Royal Conservatoire — Head of Classical
PLUS ONE Executive Search is searching a
Head of Classical Music Department at the Royal Conservatoire The Hague (1 FTE)
The application period is closed.
Due to the departure of the current Head, there is a vacancy for the position of Head of the Classical Department. As Head of the Classical Music Department, you lead an ambitious and dynamic department, renowned for its distinguished faculty of performing experts and its pioneering artistic projects. You provide inspirational and forward-thinking leadership, articulating a clear artistic and pedagogical vision across the full breadth of the classical music field. The programme embraces the many dimensions of the classical domain — from symphonic, ensemble, solo, and chamber music to interdisciplinary collaborations, innovative artistic projects, and research-oriented practices — all grounded in both historical and contemporary repertoire. Building on the strengths of the existing curriculum, you further develop it into a forward-looking, distinctive, and internationally connected programme that reflects the latest developments in the professional landscape.
About the Royal Conservatoire
The Royal Conservatoire (KC) and the Royal Academy of Art (KABK) together form the University of the Arts The Hague, offering a wide range of art and music programmes to around 1,800 students. The University also runs preparatory programmes in collaboration with primary and secondary schools.
In partnership with Leiden University, the Academy of Creative and Performing Arts (ACPA) offers minor programmes, master’s degrees, and doctoral trajectories. Studying at the Royal Conservatoire means joining the oldest conservatoire in the Netherlands, where innovation and experimentation go hand in hand with tradition and craftsmanship. Our internationally renowned teachers — performing artists and scholars — provide an inspiring environment where education, research, and professional practice are deeply intertwined.
In early 2022, the Conservatoire moved into Amare, its new state-of-the-art home in the heart of The Hague, shared with the Residentie Orkest and Nederlands Dans Theater.
Since 2024, the University of the Arts The Hague has been a proud member of the European Universities Alliance IN.TUNE – Innovative Universities in Music & Arts in Europe (www.intune-alliance.eu).
Further information about the Royal Conservatoire can be found at www.koncon.nl.
Mission and Vision of the Classical Department
The Classical Department owes its position to the extensive range of educational offerings and the quality of its students and teachers. The department fosters a professionally oriented international learning environment through projects organized in collaboration with international partners, and renowned professional orchestras and ensembles.
Master’s specializations in orchestral music and contemporary ensemble playing, a joint European master’s programme in chamber music, and minors in early music, jazz, conducting, and composition provide students with ample opportunities to tailor their studies to their individual talents and ambitions.
While each department of the Royal Conservatoire has its own strengths, they all share a pioneering spirit that places the interplay between tradition and innovation at its core. At the same time we foster interdisciplinary collaborations and an inquisitive mindset to continuously keep developing the role of Classical Music, as well as the role of Education.
As Head of the department you combine strategic and organisational vision with the ability to motivate and guide a diverse team. Your leadership is transparent, collegial, and supportive, fostering ownership and cooperation among staff and students alike.
As a manager of the department. you bring analytical as well as practical skills enabling you to translate ideas into practical implementation.
Responsibilities
The Head of the Classical Department combines strong management skills with clear direction and inspirational leadership for the development of the classical music programmes in the bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes.
As Head you will:
Lead the department, aimed at strengthening the profile and improving the quality of education, in line with the mission and vision of the Royal Conservatoire, while securing a smooth and clear departmental organisation.
Further develop the current educational course into a progressive and distinctive programme, closely connected to the latest developments in professional practice.
Formulate and implement a clear vision on project-based education, international collaboration, and student-centered learning.
Lead enhancement and change processes within the department.
Identify and foster opportunities for cooperation and joint curriculum development within the IN.TUNE alliance.
Ensure balanced, high-quality teaching teams that are committed to the study programmes and their educational philosophy.
Oversee the daily management and implementation of education, supported by education and project coordinators for organisational and production matters.
Share responsibility for the Royal Conservatoire’s education and research policies together with the other Heads of Department, and advising management on educational development.
Collaborate closely with supporting services such as Marketing & Communication, Quality Culture, Finance, and HR.
Maintain and further develop an extensive (inter)national professional network.
Job requirements
A clear vision on international developments in classical music and the ability to translate this into an innovative curriculum, with a strong commitment to continuous development at both department and conservatoire level.
Insight into current developments in the performing arts and higher music education, including artistic research and professional preparation of students.
A strong, relevant national and international network, and the willingness to use it for the benefit of the department.
Familiarity with higher music education (Higher Professional Education level), including curriculum development, artistic research, and professional preparation of students;
Experience with the financial and business aspects of arts education, including budgeting, fundraising, and grant applications.
Excellent communication skills in English and Dutch, or the willingness to acquire these languages quickly.
What does the Royal Conservatoire offer?
This unique role offers a varied and influential position in a close-knit, dedicated team, with ample scope for your own initiative and professional growth. The starting date for this opportunity is August 2026.
The position is valued in scale 13 of the CAO HBO, with a maximum salary of EUR 8.020,60 gross per month (full-time). The appointment and remuneration will be in accordance with the (Higher Professional Education) Collective Labour Agreement.
An excellent package of secondary terms of employment is provided, including a generous leave scheme, 8% holiday allowance, and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. You can also participate on favourable terms in health insurance and/or disability insurance schemes.
How to apply - information and application
The Royal Conservatoire is assisted in this search by PLUS ONE Executive Search.
For questions about the position, please contact Victorine van Manen at
victorine@plusone-executivesearch.nl.
Interviews are scheduled for Tuesday 19th May and Tuesday 26th May 2026 in The Hague. Early submission is advised as applications will be evaluated on a continuous basis.
The application period is closed.
The Royal Conservatoire values diversity and inclusion and warmly welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.