Employment Opportunities at the Goethe-Zentrum Atlanta

Executive Director

Job Title: Executive Director

• Location: Downtown Atlanta, Georgia (in person)
• Status: Full time, Exempt
• Reports to: Board of Directors
• Supervises: Language Director, Marketing and Outreach Director, Business Manager
• Supports: Faculty of language instructors, event staff, and volunteers

About Goethe Zentrum Atlanta

Goethe Zentrum Atlanta is a cultural and educational organization dedicated to strengthening connections between German speaking communities and the Southeastern United States. Through exceptional language instruction and vibrant cultural programming, the organization creates space for dialogue, learning, and international understanding. As a partner of the Goethe Institut, Goethe Zentrum Atlanta operates within a globally respected framework that affirms both cultural authenticity and pedagogical excellence.

The organization offers German language courses for learners of all levels, hosts events that showcase the richness of German speaking culture and engages with a diverse network of individuals and institutions committed to the value of international exchange.

The Role

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive of Goethe Zentrum Atlanta. This individual is responsible for leading the organization with vision, integrity, and operational excellence. The position requires active oversight of all aspects of program delivery, staff supervision, stakeholder engagement, and financial stewardship. In close partnership with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director provides strategic leadership that advances the organization’s mission and expands its impact throughout the region.

This role combines cultural diplomacy, nonprofit management, and entrepreneurial initiative. The successful candidate will bring clarity of purpose, refined communication skills, and a strong commitment to building relationships across communities.

Primary Responsibilities

Leadership and Organizational Strategy

• Guide the long-term direction of the organization in collaboration with the Board of Directors
• Translate mission into action through clear priorities, measurable goals, and intentional decision making
• Serve as a visible and credible representative of the organization in public, civic, and diplomatic spaces

German Language Program Development

• Support the Language Director in maintaining curriculum quality and pedagogical standards
• Oversee strategic planning for course offerings, certification exams, and online learning formats
• Pursue and manage contracts for corporate language instruction in collaboration with staff
• Ensure continued compliance with standards set by the Goethe Institut and maintain the organization’s affiliation

Cultural Programming and Public Engagement

• Lead the design and execution of events that reflect the breadth of German speaking arts, ideas, and perspectives
• Build partnerships with local, national, and international cultural organizations
• Strengthen Goethe Zentrum Atlanta’s visibility among audiences including educators, artists, students, and community leaders

Fundraising and Resource Development

• Establish and implement fundraising strategies that align with organizational goals
• Cultivate relationships with individual donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors
• Identify opportunities for grants and other funding streams that support both general operations and specific initiatives
• Collaborate with the Board to meet financial targets and grow philanthropic capacity

Financial Oversight and Operations

• Lead annual budgeting processes in consultation with the Business Manager and Board Treasurer
• Monitor revenue and expenditures to ensure financial sustainability
• Approve contracts and expenditures within the authority granted by the Board
• Oversee all required filings and ensure compliance with applicable laws and nonprofit standards

Staff Management and Internal Culture

• Supervise and support the work of core staff members through regular communication and thoughtful delegation
• Foster an environment where creativity, collaboration, and accountability are practiced consistently
• Lead internal planning processes and ensure that staff are equipped to meet organizational needs
• Make staffing decisions in accordance with Board approved procedures and in alignment with the organization’s goals

Governance and Board Relations

• Maintain open, timely, and productive communication with the Board of Directors
• Provide regular reports that reflect operational, financial, and programmatic progress
• Support Board recruitment, onboarding, and engagement to strengthen leadership capacity
• Ensure that Board policies are implemented consistently and responsibly

Desired Qualifications

• A deep personal commitment to cross-cultural understanding and education
• Familiarity with German culture and fluency in the German language are highly desirable
• At least seven (7) years of senior leadership experience within a nonprofit, academic, or cultural institution
• Proven ability to lead diverse teams and cultivate a positive organizational culture
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, partnership development, and financial management
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Strong judgment, discretion, and attention to detail
• Eligibility to work in the United States without sponsorship

Compensation and Benefits

Goethe Zentrum Atlanta offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience. Benefits include comprehensive healthcare coverage, paid vacation and holidays, and onsite parking. The organization encourages ongoing professional development and supports leadership growth at all levels.

How to Apply

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only candidates eligible to work in the United States will be considered.
• Goethe Zentrum Atlanta is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
• Please send your resume and cover letter to info@goetheatlanta.org.

English Language Instructor

Join our Language Program Team!

We are expanding our Language Program with English instruction for native speakers of German and other language backgrounds. Clients include adult learners as well as families. Adult clients will have basic knowledge of English. You will teach Business English as well as everyday American English from both the linguistic as well as the cross-cultural communication perspective.

The format will be individual instruction, small groups up to four students, or group workshops and classes up to 15 students. Our general language group courses take place Monday through Thursday evenings or on Saturday morning, while workshops, corporate instruction, individual and small group instruction bookings are arranged based on the client’s and instructor’s availability throughout the week or weekend.

• Location: Must be located in Metro Atlanta and available for in-person assignments.
• Teaching assignments may include in-person instruction in Downtown Atlanta, throughout the greater Metro Atlanta, as well as students anywhere via Zoom or Teams.
• Part-time, flexible hours are based on the number of courses and private instruction ​taught.
• Some evening and weekend availability is required.
• Reports to the Executive Director and the Language Program Director.
• Start date: September/October 2025

• Employment is at-will.

   

Qualifications

• Native or highly experienced English speaker (U.S.), preferably with working knowledge of German.
• Experience working and interacting with the German-speaking business world (required).
• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in one of the following fields: Language, Translation, Business or a related field.
• Experience teaching a second language.
• Verifiable work experience with one or more common video conferencing systems (Teams, Zoom, Webex etc.).
• Weeknight and / or weekend availability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365.
• Experience with LMS and online teaching tools.
• U.S. citizen or authorization to work in the United States for any employer (such as Green Card, etc.).

Expectations

• Ability to assess the clients’ needs for American English language instruction and practice.
• Source and implement instructional materials that meet the clients’ needs.
• Develop group and individual instruction English language programs while working with clients, with the support of the Language Program Director.
• Ability to build a new program in collaboration with the Language Program Director and Executive Director.
• Work enthusiastically as a member of the Goethe-Zentrum Atlanta Team.

How to Apply

• Only candidates eligible to work in the United States for any employer will be considered.
• Send your resume and cover letter to language@goetheatlanta.org.
• Goethe Zentrum Atlanta is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.