We're looking for a head of development
Could you be our new colleague?
We are looking for a new Head of Development who can connect our artistic and social ambitions with entrepreneurship and building lasting relationships. Do you have a clear vision on managing partnerships, sponsorship, fundraising, private giving and commercial hire? And are you energised by coaching, inspiring and developing a team of dedicated professionals? Then we’d love to meet you.
As Head of Development, you will lead a department that is vital to ITA’s future. You will develop new sources of funding, build long-term relationships and, together with your team, make possible plans that could not otherwise be realised.
We are looking for a colleague who spots opportunities, knows how to connect people and organisations to ITA, and can turn strategy into concrete results. Someone who gives the team’s expertise room to flourish, sets clear priorities and makes collaboration across the organisation second nature.
It’s an inspiring time to work at ITA
ITA is at home in the Stadsschouwburg Amsterdam: a place for curious people who want to contribute to innovative theatre, to a programme that is urgent and artistically groundbreaking, and to a house where everyone feels welcome. With two large auditoriums, an international theatre company and the dynamic programming of the Stadsschouwburg, we have everything we need to think big and, step by step, realise extraordinary ambitions.
It’s an inspiring time to work at ITA. We are shaping a renewed course, strengthening our artistic position and enjoying working with talented, committed and open-hearted colleagues. We are looking for people who want to think along, shape and do, and we offer room for development, daring and new perspectives. ITA wants to be a diverse and inclusive organisation, where differences are seen, valued and put to use to achieve better results together.
The department
In the coming years, the Development department faces an important challenge. ITA wants to further broaden its income from private donors, foundations and companies, and make it more sustainable. At the same time, we are preparing for a new Kunstenplan period (the national arts funding cycle), in which a strong connection between our artistic and social ambitions and external funding is essential.
Development plays a central role in making ITA’s ambitions possible. The department generates additional income from foundations, companies, private donors, Friends and commercial hire. This income supports, among other things, our own productions, international tours, programming, educational and community projects, and organisation-wide developments. The department connects the organisation’s artistic plans with partners who want to support our artistic and social mission. This is not only about securing financial contributions. Just as important is building meaningful, long-term relationships with people and organisations who want to be connected to ITA.
The Development department works closely with the board of directors and with colleagues from departments including the Artistic Office, Programming & Perspective, Marketing & Communications, Production and Finance. The department also manages the commercial hire of ITA’s auditoriums and other spaces.
What will you be doing?
As Head of Development, you will report to the general director and lead the Development department. Together with the team and the board of directors, you will develop an integrated development strategy that ensures ITA can continue to invest in artistic quality, talent development, international collaboration and social impact in the long term.
You are the board’s strategic adviser on income development, relationship management and cultural entrepreneurship. You bring focus and coherence to the various income streams and make them sustainable. You keep track of social and economic developments, recognise opportunities and make well-founded choices about which relationships and funding opportunities are of strategic importance to ITA.
You combine external impact with internal leadership. Externally, you are the face of ITA to companies, foundations, private donors, cultural partners and other stakeholders. You are visible in relevant networks, maintain existing relationships and build new, lasting connections. You translate ITA’s artistic plans into compelling propositions, without losing sight of artistic autonomy.
Internally, you strengthen the department’s strategic position. You make sure the Development department is involved early and as a matter of course in artistic, financial and organisational decisions. As a manager, you provide direction and create the conditions in which staff can work independently, with a focus on results, and with enjoyment. You set up clear processes, priorities and management, clarify roles and responsibilities, and encourage collaboration. You are approachable and engaged, but also dare to set priorities and make decisions. In this way, you build a professional department in which ownership, data-driven working and knowledge sharing are central.
Key tasks include:
- Translating the strategy into concrete annual plans, activities, campaigns, budgets and financial targets
- Managing, supporting and coaching the department’s staff, and ensuring clear responsibilities, work processes and priorities
- Advising the board and management on funding needs, opportunities, risks and potential collaborations
- Building and maintaining lasting relationships with companies, foundations, private donors, Friends, hirers and other partners
- Developing appealing tailor-made proposals and appropriate benefits for different relationships
- Managing the department’s progress and financial results, including forecasts, dashboards and reports
- Monitoring departmental budgets, income budgets, contracts, financial processing and accountability
- Keeping up with relevant developments in the field and turning opportunities and insights into new proposals
- Improving processes, systems and collaboration, including making effective use of CRM and management information
What do you bring?
We are looking for someone who:
- Has at least five years of relevant professional experience and at least two years of management experience
- Has a clear vision on cultural entrepreneurship and can translate strategy into achievable plans and concrete results
- Switches easily between strategy, relationship management, team development and execution
- Leads as a coach and provides clear frameworks that leave room for independence and individual expertise
- Keeps an eye on both the individual and the interests of the organisation, and is approachable, principled and a connector
- Has a strong feel for relationships and differing interests, and can build, maintain and expand a relevant network
- Has financial and business acumen, works well with budgets and reports, and has experience with CRM systems and process improvement
- Has an affinity with the cultural sector and feels connected to theatre, dance and ITA’s artistic and social goals
- Communicates persuasively in Dutch and English
What do we offer?
- A varied and challenging role at a leading international theatre company
- The opportunity to contribute to ITA’s artistic and social ambitions together with a professional team
- A salary in scale X, ranging from €4,780 to €6,429 gross per month based on a full-time position, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Theatre and Dance (cao Toneel en Dans)
- A one-year employment contract, with the prospect of a permanent position
- 27 days of annual leave and 12 additional days off for a full-time position
- A personal training budget and career development hours
- Free tickets to performances
- The option to swap official public holidays for holidays or days of remembrance that reflect your culture or beliefs
Applying: how it works at ITA
We want to assess everyone fairly and equally. That’s why we select on the basis of competencies, which reduces the influence of unconscious bias in the selection process. For this role, we ask you to answer the question below using the STARR method.
Competency question on stakeholder management
Tell us about a situation in which different stakeholders had conflicting interests. How did you make choices while still keeping the trust of the parties involved?
- What were the different interests, and how did you map them?
- How did you decide which interest ultimately carried the most weight?
- What choice did you make, and how did you explain that choice to the various people involved?
- What did you do to keep the trust of the parties involved, even when there was resistance or disappointment?
Apply in 3 steps
- Upload your CV
- Write your motivation
- Answer the competency question
Please do so by 3 November at the latest, using the button below.
First interviews will take place in the week of 9 November. Second interviews are scheduled for the week of 16 November.
Any questions?
Would you like to know more about the role, or do you have questions about the application process? Please contact Pauline Hemmingway at pauline.hemmingway@ita.nl.
We do not accept applications or offers from recruitment agencies in response to this vacancy.
