Seeking Candidates for Executive Director
The Alliance Française de St. Louis (AFSTL) is seeking an Executive Director. This individual is responsible for the day-to-day management of the entire organization, including overseeing the French language program, cultural events, marketing, administration, fundraising, budgeting, and strategic planning. The Executive Director reports to the President of the Board and serves as the primary point of contact with board members, staff, committees, students, members, volunteers, sponsors, donors, and community partners.
About the Organization
The AFSTL is the premier French language and francophone cultural center in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 1901, with our school reborn in 1964, we are a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in the state of Missouri. We are part of the Alliance Française global network, which dates back to 1883 and spans 138 countries with over 1100 chapters. Our mission is to promote the use and appreciation of the French language and culture through language classes, cultural programs, social events, and information resources.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Management and Administration
Perform day-to-day management, including supervision of staff, and communication with members, the board directors, outside vendors, sponsors, and other AF chapters.
Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate office staff and volunteers.
Oversee financial operations, including budgeting, payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.
Operate within the approved budget, ensure maximum utilization of resources, and sustain the AFSTL’s positive financial position.
Identify prospective grant opportunities and write grant applications with Board approval.
Board of Directors
Provide regular reports and updates to the Board of Directors on the AFSTL’s operations, finances, and programming.
Work with the Board to set strategic goals and targets, policies, and priorities.
Support the Board in fundraising and donor cultivation.
Participate with the Board in preparing the annual budget.
Language Education
Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate French language instructors.
Work with the instructors to maintain high standards of teaching and learning.
Promote language learning opportunities for diverse audiences, including children, adults, and professionals.
Schedule classes and identify opportunities for new classes.
Stay updated on trends and best practices in language education.
Test Center
Supervise the existing French language test center (DELF/DALF) and assess other opportunities for expansion.
Community Engagement and Outreach
Develop and implement marketing and outreach strategies to promote the AFSTL and its programs.
Foster partnerships and collaborations with artists, cultural groups, and educational institutions to create engaging and inclusive programming and expand the AFSTL community.
Oversee maintenance of the AFSTL website, newsletter, and other media, to facilitate enrollment, increase community engagement, and expand public visibility.
Represent the AFSTL at events at the local and national level.
Required Qualifications
Legal ability to work in the United States.
Outgoing personality and the ability to work with a wide variety of people.
Strong oral, written, and presentation skills.
Ability to manage a team, including administrative staff, teachers and volunteers.
Experience with digital marketing platforms.
Proficiency in computer skills, including Word and Excel, and a willingness to learn other programs used by the organization.
Ability to conduct remote and hybrid events using Zoom.
Preferred (But Not Required) Qualifications
Cultural understanding of francophone countries and the USA.
Experience teaching French as a foreign language.
Accreditation (or willingness to become accredited) as a DELF/DALF examiner.
Experience working for an Alliance Française chapter.
Experience with computer hardware, routers, and networking.
NOTE: Although not a requirement, strong preference will be given to candidates who are at least professionally fluent in French and are able to teach French classes at the B2 level or above.
Work Environment
This position functions on-site at the AFSTL office in University City, Missouri, off-site, and remotely via Zoom.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
The position will be full-time or near full-time. Flexibility is essential. Presence is often required in the evenings and on weekends, in addition to during the day. Details will depend on the skills and qualifications of the candidate.
Compensation and Start Date
The compensation depends on the qualifications of the candidate.
The current executive director will retire at the end of April 2026. In order to achieve a smooth transition, we would like to have the new executive director in place at least by January 2026. A phased-in onboarding is possible.
To Apply
Please send your resume and cover letter in English or French, describing how you would apply your background to accomplish the mission of the Alliance Française de St. Louis, to Jeffrey Boone, President, at AFSTL.ED@gmail.com.
This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position.
The Alliance Française de St. Louis is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any protected class prohibited by law.