visitors, while programme managers and producers focus on the development of programme content. The department translates content developed within the institute into forms of interaction tailored to diverse target audiences and aligned with their needs and backgrounds. Through a wide range of activities—such as exhibitions, educational initiatives, digital programmes, and international collaborations—Programme brings research and design questions to life and connects them with a broad audience, ranging from engaged visitors to professionals and partners, with the aim of fostering engagement and critical reflection.

Responsibilities

• Ensuring optimal functioning of the processes around programme and productions;
• Monitoring departmental budget, identifying (imminent) deviations and adjusting in consultation with the artistic director;
• Monitoring the implementation, costs, progress and quality of forthcoming programme, adjusting if necessary;
• Collaborating with internal departments such as Finance, Marketing & Communication and Facilities;
• Coaching team members on their workplans, stimulating self-management/ownership;
• Responding to internal and external enquiries and manages responses in consultation with the Artistic Director;
• Contributing to the Management Team, representing programmes at MT meetings, updating on activities/schedule and following up as required with other MT members;
• Contributing to, attend and chair internal meetings;
• Managing and monitoring KPIs related to Programme;
• Contributing to the development and translation of Programme policy into plans and priotities for the 2026/2027 programme;
• Contributing to the public positioning of the programme and relations with audiences and stakeholders.

Requirements

• An experienced project manager able to deliver on time and within budget;
• Has demonstratable experience leading teams and personnel management;
• Prioritizes workload and manages expectations around capacity and delivery;
• Ability to communicate with internal and external stakeholders with clarity, diplomacy and builds trust quickly;
• Result-driven professional with a strong focus on achieving objectives and meeting deadlines;
• Proficient in Dutch and English.