DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE MAISON EUROPÉENNE DE LA PHOTOGRAPHIE (MEP) (h/f)

DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE MAISON EUROPÉENNE DE LA PHOTOGRAPHIE (MEP)

The Maison Européenne de la Photographie (MEP) is a major cultural institution dedicated to photography and contemporary imagery. A non-profit association governed by the French 1901 law, it is supported by the City of Paris, which owns the site and is its sole public funder. The MEP is seeking a Director General. Reporting to the Board of Directors and its Chair, he or she will oversee the strategic, artistic, and institutional development of the MEP and ensure its national and international visibility, in alignment with the cultural policy of the City of Paris.

MISSIONS AND ACTIVITIES

Artistic, Scientific, Cultural Vision and Outreach

Design and implement an ambitious, innovative program that highlights the diversity of contemporary creation, both French and international;

Develop an ambitious artistic education and mediation policy that engages new audiences;

Define and oversee the editorial policy;

Build and strengthen institutional, scientific, cultural, and educational partnerships, including collaborations with cultural institutions in Paris and the wider metropolitan area;

Lead communication strategies and audience-development initiatives;

Increase attendance and enhance the national, European, and international visibility of the MEP, including the circulation of its exhibitions.

Development, Conservation, and Promotion of the Collections

Define and implement the MEP’s acquisitions strategy to ensure the continued growth and enrichment of its collections;

Oversee inventory, verification, research, and documentation to ensure thorough knowledge and accurate records of the collections;

Showcase the collections both on-site and off-site, enhancing their reach and impact

Strategic and Administrative Leadership

Oversee general management: structure the organization, lead and unite teams (around 30 staff members), and manage social dialogue;

Prepare and monitor the operating and investment budgets, ensuring multi-year sustainability;

Design and manage a ticketing strategy (pricing, accessibility, subscription policy, audience insights, visitor experience, and purchasing journey);

Expand revenue streams (touring exhibitions, bookstore, publications, sponsorship, events, etc.);

Define and implement partnership and fundraising strategies in France and internationally;

Ensure proper administrative, legal, and technical management; guarantee compliance with safety, public access (ERP) standards, and artwork conservation requirements;

Integrate a sustainable development plan and promote social and environmental responsibility.

PROFILE SOUGHT

Proven experience in leading cultural institutions or large-scale artistic projects;

Recognized expertise in photography and contemporary visual arts;

Proven track record in audience development and engagement strategies;

Strong management and leadership skills, with the ability to unite teams and deliver multidisciplinary projects;

In-depth understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks governing local authorities and cultural institutions;

Familiarity with budgetary management and human resources;

Capacity to develop a strategic vision, with a strong aptitude for dialogue with artists, partners, and audiences;

Fluency in French and English is required.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Candidates are invited to submit the following application materials:

A cover letter presenting their background and biographical information;

A statement of intent, maximum 4 pages, outlining their artistic, cultural, and strategic vision for the MEP, including their perspective on the celebration of the MEP’s 30th anniversary in 2026.

Applications must be sent by email to recrutement@mep-fr.org or by post in a confidential envelope addressed to: Board of Directors of the MEP, c/o Presidency, 5/7 rue de Fourcy, 75004 Paris, by the end of Monday, 22 September.

A jury designated by the Board of Directors will review all applications and establish a pre-selection. Selected candidates will be notified by email and invited for an interview.

ABOUT THE MEP

The Maison européenne de la photographie (MEP) is a non-profit association under French law (1901), whose principal institutional partner and sole public funder is the City of Paris. It is a major cultural institution for contemporary photography, located in the Saint-Paul district at the heart of the Marais in Paris. Founded in 1978 as the association Paris Audiovisuel - MEP, it opened its doors to the public in 1996.

The MEP initiated the Mois de la Photo Biennale and has built an outstanding collection of photographs from 1950 to the present, as well as one of Europe’s most important libraries dedicated to photographic arts. Welcoming nearly 200,000 visitors annually, the institution offers broad public access to photography through its exhibition spaces, library, and auditorium. It presents three exhibition seasons each year, showcasing both renowned photographers and emerging talents, alongside a wide range of educational and cultural activities.

A true hub of cultural life, open and accessible to all, the MEP embodies a vision of photography that resonates with our times, reflecting the diversity of the medium and its connections with other disciplines such as fine arts, cinema, fashion, literature, and performance. The MEP is also committed to promoting diversity