Director (m/f/d) for Fridericianum in Kassel in Kassel
documenta and Museum Fridericianum gGmbH is a nonprofit organization owned by the City of Kassel and the State of Hesse. The company organizes and produces the periodic documenta exhibitions and operates the Museum Fridericianum, the documenta archiv, and the documenta Halle. Under the umbrella of documenta gGmbH, the individual institutions produce exhibitions and events and research, communicate, and archive the knowledge generated in the context of documenta. The International Friends of documenta association brings together art enthusiasts who wish to support the work of documenta and Museum Fridericianum gGmbH. As an exhibition venue without its own collection, the Fridericianum Kassel is also a significant, internationally recognized venue for contemporary art outside of documenta. It realizes its exhibition program in the context of the documenta exhibitions through international partnerships with renowned institutions worldwide.
We are seeking a prominent figure in the field of contemporary art to serve as
Director (m/f/d) for Fridericianum in Kassel
In this role, you will bear artistic and operational responsibility for the Fridericianum and, in close coordination with the management of documenta and Museum Fridericianum gGmbH, further expand its significance at the regional, national, and international levels through exhibitions as well as event and educational programs. In addition, you will cultivate relationships with other exhibition venues in Germany and abroad, as well as networks with key stakeholders in the region, particularly in politics and administration, the University of Kassel, and the Neue Galerie operated by Hessen Kassel Heritage. The Director contributes to the sustainable strengthening of the Fridericianum’s institutional influence and its integration into the urban community, and works toward a stable growth in visitor numbers.
Your responsibilities:
* Conceiving and implementing exhibition and event programs for the Fridericianum as a major venue for contemporary art with a distinct profile
* Strategic development of art education and expansion of collaborations with schools and educational institutions, including in the field of adult education
* Acquisition, application for, and strategic securing of third-party funding
* Expanding and maintaining local and international funding networks and supporting the International Friends of documenta
* Responsibility for the budget, operations, and financial management Leadership and development of a qualified team
* Rebuilding the team in the curatorial department Representation of the Fridericianum and management of public relations
Your Profile:
* A relevant college degree, preferably in art history or cultural studies
* Several years of curatorial experience in the international museum and exhibition sector
* In-depth knowledge of contemporary art and current discourses
* Extensive national and international network in the art and exhibition sector
* Several years of leadership experience in a cultural institution
* In-depth knowledge of securing and sustaining private and public funding
* Confident and thoughtful engagement with national and international media, even in the face of increasing polarization
* Strong organizational and communication skills
* Leadership skills and a team-oriented approach
* Intercultural competence and ability to collaborate
* High sense of responsibility, social competence, commitment, flexibility, and creativity
* Strong diversity competence and sensitivity to a culturally diverse environment; Kassel is culturally shaped by 170 nations. For documenta 16 (2027), the gGmbH is firmly committed to diversity.
We are offering you an interesting and responsible position on an international team in the arts and culture sector.
The position is based in Kassel.
We value diversity and therefore welcome applications from all individuals—regardless of gender and gender identity, ethnic origin and nationality, age, religion and worldview, disability, sexual orientation and identity, or social background.
We expressly encourage people with disabilities or those seeking equal opportunities to apply. Since our workplaces in historic buildings are not fully accessible, we will work together to find individual solutions.
We look forward to receiving your application and ask that you submit your complete application materials—including your salary expectations and your earliest possible start date—by May 15, 2026, exclusively through our application portal.