Organizer Information
Kulturprojekte Berlin GmbH is a state-owned organization that serves as a vital pillar for the promotion, networking, and mediation of culture in the German capital. As a central partner for the Berlin cultural scene and the State of Berlin, the organization conceives and organizes complex large-scale cultural projects, city-wide initiatives, and commemorative years related to historical events and jubilees. Kulturprojekte Berlin acts as a carrier for festivals and cultural venues, providing essential services for museums and institutions across the city. Their work is dedicated to fostering a diverse, vibrant, and accessible artistic landscape, ensuring that Berlin remains a global leader in contemporary culture and historical discourse.
Title & Description
Co-Director (Co-Leitung) for Berlin Art Week 2026/2027
Berlin Art Week is a premier annual festival that unites the city’s most significant actors in contemporary art, including renowned institutions, galleries, private collectors, project spaces, and a major art fair. For its 15th edition in 2026, the festival is seeking a Co-Director to oversee the administrative, organizational, and strategic management of the event for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
The purpose of this role is to work in tandem with the Artistic Direction to further develop and position the festival within the international art market. While the artistic vision is set by the creative lead, the Co-Director ensures the structural integrity of the festival, managing everything from budget control and sponsorship acquisition to the logistical implementation of temporary pop-up locations and event programming. This is an opportunity for a high-level cultural manager to shape one of Europe’s most dynamic art weeks.
The Role Overview
- Salary: €4,471.44 Gross per month (plus an additional proportionate special annual payment of €250 gross/month).
- Contract Type: Full-time (39.4 hours per week), Fixed-term until December 31, 2027.
- Reporting To: Department Head at Kulturprojekte Berlin.
- Position: Co-Director (Administrative/Management focus).
- Programme: Berlin Art Week 2026 & 2027.
Position & Tasks
The Co-Director is responsible for the operational success and administrative leadership of the festival. Tasks include:
- Project Coordination: Leading the overall planning, preparation, and implementation of Berlin Art Week in close collaboration with the Artistic Director.
- Financial Management: Budget planning, controlling, and liquidity monitoring, ensuring compliance with public funding regulations.
- Sponsorship & Partnerships: Identification and acquisition of sponsors and managing relationships with supporters and grant providers.
- Administrative Oversight: Initiating and managing tenders and awarding contracts in coordination with the administration department.
- Team Leadership: Building and steering the project team, creating internal structures, and fostering a collaborative working environment.
- Event Management: Organizational planning of festival-specific formats, guest management, and creating project documentation and reports.
Categories
- Cultural Management
- Arts Administration
- Contemporary Art
- Event Production
- Project Steering
Eligibility
This call is open to experienced professionals with:
- Experience: At least 6 years of specific professional experience in project management or coordination, ideally in a cultural-artistic context.
- Education: A successfully completed university degree or equivalent professional training.
- Skills: Proven experience in managing public funds, team supervision, and budget controlling.
- Knowledge: Extensive familiarity with the Berlin art and culture landscape.
- Languages: Very good knowledge of German (necessary for administrative and public funding processes).
- Perspective: Applications from representatives of marginalized perspectives are explicitly welcomed.
Program Benefits
- Creative Environment: An inspiring workplace in Berlin-Mitte with excellent transport links.
- Flexibility: Mobile working options and flexible working hours through a "Gleitzeit" (flex-time) arrangement.
- Leave: 30 vacation days per year (based on a 5-day work week), plus December 24th and 31st as free days.
- Growth: Access to the internal "KPB Academy" for professional development and training.
- Cultural Perks: Free admission to openings, exhibitions, and events hosted by Kulturprojekte Berlin, plus discounts at the Podewil canteen.
- Security: A transparent, modern compensation system and company pension scheme.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- CV/Resume: Detailing professional experience and relevant management roles.
- Cover Letter/Motivation: Explaining your interest and qualifications for the Co-Director role.
- Certificates: Relevant diplomas or letters of recommendation.
- Online Submission: Candidates must use the organization’s job portal.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 7 January 2026
- Interviews: Expected to take place in calendar weeks 6 and 7 (February 2026).
- Start Date: March 2026 or earlier.
- End of Contract: 31 December 2027
- Festival Dates: September 9–13, 2026 (15th Edition).
Location
Berlin, Germany
Additional Details
Kulturprojekte Berlin is committed to reflecting the diversity of the city within its workforce. Candidates with disabilities will be given priority in the event of equal suitability. Please note that travel expenses for interviews cannot be reimbursed. For questions regarding the process, candidates can contact the HR team at +49 30 247 49 720.