Chief Executive Officer - Alliance Française de Melbourne

• Shape strategy, culture and commercial performance in a high-profile, purpose-led organisation
• Grow revenue, audiences and partnerships while expanding French language and cultural engagement
• Lead a talented team and work closely with the Board to build a sustainable, contemporary organisation

Lead the next chapter of Melbourne’s premier French language and cultural organisation, shaping growth, impact and long-term sustainability.

About the Organisation

Founded in 1890, the Alliance Française de Melbourne is an independent, not-for-profit organisation and Victoria’s leading centre for French language and culture. Through language education, examinations, cultural programs, partnerships and community events, it creates meaningful connections between the people of Victoria and the diverse cultures of the French-speaking world.

Now operating from its new French Hub in the heart of Melbourne, Alliance Française de Melbourne is entering an important new chapter. With a proud history, an internationally recognised brand and an engaged community of students, members, educators, partners and supporters, the organisation is focused on strengthening its sustainability, broadening its reach and building a contemporary organisation for the future.

About the Role:

Reporting to the Chair of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer will provide the strategic, commercial and operational leadership required to deliver Alliance Française de Melbourne’s next phase of development. Leading a multidisciplinary team, you will translate the organisation’s strategy into clear priorities, strengthen organisational capability and ensure that its educational and cultural mission is supported by a sustainable and well-managed business.

You will also provide executive leadership to the newly established Alliance Française de Melbourne Cultural Foundation, helping build its philanthropic, cultural and revenue-generating potential.

Key priorities will include:

• Leading the implementation of the organisation’s strategy and establishing clear measures of performance, accountability and impact.
• Strengthening financial sustainability by growing and diversifying revenue across education, cultural programs, partnerships, memberships, philanthropy and venue opportunities.
• Building a capable, connected and high-performing team, supported by contemporary systems, clear responsibilities and a positive organisational culture.
• Growing Alliance Française de Melbourne’s profile, audiences and community engagement while ensuring its programs remain relevant, accessible and distinctive.
• Developing productive relationships with the Board, employees, educators, members, government, the French diplomatic and cultural network, commercial partners and the wider Victorian community.
• Leading the development of the newly established Cultural Foundation, working with its Board to grow philanthropy, sponsorship and revenue-generating cultural opportunities.

This is an opportunity to respect and build upon a significant legacy while bringing the commercial discipline, organisational clarity and fresh thinking needed to secure its future.

The role requires flexibility to support Alliance Française de Melbourne’s cultural and community activities, including availability outside standard business hours when required.

The role will commence in early January 2027.

About You:

You will be an adaptable and values-led leader who can operate confidently across strategy, commercial performance, people leadership and stakeholder engagement. You will bring:

• Senior leadership experience from within a purpose-led, educational, cultural, membership, community or similarly multifaceted organisation.
• Strong commercial and financial capability, including experience improving performance, developing new revenue streams and managing resources responsibly.
• Demonstrated success leading organisational change, strengthening teams and converting strategy into practical and measurable outcomes.
• Highly developed communication, influencing and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to work effectively with a governing Board and a diverse stakeholder community.
• Fluent in French language and a genuine interest in French culture, together with the cultural intelligence to connect an Australian organisation with an established international network.

You will combine an entrepreneurial mindset with sound judgement and operational discipline. Equally comfortable engaging with community members, educators, partners and directors, you will understand how to balance mission, heritage and commercial sustainability. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences.

To view the Success Profile for this opportunity, please copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://tinyurl.com/2bm3nf7a

To apply, please click ‘apply now’ and upload your CV and Cover Letter. For any questions not outlined in the success profile and for a confidential discussion, please contact Alex Mummé at 0474 434 868 / Alex.Mumme@davidsonwp.com or Danielle Walker at 0402 278 870 / Danielle.Walker@davidsonwp.com

Davidson acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We are committed to equal opportunity and strive to promote inclusion, belonging, flexibility and accessibility in all that we do. Should you require assistance in your interactions with us or through a recruitment process, please let us know so we can provide adjustments.

Applications close COB Monday 29^th September 2026