Location: St. Louis (reporting to the Goethe-Institut Chicago)
Employment: Fulltime (40 hours/week)
Start: 08/01/2026
Application deadline: 06/10/2026

The Goethe-Institut is the globally active cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany. We advocate for understanding between Germany, Europe and the world. We promote knowledge of the German language abroad and foster international cultural cooperation. We convey a comprehensive image of the cultural and societal diversity of Germany through information on its cultural, social, and political life. Our cultural and educational programs promote intercultural exchange, dialogue and mutual understanding. In our work we orientate ourselves towards the values of a democratic, liberal society governed by the rule of law.

The Goethe-Institut Chicago is looking for a program coordinator of the institute’s new branch in St. Louis, to begin work August 1, 2026. The program coordinator of the branch in St. Louis will be based in St. Louis and will reporting to the office in Chicago, where all finances and administration will be managed.

Responsibilities include:

• To find a location for the office of the St. Louis branch
• To prepare the grand opening of the branch in the fall
• To map the cultural landscape of St Louis and the states of Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee to identify possible partners for future collaboration
• To develop a program of activities and events for the years 2027 – 2028; programs should cover different areas (music, visual arts, choreography, discourse, theatre, film etc.) and be established with a wide array of partner institutions
• To establish and maintain close contacts with partner institutions in the aforementioned states
• Administrative tasks, finance management, and budget planning in coordination with the Goethe-Institut Chicago

Requirements:

• University degree – for example, in the humanities or cultural management
• Great interest in and very good knowledge of art, culture, and society in the US and Germany and familiarity with the respective cultural scenes
• Knowledge of the local cultural scenes
• Strong organizational skills and event management experience
• Curatorial expertise and ability to conceptualize and realize a coherent cultural program
• Willingness to work on evenings and weekends
• Willingness to travel on official business
• Capability to work in a team as well as proven ability to work autonomously while maintaining close contacts with our teams in Chicago, the regional institute, and the Munich head office
• Excellent knowledge of both spoken and written German and English

The Goethe-Institut offers a competitive benefits package, including health insurance and short-term disability insurance (for employees working at least 30 hours per week). After 6 months of employment, all employees are eligible to contribute to a 401(K) plan with p to a 4.5% employer match. This position offers a hybrid work model allowing remote work for up to two days per week, pending supervisor approval.

The Goethe-Institut is an Equal Opportunity employer and guarantees gender equality.

All applicants must have an active US work permit. The Goethe-Institut will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Salary Range: $63,000 - $65,000
FLSA Classification: Exempt