The new premises of the Textile Research Centre, as seen from the garden.We are seeking a highly motivated and well-connected individual to drive the strategic growth and long-term sustainability of the TRC. With your expertise and vision, you will help us professionalise, strengthen and seize new opportunities. The ideal candidate has a strong background in fundraising, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Planning and Development

• Collaborate with the director of the TRC and the TRC Board to define the long-term strategic direction of the centre.
• Develop workable plans to increase the TRC’s visibility, reach, recognition and impact.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the marketing and communication strategy.

Funding and Financial Stability

• Identify, and apply to new funding opportunities, including grants, sponsorships, and partnerships.
• Oversee the financial management of secured funding, ensuring that resources are allocated to the correct projects, spent in line with funding agreements, and delivered on time.
• Build and maintain relationships with funding bodies, donors, and sponsors.
• Oversee financial planning related to fundraising efforts.

Networking and Institutional Growth

• Act as a networker (together with the director) for the TRC, strengthening existing connections, expanding partnerships and representing the TRC at relevant conferences, events, and networking opportunities
• Maintain contacts with the press and media, supporting the drafting and distribution of press releases and organising press moments. 

 Woman's blouse made of bark bast and hand painted with a design of rosettes and quatrefoils, as well as stylised birds, butterflies and flowers. East Sulawesi, Indonesia (TRC 2018.0042).

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

You are an experienced development expert with a strategic view and an affinity for textiles design and/or research. You see opportunities, connect people and know how to turn complex plans into realistic goals. Do you also recognise yourself in the following:

• You have a higher professional education (min. MA-level).
• You have at least three years of experience in fundraising, grant writing, or business development and a demonstrable track record.
• You are a strong communicator, both in Dutch and English (other languages would be a plus).
• You have excellent negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• You have a strategic and analytical mindset with a focus on long-term growth.
• You are proactive and can work independently.
• You have an existing professional network relevant to research, funding, and institutional partnerships is a plus.
• Experience in research, museums work or non-profit management is a plus. 

WHAT WE OFFER:

• An informal, collaborative and ambitious work environment that allows for your own professional ideas and preferences.
• The opportunity to help to shape the future of the TRC.
• Flexible working hours.
• Monthly salary starting from €4674 gross for a full-time appointment, plus 8% vacation allowance and a paid leave scheme (27 days per year on full-time basis).
• The appointment (20 hours per week) is for two years, with the possibility of an extension, and with a trial period of two months. 

HOW TO APPLY:

If you are interested, please send your introductory letter, with your CV, your contact information and proof of your relevant work experience to Prof. R. B. ter Haar-Romeny, Chair of the Board of the Textile Research Centre, under This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., with reference to: TRC Leiden. The application deadline is 1 December 2025. You may be invited for an interview. If you want further information, please contact Dr Gillian Vogelsang-Eastwood, Director TRC, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; +31 (0)6 28830428.

ABOUT THE TRC:

The Stichting Textile Research Centre (TRC) was set up in 1991 as an independent, non-profit foundation. The basic aim of the TRC is to give the study of textiles, clothing and accessories their proper place in the field of the humanities and social sciences, but also in the context of crafts and craft education. The TRC does so by providing courses and lectures, carrying out research and by the presentation of textiles and dress from all over the world. The two main focal points of the TRC are (a) dress and identity: what people wear in order to say who they are and (b) textile technology, both pre-industrial and industrial, as well as items such as sewing, lace making and embroidery.