Atria is seeking a strategic and collaborative Head of Collections & Outreach to further develop our collection, make it more digitally accessible and visible, and create opportunities for new research and fresh perspectives.

Our library and archives are among the most exceptional collections of sources in the fields of gender equality and women’s history. In the coming years, we face an exciting challenge: how do we ensure that this rich collection is not only well managed, but also fully utilised by researchers, professionals and society at large? And how do we use digitisation and innovation to make the collection accessible to new generations?

As manager, you will provide strategic direction for this development. You will link the collection, research, digitisation and knowledge-sharing, and ensure that a team of around fifteen professionals works together towards a shared ambition.

Atria is the Institute for Gender Equality and Women’s History. We collect and manage resources on gender equality and women’s movements, and make these widely accessible to academia and society.

As an independent knowledge institute, Atria bridges the gap between research and social change. Our aim is clear: to strengthen the position of women in all their diversity and thereby contribute to an inclusive and just society.

As Head of Collections & Outreach, you will be responsible for the strategic development of our collection and the professionals who work on it every day. You combine subject-matter expertise with leadership and know how to translate our strategic direction into tangible results.

You:

• provide overall leadership to a team of around fifteen professionals

• develop and implement policy for the acquisition, management, research and provision of the collection, in line with Atria’s mission and vision

• provide direction for the digital development of the collection, including digital collection management, born-digital collections, sustainable digital accessibility, and online discoverability and visibility

• promote the use and reach of the collection, for example through research, publications, exhibitions and other forms of knowledge sharing

• creates opportunities for research and new perspectives on the collection, and is able to establish links between the collection, research and societal issues

• actively builds national and international partnerships and represents Atria and the collection in relevant networks

• as a member of the management team, you will share responsibility for the strategic development of Atria as a whole

You are an experienced manager who knows how to combine subject-matter expertise with vision, organisational development and results. You move easily between strategy and practice and have an eye for both people and the wider context in which Atria operates.

You have:

• at least five years’ experience in a senior role within the heritage sector, preferably as a manager and/or a member of the management team

• extensive knowledge of collection management and service provision, preferably gained within an academic library or archival institution

• demonstrable experience with digitisation and innovation, and an understanding of how digital developments can contribute to the accessibility, discoverability and visibility of collections

You are a unifying and strategic leader who moves easily between people, content and the organisation. You bring together different perspectives, communicate persuasively and know how to rally people towards a common goal. You spot opportunities, take the initiative and are keen to make a tangible contribution to the further development of the collection, the team and Atria’s positioning.

You will be working in an organisation with a unique collection, a clear social mission and professionals with a wealth of specialist expertise. From our new premises in the centre of Utrecht, you will have the freedom to independently shape the direction of your work and the development of your team.

We offer:

• a 32-hour-per-week contract, initially for one year, with the prospect of extension

• a salary in scale 12 of the Social Work collective agreement, depending on your knowledge and experience

• an Individual Choice Budget (IKB) of approximately 18% of your salary

• pension accrual with the Healthcare and Welfare Pension Fund

• a Career Budget of 1.5% of your annual salary for professional development

• an NS Business Card for commuting

• an independent and influential role within a dynamic knowledge institute

• a committed team of professionals and the freedom to work together to shape Atria’s future

Would you like to use your expertise to contribute to the future of a collection that is of great value to science, heritage and society? If so, we’d love to hear from you.

You can apply using the form on this page. The closing date is 23 October 2026.

We value a diversity of voices and want different perspectives, backgrounds and insights to be represented within our organisation. Where candidates are equally suitable, we will give preference to those who enhance diversity within our organisation.
This vacancy is being advertised both internally and externally at the same time.

Recruitment agencies are not to contact us regarding this vacancy.