Do you have experience in heritage management and the ambition to translate a strategic vision into innovative projects and valuable acquisitions?
Can you motivate and guide a team while ensuring the management and valorization of a rich collection?
The Flanders Architecture Institute (VAi) is looking for a full-time Head of Collections to strengthen the team and further shape its mission.
Flanders Architecture Institute
The Flanders Architecture Institute is the focal point for architecture from Flanders and Brussels. We raise public awareness of the importance of a well-designed living environment, stimulate societal debate on the design of buildings and cities, and disseminate knowledge about architecture. The Knowledge Center of the Flanders Architecture Institute is an organization with a national service-providing role under the Cultural Heritage Policy, the VAi supports designers, researchers, heritage professionals, and other stakeholders in the field.
The Flanders Architecture Institute manages a rich collection of architectural archives and a continuously growing architecture library. Through this collection, we build bridges between the past, present, and future of architecture.
Job Description
As Head of Collections, you are responsible for implementing the collection policy and leading a team of experienced heritage professionals.
Your responsibilities:
• Coordinate and monitor the implementation of the current policy plan, manage the budget, and prepare the next policy period
• Develop a strategic plan for new housing for the VAi collection
• Lead the VAi Collection team, including annual planning, coaching, and motivating staff
• Oversee the distribution of the collection across various storage locations
• Establish and monitor a strategic acquisition and research policy
• Support fundraising and project funding efforts aimed at collection valorization
• Position and represent VAi in relevant networks and with partners and stakeholders
• Prepare reports for various institutions
• Develop and share expertise, staying up to date with international developments in the field
Your Profile
Education and Experience
• Academic level (through education or work experience) in a relevant field such as architecture, history, art history, or cultural management
• At least five years of experience with archives, curatorial projects, or heritage policy, and three to five years in a leadership role
• Experience with public projects, project-based work, and fundraising
• Understanding of heritage processes such as acquisition, digitization and providing access
• A broad overview of the architecture field in Flanders and beyond Personal Characteristics
• Strong leadership, coaching, and communication skills
• Results-oriented and entrepreneurial
• Extensive (international) network or motivated to build one through collaborations Language Skills
• Excellent command of Dutch and English
Our Offer
• A challenging position in a unique organization in Flanders that combines collection
management, a knowledge center and contemporary architectural practice
• The opportunity to develop an innovative collection policy for architectural archives
• An inspiring work environment with dedicated and skilled colleagues
• A full-time permanent contract with additional benefits
• Salary according to PC 329.01, category L1
• Free commuting by public transport or a bicycle allowance
• Workplace: VAi Architecture Archive, Parochiaanstraat 7, 2000 Antwerp
How to Apply?
Send your CV and a motivation letter (max. 1 page) by email to info@vai.be, addressed to Dennis
Pohl, by February 28, 2025. For further information, you can contact us at +32 3 202 04 83 or via
email (info@vai.be).