Director position available

The museum Dhondt-Dhaenens (MDD) is an established value in the Flemish museum landscape. Since 2005, the former director Joost Declercq has continued the vision of its founders Jules and Irma Dhondt-Dhaenens through its two-track policy. On the one hand, as a museum that focuses on scientific research, apprising and presentation of modern art of the 20th century. On the other hand, as a contemporary arts center through the creation of new exhibitions with a focus on talent development and immersion. Exhibitions from, among others, On Kawara, Sterling Ruby, Charline von Heyl, Maria Lassnig, Didier Vermeiren, Rebecca Warren and so many more have contributed to the national and international image of the museum. The museum also runs an artist residence, The Wunderkammer Residence, and manages the House Van Wassenhove, a brutalist house of architect Juliaan Lampens.

In the coming years, the museum faces many interesting challenges directly related to the essence of its existence. There is, for example, the challenge of the current infrastructure and the location of the museum, the possible integration of another museum, handling and disclosure of the collections, developing the mosaic experience as well as the targeted memberships, creating a new website as a comprehensive tool for communication related to the museum’s cultural heritage and its functioning as a contemporary art center.

As a director, in cooperation with the Board of Directors, you determine the policy and strategy of the museum, both operationally and financially. You are responsible for the overall management of the museum i.e. the artistic and scientific policy, the budget and the infrastructure. You work in close cooperation with a motivated team of 8 people. As the director you will also be the most important link in networking and fundraising for the museum.

General artistic leadership
-Development of a future strategy
-Defining and delivery of the yearly artistic programming
-Development of a balanced exhibition policy incorporating the museum heritage and the contemporary arts
-Knowledge of heritage and collection policies

Business leadership
-Establishing budgets and adhering to them
-Compilation of subsidy files
-Fundraising for exhibitions, infrastructure and operational expenses
-Human Resources management
-Image development of the museum (international, national, regional and local)

Job profile
-You have at least a master’s degree or equivalent level through experience.
-You have a driver’s license and a car.
-You have experience with the making of exhibitions.
-You have knowledge about conservation and museum management.
-You are flexible, sociable and an excellent networker.
-You have a thorough knowledge of the art from the interbellum period to the present. Scientific background or experience is recommended.
-You also have a network in the various governmental agencies, the museum sector and the national and international modern and contemporary arts sector.
-Following the international character of the museum, in addition to knowledge of Dutch, a good command of English is necessary, French is highly desirable. Or you are willing to learn these languages swiftly.

Offer
Initially a fixed-term contract of 3 years and renewable after a positive evaluation. Attractive remuneration package to motivate a highly qualified candidate (Joint Committee 329.01).

Practical
You can apply for this position by addressing your motivation letter and CV to the nomination committee no later than December 15, 2019. Kindly send to nathalie.depauw [​at​] museumdd.be.