Part-Time Receptionist

Job Title: Part-Time Receptionist

Department: People & Culture - Admin

Designation: Non-exempt / Part-Time

Salary: $18.00 to $22.00 per hour

Schedule: Monday to Thursday: 4:30pm to 7:30pm / Saturday: 9am to 4:00pm

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To spread joie de vivre through language, culture, and connection!

Attracting over 150,000 visitors annually, L’Alliance New York is the city’s premier center for French language and francophone arts and cultures. As an independent, not-for-profit organization, L’Alliance New York’s mission is to provide our members and students with engaging French language classes and audacious multi-disciplinary programming that celebrates the diversity of francophone cultures and creativity around the world. L’Alliance New York is internationally known for offering the largest selection of fully-immersive French language courses for students aged one to 101, and for its renowned cultural programming including the annual Bastille Day celebration that takes place on New York's famed Madison Avenue, attracting over 50,000 visitors each year; the Crossing The Line arts and performance festival that engages NYC cultural institutions in bringing dynamic international artists to audiences; Animation First, the biggest animation festival in the U.S; and the Comic Arts Fest, celebrating the intersection of American and francophone comic arts.

Position Summary

As a Receptionist, you will be the first point of contact for visitors, students, and employees, helping to create a welcoming and professional environment. You will support the smooth daily operation of our front desk by managing in-person and phone inquiries, maintaining records, assisting with small on-site sales, and supporting evening and weekend activities. This role is ideal for someone who is organized, customer-service oriented, and fluent in both French and English.

A friendly demeanor, reliability, and a proactive attitude are key to success in this position.

Key Responsibilities include

Front Desk & Visitor Experience

• Welcome and assist visitors, students, and partners in a warm and professional manner
• Manage front desk operations and ensure a smooth flow of visitors and students
• Respond to general inquiries by phone, email, and in person; answer incoming calls promptly and courteously
• Offer basic assistance to students and teachers (e.g., classroom directions, distribution of materials)
• Assist with the coordination of on-site events and activities during shifts (e.g., welcoming guests, guiding attendees)

Administrative & Operational Support

• Perform data entry and other administrative tasks as required
• Maintain accurate building attendance records when required
• Process and record small on-site sales (e.g., books, branded merchandise)
• Promote, sell, and accurately record memberships
• Provide support for evening class operations and light administrative tasks as needed

Front Desk Management & Facilities Support

• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming reception area and shared spaces
• Monitor the cleanliness and organization of the front desk and shared spaces
• Ensure reception materials and supplies are properly used and regularly restocked
• Open and close the reception area in accordance with established procedures
• Provide occasional support to the Office Manager in their absence (e.g., mail distribution, basic office support tasks, restocking supplies)

Compliance, Safety & Reporting

• Promptly report any incidents, issues, or concerns to the appropriate department
• Escalate urgent situations or emergencies to the appropriate internal contacts (e.g., Operations, Security, Management)

Projects & Cross-Team Support

• Support special projects led by the People & Culture team as needed
• Provide additional support aligned with operational and business needs of L’Alliance New York

The job description above is not an exhaustive list of duties. The person in this role will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by the role and the overall business objectives of L’Alliance New York.

Who You Are

This role might be a great fit if

• You are welcoming, professional, and enjoy being the first point of contact for visitors, students, and staff.
• You are organized, reliable, and able to manage multiple tasks in a calm and efficient manner.
• You are a strong communicator who enjoys interacting with diverse audiences in both French and English.
• You take pride in delivering excellent customer service with kindness, patience, and attention to detail.
• You are proactive, adaptable, and comfortable working evenings and weekends in a dynamic environment.
• You enjoy working as part of a collaborative, mission-driven team in a cultural and educational setting.

Experience & Qualifications

• Professional fluency in both English and French (spoken and written) is required
• Prior experience in reception, front desk, customer service, hospitality, or administrative support preferred
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a professional and friendly demeanor
• Comfortable using basic digital tools (email, spreadsheets, databases, and scheduling systems)
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Reliable, punctual, and discreet, with a strong sense of responsibility
• Interest in French culture and/or experience in a nonprofit, cultural, or educational environment is a plus
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States

Why Join Us

We offer a supportive, mission-driven work environment with generous benefits, including:

• L’Alliance New York Membership
• Free French Classes (Group)
• Sick time in accordance with NY State Labor Law (1h every 30 hours worked)
• 3 personal days per year

At L’Alliance New York, you’ll join a collaborative, multilingual team that values creativity, kindness, and cultural curiosity

TO APPLY: Please submit a resume (in English), cover letter, and two references.

Employment at L’Alliance New York is at-will, meaning that either the employee or the organization may end the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, unless otherwise specified in a written agreement.

L’Alliance New York is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, marital status, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, citizenship status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.