Job description
As Head of Programming, Collection and Research, you will play a key role in shaping the museum's artistic direction. You will translate the museum's mission into a powerful and coherent policy on exhibition programming, collection management and research. You will work closely with the general director, be part of the management team and lead the five-person team of curators and collection experts. You report to the general director. You pay particular attention to cross-disciplinary collaboration within the museum.
- You are responsible for the museum's artistic programme (exhibitions, lectures, performances, screenings, etc.): you outline the artistic policy and are responsible for planning and monitoring the artistic programme.
- You are responsible for collection and museum-related research and publication policy.
- You oversee the implementation of the policy plan and actively participate in the acquisition committee.
- You explore and initiate collaborations at local, national and international level and build up a relevant network that you actively use for the museum.
- You draw up policy plans and subsidy applications with an eye for content quality, inclusion and financial feasibility.
- You manage the budget and planning of the activities within your team and actively seek additional funding opportunities.
- You will lead and coach your team with attention to workload, cooperation and a results-oriented approach. You will encourage an open, collegial and people-oriented working atmosphere.
- You will organise the work of your team and monitor it in terms of content, organisation and finances. You will regularly evaluate efficiency and propose improvements.
- You will oversee complex projects and know how to tackle them in a structured and solution-oriented manner.
- You monitor the quality of the results and ensure that the artistic vision is carefully implemented.
- You work closely with other teams within the museum and actively contribute to an inclusive and diverse museum operation.
- You communicate fluently in Dutch and English. Knowledge of French or other languages is an advantage.
- You have a deep affinity with contemporary art and the museum landscape.
Terms and conditions of participation
- You have two years of relevant professional (project) management experience and (within the past five years) two years of relevant professional experience in the broad field of contemporary art. This experience may have been gained in various positions.
- At the start of the contract, you must meet the general conditions.
- Are you our new head of programming, collection and research?Apply by 1 September 2025 at the latest by clicking on the “Apply now” button. Your application will only be valid if you have added all the following documents to your file:
- A recent CV. Please state the exact dates of your employment and the job description. We need this information to determine whether you meet the experience requirement.
- If you have a master's degree and are applying through recruitment, please add this to your online file. You may be required to take a number of computer-based tests, which are not eliminatory.
- Do you have a foreign master's degree?
- Please provide us with a level assessment certificate or proof that you have requested a level assessment for your degree. You can contact NARIC for this.
What do we offer?
- Full-time employment for an indefinite period at A (A4a – A4b) level;
- An attractive salary: gross monthly starting salary from £4,917 (2 years' experience), £5,571 (10 years' experience), £6,358 (20 years' experience), with relevant seniority taken into account;
- A varied job with lots of personal contact and plenty of responsibility;
- The opportunity to take control of your career and further develop your talent;
- Meal vouchers worth £8 per day worked;
- Eco vouchers (€200 per year);
- An attractive second pension pillar
- Full reimbursement of public transport costs or a generous bicycle allowance
- Free hospitalisation insurance;
- End-of-year bonus;
- An attractive leave arrangement: 35 days of leave;
- Hundreds of benefits and discounts through our social services
- The possibility of teleworking and flexible working hours;
- The place of employment is Jan Hoetplein 1, 9000 Ghent.
What are the selection steps?
- Eliminatory computer-based tests. These tests are only taken if you do not have a master's degree and are participating through recruitment.
- A short oral sectionin which you explain your motivation and demonstrate a limited number of competencies in an interview. Given the large number of expected applications, it has been decided that only seven candidates, in order of their scores, will be allowed to proceed to the next selection stage.
- An assessment conducted by an external selection agency. In this assessment, you will demonstrate the relevant competencies for the position using various selection techniques. If you receive a “favourable” or “favourable with reservations” assessment, you will proceed to the next selection component.
- An oral part in which you explain your motivation and demonstrate a number of competencies. Prior to the interview, you may be asked to prepare a case study, presentation or role play.
The short oral part will take place on 10, 12 and/or 15 September 2025. The assessments are scheduled between 22 and 29 September. The final oral part is provisionally scheduled for 9 or 10 October. All dates are subject to change.
Be sure to check your spam folder, as our invitations sometimes end up there.
Which competencies do we assess during the selection procedure?
- Customer-driven approach
- Teamwork
- Results-oriented approach
- Coaching
- Awareness of the working environment
- Team leadership
- Decision-making
- Conceptual thinking
- Mastery of job-specific skills (contemporary art, languages (English))
- Organisational
Do you have any questions?
- About the job:
Contact: Philippe Van Cauteren, Artistic Director S.M.A.K., 0475 75 77 50 or Pieter Van der Gheynst, business coordinator S.M.A.K. (0477 75 22 11), pieter.vandergheynst@smak.be. - About the procedure and terms of employment:
Our colleague from the Selection Department is at your service: Laure Caus 0470 21 36 15 or laure.caus@stad.gent. - Or call us on 09 266 75 60 or send an email to jobs@gent.be.
Our colleagues at the Selection Department will be unavailable from 21 July to 25 July 2025. We will be happy to help you from 28 July onwards.
10.Jul.25
Category:
Working in S.M.A.K.
