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About us: 

The Alliance Française (AF) is the premier destination for French language and cultural exchange around the world. In Melbourne and Victoria, our mission is to share the richness of the Francophone Culture through language courses, cultural events and community engagement. We are looking for a skilled, hands on and highly organised Culture & Events Manager to lead the development and delivery of our cultural program. Working closely with the General Manager (GM), you will design, plan and implement events in line with the AFM strategy as set with the Board, and contribute to the ongoing strategic development.

Position Overview:

The Culture & Events Manager will oversee major events including the Alliance Française French Film Festival (AF FFF) (Melbourne edition) and the AFM Christmas Market, alongside a diversified year-round cultural program.
AFM events can be community, cultural, members, promotional or educational mostly held at the AFM French Hub. Whereas the AF FFF events are held at our partners’ or external sites.

Typical Working Hours:

Full time 76 hrs / fortnight. Flexibility is essential, as occasional evenings and weekends are required, along the year.

Key Activities:

Under the guidance of the General Manager, with the support of a Culture & Communications coordinator and the AF FFF coordinator you undertake the following activities:

Strategic & Collaborative Leadership

This role combines strategic contribution with practical delivery, with decisions taken in close collaboration with the General Manager.
- Design and deliver AFM’s cultural programming in alignment with AFM’s strategic direction.
- Contribute to AFM’s cultural strategy.
- Work closely with and respond to the General Manager.
- Build and maintain relationships with partners, artists, venues, French and local institutions.

Major Events:
- French Film Festival:
- Lead AFM’s contribution to the Alliance Française French Film Festival (Melbourne edition).
- Coordinate Melbourne programming elements, operations, and special events.
- Manage sponsor and advertiser relationships and development.
- Experience in film festival coordination is a plus.

- Christmas Market:
- Oversee the full planning and delivery of the AFM French Christmas Market.
- Manage vendors, logistics, volunteers, and onsite operations.

Year-Round Cultural Programming
- Develop talks, workshops, screenings, social events & community activities, exhibitions (Micro-Folie & AFM gallery) and other initiatives.
- Collaborate with networks including the Alliance Française network and Institut Français (knowledge of these networks is a plus).

We are looking for a team member who is / has:

• A strategic and business savvy‑ approach that aligns cultural mission with economic realities
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven team player mindset
• Strong organisational skills. Excellent time-management skills and the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Combines excellent professional presentation and conduct with a proactive, hands-on attitude during event operations.
• Tech Savvy: Proficiency in graphic and digital tools such as Canva, and comfortable using office software (Word, Excel).
• Graduate in communications, cultural project management, event management. Previous experience in a similar role (cultural institution, NFP) is necessary. Experience with film festival coordination is a plus.
• Communication skills: English & French language proficiency; ability to articulate offerings convincingly and diplomatically.
• Real interest in Francophone cultures, French language, and cultural event organisation. Knowledge of French cultural networks is an asset.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends, and to travel between different work locations, locally.

Why Join Alliance Française?:

• Dynamic Work Environment: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to cultural exchange and education.             
• Cultural Immersion & diversity             
• Training opportunities in conjunction with the role              
• Modern French Hub & working environment              
• Flexible work arrangements – WFH up to 2 days / wk (not compulsory)              
• Package: $80,000 per annum + Super + 1 week Ex-gratia over EOY closure

How to apply:
Must have the right to live and work long term in Australia.
Please send your CV and a brief cover letter to recruitment@afmelbourne.com.au, subject: Application for Culture & Events Manager role
Start date: As soon as possible
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.