Head of Information Policy Department

Where technology, societal impact and professionalization meet. That is the Royal Library (KB). The KB is in the midst of a transition to an agile, future-oriented organization in which information provision (IV) and technology play a key role. That's why we are looking for a Head of Information Policy Department.

Will you make it happen?
You are a leader who lets people grow, strengthens collaboration and provides direction for change. You also stimulate ownership and translate strategy into concrete results. In this way, you contribute to the digital future of the KB and to keeping the Dutch knowledge and cultural heritage accessible.

As head of department, you create the conditions within which professionals can excel. You ensure effective deployment of people and resources, future-proof staffing and an organization that is ready for new developments. You bring structure, help teams to collaborate effectively and initiate changes, ensuring they truly land within the organization. You are visible, coaching, decisive, and know how to bring calm and direction to an environment that is constantly developing.

Together with the other heads of department within Information & Technology, you will work on a shared vision for the KB's information provision. From a shared responsibility for the organization's digital future, you actively seek connection and collaboration.

Head of Information Policy Department
You will lead a department of approximately 25 professionals who guide the development of the KB's information provision. The department consists of information architects, information managers, information analysts, and Security officers.

You are a guiding and change-adept leader who, together with the employees, develops and realizes the course for the KB's information policy. You stimulate collaboration and bring focus. You also ensure coherence between strategy, architecture, information management, information administration, digital sustainability, and information security. In doing so, your employees translate societal and technological developments into policy and help the organization to use information smarter, more securely, and more sustainably.

In your first year, the focus will be on further strengthening the Information Policy Department as a strategic partner within the KB. You will ensure a clear positioning of the department and clear agreements on roles, responsibilities, and decision-making. You will also strengthen the role of architecture as a basis for strategic choices. Together with the CISO, you will further develop the governance and security organization. In doing so, you will ensure clear responsibilities and good management of risks, compliance, and quality.

This is how you make a difference
You are a coaching leader who helps professionals achieve their best. You steer on trust, ownership, and results. You provide space and trust, but are also clear and steadfast. Where necessary, you set boundaries and know how to put situations into perspective. You make clear which frameworks are important and give teams the space to take responsibility and make independent choices. You are a connecting leader who looks beyond the boundaries of your own department. You enjoy and intensely collaborate with colleagues within Information & Technology and with the rest of the organization. In doing so, you know how to translate strategic choices into executable practice and create support for change. As Head of Department, you are transparent, pragmatic, and reliable. You say what you do and do what you say. Especially in a dynamic environment, you bring structure, overview, and direction.

What do you bring?
You are an experienced leader who gets energy from organizational development, change, and facilitating the sustainable employability and development of people.

In addition, you bring:

• Academic working and thinking level.
• At least five years of management experience in a complex change environment.
• Knowledge of information management, architecture, governance, and relevant laws and regulations (including BIO).
• Experience with organizational development, change management, and agile working.
• A coaching leadership style in which trust, collaboration, and ownership are central.
• Strong communication skills and organizational sensitivity.
• The ability to bring structure, set priorities, and maintain course.
• Experience with financial management and budget management of large budgets.

We also currently have the vacancy Head of IT Management open. View the vacancy here.

Why work at the KB?
The KB is the national library of the Netherlands. With over 700 colleagues, we work every day to create a smarter, more skilled, and more creative Netherlands. We collect, preserve, and share our country's digital and written heritage and ensure that this information remains accessible for future generations.

This requires modern information provision and leaders who advance people and organizations. At the KB, you get the opportunity to build a societal organization where technology, innovation, and culture come together.

What can you count on?

• A gross monthly salary between € 6,803 and € 8,285 (scale 13).
• An employment contract of 32 to 40 hours per week.
• A one-year contract with the prospect of a permanent contract.
• 42 days off (for a full-time employment).
• 100% reimbursement of public transport costs.
• Pension accrual through ABP.
• An end-of-year bonus of 8.33%.

These employment conditions apply to a full-time employment of 40 hours per week. This vacancy is for an employment of 32 to 40 hours per week. Read more about our excellent secondary employment conditions here.

How do I apply?
Enthusiastic? Then we would like to receive your CV and motivation via the application form on the website. Questions about the application procedure? Contact recruiter, Nena Lukic via [email protected]

Do you think you can be of value for both Head of Department roles? Let us know in your motivation where your strengths lie; we will then look together at which position suits you best.

• Applications can be submitted until September 24, 2026. After an initial selection, we will invite suitable candidates for an online introductory meeting. These meetings will take place between September 25 and 30. The first selection interviews on location are scheduled for weeks 40 and 41. Subsequent interviews will be scheduled for weeks 42 and 43.
• A reference check and the request for a Certificate of Conduct (VOG) are standard parts of our application procedure.
• During the selection procedure, we will keep your data. We will delete it in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) no later than four weeks after the procedure has ended. Read more about this in our privacy statement for applicants.