Executive Director

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Alliance Française de Charlottesville (AFC) is seeking an Executive Director to lead the organization and oversee its day-to-day operations, educational programs, cultural activities, membership, fundraising, and community engagement.

Reporting to the Board of Directors through the Board President, the Executive Director is the organization’s chief staff officer and is responsible for turning the Board’s strategic priorities into effective programs, operations, and measurable results.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership

• Lead the day-to-day operations of AFC in accordance with its mission, bylaws, policies, strategic priorities, and approved budget.
• Develop and implement annual operating plans and priorities established by the Board.
• Monitor organizational performance and provide the Board with regular updates on programs, finances, personnel, and progress toward goals.
• Identify opportunities, challenges, and risks and make recommendations to the Board.

Educational & Cultural Programs

• Oversee AFC’s French-language classes, instructors, schedules, and educational programming.
• Develop and evaluate classes, conversation groups, cultural events, lectures, and other activities.
• Identify opportunities for new programs and partnerships with educational and cultural organizations.

Financial & Administrative Management

• Work with the Treasurer and Finance Committee to develop the annual budget.
• Monitor income and expenses and ensure operations remain within the approved budget.
• Review financial reports and oversee appropriate financial controls.
• Work with the Treasurer, bookkeeper, accountant, and other professionals on financial reporting, tax filings, and regulatory requirements.
• Authorize routine expenditures within Board-approved limits.

Personnel

• Supervise and evaluate AFC employees and instructors.
• Recruit and oversee instructors in accordance with approved policies and budgets.
• Establish work assignments, expectations, and performance standards.
• Recommend staffing levels and compensation to the Board when appropriate.

Membership, Fundraising & Development

• Develop strategies to attract and retain members and increase participation in AFC programs.
• Cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, and community partners.
• Identify grant opportunities and coordinate grant applications.
• Develop partnerships that strengthen AFC’s financial sustainability and community presence.

Community Engagement

• Serve as a principal public representative of the Alliance Française deCharlottesville.
• Build and maintain relationships with schools, universities, cultural institutions, businesses, community organizations, and Francophone organizations.
• Promote AFC and its programs throughout Charlottesville and the surrounding region.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience in nonprofit, educational, cultural, or organizational leadership.
• Strong administrative, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience supervising employees, instructors, or volunteers.
• Familiarity with budgeting and nonprofit financial management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong commitment to promoting the French language and French and Francophone cultures.
• Knowledge of French and Francophone cultures.
• French-language proficiency appropriate to the responsibilities of the position.

About the Role

The Executive Director will work closely with the Board of Directors, staff, instructors, members, volunteers, and community partners to advance AFC’s mission and strengthen its educational and cultural impact in the Charlottesville community.

Employment status, compensation, and benefits: To be determined by the Board of Directors.

Hourly rate: $27.00

- Your Résumé/CV

- Your cover letter 

- A list of 3 references with their full name, title, email and phone number

Please note: Due to the large number of applicants we receive, we will only be able to contact those that we would like to meet for interviews.

The Alliance Française de Charlottesville is an Equal Opportunity employer. Candidates are chosen based on ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, marital status or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.