Vacancy: Head of Artistic Affairs & Programming

We are the symphony orchestra in the South of the Netherlands
Philzuid is the symphony orchestra of the South, the orchestra for everyone. We push our boundaries by listening to our surroundings and looking for ways to touch the hearts, minds and souls of people of all ages and backgrounds with our music. From Eindhoven and Maastricht, we reach out to the people of Noord-Brabant, Limburg and Zeeland, and sometimes far beyond, with our appealing programmes. We are known for our surprising symphonic programmes in concert halls and we are the permanent orchestra partner of the Opera Zuid. We develop and create new concert formulas in unexpected places and have become an indispensable part of major events such as Opera op de Parade and the Cultura Nova festival, but we also make our presence felt at the popular Vastelaovend and Carnival concerts in our region. We are also proud of our successful educational programmes, through which we have inspired tens of thousands of children with our live classical music and orchestra. We create unforgettable moments of joy for everyone.

Vacancy: Head of Artistic Affairs & Programming (36 hours)
As Head of Artistic Affairs & Programming, you will work with your colleagues to build Philzuid’s artistic and social positioning. You will inspire staff and partners with your engaging artistic leadership and contribute to the orchestra’s artistic quality, business continuity and broad audience reach with diverse and authoritative programming. You will be part of the Management Team, reporting to the CEO.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Together with the CEO, the Management Team, the Principal Conductor and the Artistic Committee, you will develop a forward-looking artistic direction for the orchestra. You will combine tradition and innovation, artistic excellence and social commitment with creative flexibility.
• You will be responsible for the development of an integrated seasonal programme. You will ensure effective collaboration with the Business Development, Marketing and Communication, Orchestra Affairs and Education departments in order to achieve an integrated programme of concerts, educational programmes, special productions and programmes with a social character. You will jointly manage qualitative, business and public objectives and available resources.
• You will evaluate and promote the artistic development and quality of the orchestra in the interests of its position, reputation and public esteem. You will act as a valued and knowledgeable interlocutor for the Principal Conductor, the Artistic Committee and all individual musicians, as well as for guest conductors and soloists.
• You will provide enthusiastic leadership to the Planner and the Artistic Affairs Coordinator.
• You will maintain an extensive network of musicians and artists, composers, venues and media in the Netherlands and abroad.

What do you bring to the table?

• Programming experience and a sound knowledge of the repertoire and the artistic and production operations of a symphony orchestra.
• Experience working with leading creative professionals. 
• An innovative vision of the role of a symphony orchestra in the context of cultural-political, social and public developments. The ability to translate this vision into an appealing programme, in keeping with the orchestra’s multifaceted ambitions.
• A keen sense of talent and quality.
• Good business sense. The ability to combine artistic vision with business acumen, working with colleagues in the Management Team to balance artistic, social and commercial ambitions.
• A coaching leadership style. You work on the basis of trust and invite collaboration. You are empathetic and approachable. Inclusion and social safety are of utmost importance to you.
• A broad, relevant (inter)national network of soloists and conductors.
• A connecting personality. You are able to inspire people and have a natural power of persuasion.
• Excellent command of Dutch and English.
• Flexibility to work at our locations in Eindhoven and Maastricht and to be present at rehearsals and concerts at irregular times, including in the evenings and at weekends. You should be willing to move to our region if necessary.

What does Philzuid offer?

• A wonderful opportunity to work with an ambitious and passionate team to further the positioning of a prominent orchestra in full development.
• A dynamic, positive and informal working environment.
• A salary, depending on your knowledge and experience, of between €4,868 and €7,747 gross per month, based on a full-time employment contract (36 hours per week), based on the salary scales of the CAO Rijk (the collective agreement for civil servants). In addition to the salary and 8% holiday pay, we offer many extras such as an end-of-year bonus, 24 days’ holiday (for a 36-hour work week), discounted sports and a homeworking arrangement, whereby we ensure a good balance between work and private life. Of course, there are plenty of opportunities for further development and long-term employability.

The application process
The application process is supervised by the cultural search agency Marina Wijn Consultants. The contact person for this position is Maartje Broekhans. We would like to receive your CV and letter of motivation as soon as possible, but no later than Sunday 10 November 2024, via: info@maartjebroekhans.nl 
 

• The pre-selection interviews will take place in Den Bosch on 7, 15, 18 and 19 November.
• The first round of interviews for the position will take place in Eindhoven on 4 December.
• The second round of interviews will take place in Maastricht on 9 December. 

A reference check will take place and an assessment may be part of the process.

Philzuid is committed to diversity and inclusiveness. We want our visitors and our organisation to be a broad reflection of society. Do you see yourself in the job description? Whatever your age, gender, background, who you love and what you believe: your response is welcome.

More information
You can find more information (in Dutch) on philzuid.nl. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Maartje Broekhans: +31 (0)6 1825 4470 or info@maartjebroekhans.nl