Short Description:

The city of Aachen is seeking a motivated individual with professional competence, creativity and enthusiasm to further develop the institution to head the Ludwig Forum for International Art (m/f/d) on a full-time basis as soon as possible.

The Ludwig Forum for International Art is a museum and forum with a national appeal. It is a forum for creative, interdisciplinary artistic exchange and an important event venue for the regional art scene. As a vibrant space for modern and contemporary art, the museum combines museum activities such as exhibitions, collection curation, research, and education in an innovative way. Housed in a former industrial building, the museum brings together an impressive collection of international artists, as well as event spaces, an art workshop, and a large outdoor area.

The position is awarded in accordance with Section 32 TVöD (temporary management) for an initial period of four years, with the option of extension.

Your main tasks

  • Overall strategic, artistic and scientific responsibility as well as organizational and personnel management of the museum
  • Development of a curatorial profile with international appeal and implementation of a forward-looking, interdisciplinary exhibition and event program
  • Responsibility for the care, expansion and research of the collection with a focus on international art after 1960 and a strong museum education component
  • Strategic museum management: audience development, project management, digital strategy, public relations and communication as well as visibility of the museum in the city’s cultural life and attractiveness to a broad audience
  • Establishment and maintenance of regional, national and international networks, particularly with the Peter and Irene Ludwig Foundation, the Ludwig Museums worldwide and cultural institutions of the Euregio
  • Cooperation with local cultural actors as well as cooperation and partnership with other municipal museums and cultural institutions
  • Fundraising, sponsorship and responsible use of public funds
  • Promoting cultural education and participation, inclusion and accessibility for a diverse audience

Application Requirements:

The recruitment process includes a preliminary screening and an assessment center to evaluate leadership, social, and methodological competencies.

Application materials (motivation letter, CV, references, and certificates) may be shared with City Council members upon request. A leadership training course (D 350) is required upon appointment.

We look forward to your complete application, including your motivation, CV, diplomas, and proof of experience.

Eligibility:

  • Completed academic university degree (Master or diploma), preferably in art history, art science, cultural studies or another comparable art-specific field
  • or equivalent skills and experience to perform the described activities, possibly also outside the public service (e.g. in conjunction with a bachelor’s or other degree)
  • Many years of relevant professional and management experience, ideally as head of a museum
  • proven experience in the field of international contemporary art
  • strong communication and mediation skills
  • Initiative, above-average commitment, assertiveness and service awareness
  • high social skills and an integrative and cooperative leadership style
  • entrepreneurial thinking and action, organizational, problem-solving and analytical skills as well as business knowledge
  • a high level of resilience and the willingness to adapt to the time and organizational requirements of a museum operation
  • Experience in dealing with political or similar bodies and in conducting difficult negotiations with different interests

Desirable

  • Experience with sponsorship concepts, exhibition funding programs and the acquisition of third-party funding as well as good networking with other partners, museums, specialist associations, organizations, foundations, etc.
  • Knowledge of the structure and functioning of a local administration

Program Benefits or Awards:

  • Working for one of the region’s three largest employers with around 6,300 employees
  • Responsibility and space for participation
  • respectful and fair working conditions
  • Further training for professional and personal development
  • Balancing work and family life
  • Supplementary pension scheme to the company pension scheme
  • comprehensive occupational health and safety management
  • Job ticket for public transport
  • 30 days of vacation entitlement for a 5-day week

Part-time employment is generally possible. We offer flexible working hours and arrangements, including remote working, to accommodate work-related needs and diverse lifestyles.

 Entry Fee: none

Location: Aachen, Germany

Deadline: 23 July, 2025

Website link:

https://karriere.aachen.de/stellenangebot/e-49-1-lufo-2025-003087/