Grant Advisor

At the KB, the National Library of the Netherlands, literature, digital innovation and strategic research converge. From children’s books by Carry Slee to national digital preservation efforts and major European funding programmes — it all comes together in our organisation. As our Grant Advisor, you identify and secure external funding that strengthens our Research Agenda, advances long-term collaborations and supports our societal mission. With your insight into the cultural, academic and public library domains and your thorough understanding of the funding landscape, you contribute to high-quality, sustainable projects with national and international relevance.

Your role
In this position, you play a central role in establishing and maintaining collaborations with universities and research partners. You act as the key link between external stakeholders and internal KB experts. You identify funding opportunities with organisations such as NWO, SIA, Horizon Europe and Erasmus+, and translate these into concrete proposals and partnerships.

An essential part of your work will be coordinating several of the projects you help initiate, ensuring continuity, quality and alignment with KB objectives.
And there is more! You are the Grant Advisor who:

• contributes substantively to the development and writing of research proposals.
• coordinates the process from initial application through to final approval as well as until the start of project implementation, involving Legal, Finance and other teams.
• acts as the primary contact for external researchers and collaboration partners.
• identifies opportunities for funding and partnership development and follows up proactively.
• maintains and strengthens network relationships relevant to the KB’s mission.
• structures grant applications and facilitates consortium-building.
• keeps the Research Portfolio up to date.

All thematic directions for collaborations and research projects are aligned with the KB Research Agenda.

Your profile
We value professionalism, analytical strength and the ability to work effectively across organisational boundaries. You bring:

• a PhD degree in any relevant field with knowledge of the cultural sector.
• 3–5 years of experience as a grant advisor.
• excellent networking and communication skills.
• an established network of academic and/or cultural-sector partners relevant to the KB.
• experience as a project coordinator (preferred).
• strong communication and organisational skills in Dutch or English.
• the ability to work in a structured manner in order to meet deadlines.

What we offer
Choosing the KB means choosing a stable organisation with a clear mission, strong institutional foundations and excellent employment conditions. You can expect:

• a gross monthly salary between €3.630 and €5.758 (scale 10).
• an initial one-year contract with the prospect of a permanent position.
• 42 days of leave, hybrid-working options and flexible hours.
• 100% reimbursement of public transport commuting costs.
• pension accrual via ABP.
• a thirteenth month (8.33%).

The conditions apply to a 40-hour workweek. The position is available for 32-40 hours per week.

Working at the KB
The KB is the national library of the Netherlands and a forward-looking knowledge institution. Together with 600 colleagues, we work to ensure the sustainable availability of information, to stimulate digital innovation, and to support a society in which everyone can participate.

We collect, preserve and provide access to the country’s digital heritage and work with partners across the public domain on issues of literacy, digital skills and inclusion. Collaboration, expertise and reliability form the foundation of our work.
Our Research Team consists of highly qualified content and methodological specialists who operate within an open, professional and collegial environment. Diversity of backgrounds and perspectives is valued as a strength.

How to apply
Would you like to contribute to the KB’s strategic ambitions? We look forward to receiving your CV and motivation letter. For questions regarding the role or the procedure, please contact Chris de Boer at chris.deboer@kb.nl or +31 6 48375361.

In your motivation letter we ask you kindly to briefly identify which three possible funding instruments are suitable for the KB activities, including an additional concrete proposal or project for one of the mentioned funding instruments. This allows us to assess the extent of your knowledge of the funding landscape and the KB activities.

• Applications are open until the 7th of December 2025.
• If your profile aligns with our requirements, we will invite you for an interview (on-site or online). If not, we will notify you by email.
• The interviews will take place on the following dates: 10 december (online), 12 december (on-site) and 18 december (on-site).
• During the selection process, your data will be stored and deleted no later than four weeks after completion, in accordance with the GDPR.