Cultural Coordinator- Alliance Française de Philadelphie
Laura Nickel
Cultural Coordinator- Alliance Française de Philadelphie
About the Position
The Cultural Coordinator assists the Executive Director in the planning, organization, logistics, and implementation of a variety of cultural, social and special activities for the cultural center of the Alliance Française. This position is ideal for a Francophone culture enthusiast who possesses excellent organizational and communication skills. This is a new position at AFP and represents an excellent opportunity for the right candidate to help shape the role and contribute to AFP’s sustainable growth.
I found this position interesting because the Alliance Française has been a long-time (since 1903) and globally recognized organization promoting the proliferation of the French language and culture within the United States, promoting language education, and hosting cultural events and lectures, as well as a range of relevant educational and cultural programs.
Question & Answer
How did you find this position?
Google search, Indeed.com, Linkedin
Summarize the Minimum Qualifications in your own words and emphasize the skills relevant to language majors.
● Strong written and oral communication skills in both French (near/ near-native fluency) and English.
● Previous experience in event coordination and marketing
● Strong computer skills and a willingness to keep current with evolving technologies
● Passion for French culture
● The ability to be flexible schedule-wise: working some evenings and weekends based on event schedules.
Summarize the Preferred Qualifications in your own words and emphasize the
skills relevant to language majors:
Experience working in a non-profit organization is preferred, as well as a degree/professional certification in Communications, Marketing, Event Planning, or a related field and most importantly, a background in French and Francophone Studies.
What are some other skills that are important for success in this field?
Strong teamwork/interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and a high degree of socio-cultural competence are of the utmost importance in this field.
What might be helpful to prepare for a language major to prepare for this field or
position?
As well as a degree in French language and Francophone studies, computer literacy, event coordination, and marketing skills would be useful in preparing for this position.
How is the ability to communicate and work with people from different cultural
backgrounds useful or important in this position?
Authentic sociocultural competence would be very useful in this position in terms of fostering positive relationships within this organization and successfully promoting the French language and culture, not just in terms of mainland France, but in members who may originate from all Francophone countries, but who live in the USA.
Anything else interesting to share about the position?
If I could relocate to be available for this position I would because I’ve known about the Alliance Francaise since 2011, when I moved to Idaho from Upstate NY. It’s a great organization, and I’ve enjoyed going to their events when my time has permitted. I wholeheartedly enjoy and believe in the promotion of the French language and culture.
About the author
name: Laura Nickel
institution: Boise State University
My name is Laura D. Nickel, and I’m currently a junior at Boise State University, where I’m pursuing a degree in French for Secondary Education. I’ve been an official Francophile since 1985, and I look forward to spreading my ever-growing knowledge and enthusiasm for all things francophone.
