Part of a worldwide French network, the Institut français du Royaume-Uni has been promoting French language and culture in the UK since 1910, as well as encouraging cross-cultural cooperation. Based in South Kensington, it comprises a language centre, two cinemas, a multi-media library and a children’s library. The Institut welcomes 200,000 people each year, thanks to an exciting program of cultural events and activities extending from film screenings, debates, festivals, concerts, exhibitions, digital workshops, and events for children.
The Development Department of the French Institute in the UK is looking for a 6-month intern starting september 2024. The Department’s objective, supported by the Trust of the French Institute, is to grow financial income for the French Institute in the UK via a network of individual donors, corporate partners, grant applications and the development of the French Institute’s Patrons’ Circle. This internship will give you the opportunity to develop excellent fundraising skills, work with the team on the delivery of Confluence, a major £3.5M capital campaign as well as help secure year-round individuals and corporate support. You will have an active role, supporting the Head of the team in the day-to-day running of the department, supporting her with the delivery of events, stewardship, meetings organisation, liaising with donors and helping with the prospection of new businesses and individuals, draft proposals and communication documents. We will look forward to welcoming someone with a great team spirit, motivated and results-led, with a strong interest in philanthropy in the cultural sector, to give them an insightful first professional experience.
You will work closely with and report directly to the Head of Partnerships and Philanthropy to help the team secure a fundraising target of £3.5M for the renovation of the French Institute’s Language Centre, as well as help implement a Corporate Membership scheme and deliver an attractive program of events for supporters, and help with the prospection of new donors and businesses. Key areas include:
Support with the day to day activitis of the fundraising team:
• Support the team with the preparation of key meetings, including Board and committee meetings
● Prospect research
● Conduct thorough prospect research to identify new potential donors and corporate partners
● Draft sponsorship proposals
● Update database with new information
● Event Management
Help with the delivery of events:
● Send invitations, manage guest lists and rsvps, send follow up emails
● Liaise with caterers and internal teams to sort out all logistical and financial aspects of the event
● Communication, Marketing, Design
● Design compelling proposals ahead of meetings with prospects
● Design innovative supports to improve the quality of our communications with donors – IT and website
design skills are strongly desired
Others
● Attend meetings/pitches with key donors and corporate supporters – strong networking skills.
● Keep up to date with the best fundraising practices in the UK and abroad
● Keep up to date with corporate sectors’ activities in the UK and France
● Fluency in French and English (writing & speaking)
● Prior experience or strong interest in cultural politics, philanthropy and in the cultural sector, business
and culture, in France and in the UK
● Excellent admin and software skills – Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Canva
● Good knowledge and use of databases appreciated
● Excellent team player, driven and flexible with a positive attitude
● Excellent communication skills at all levels
● Business skills – to help identify new prospects in both the corporate and philanthropic sectors
● Marketing skills – be creative and innovative to help find the best ways to communicate with our audience to inspire them to support us
When: From 15th January 2025 (starting date flexible)
Duration: 6 months, minimum 2 to 3 days per week
What: Internship for a student (French, British or other nationality) currently living or studying in the United Kingdom or with pre-settled status enrolled in a French University/Higher Education School
Requirement: MASTER II or 3rd year of an undergraduate programme (Licence) in Culture, Business or Political Science.
Contract: In the case of a French Internship Convention, no internship will be delivered without a convention between the French University/Higher Education School and the French Institute in the UK.
Interviews via Zoom
Intership location: Institut français du Royaume-Uni, 23 Cromwell Road, London SW7 2EL, United Kingdom
Under the supervision of: Head of Partnerships and Philanthropy, Development Department
Contact: CV and Cover Letter (English only) to development@institut-francais.org.uk
Applications in French won’t be accepted.
Compensation: Minimum compensation calculated on the basis of the current French legislation for internships
Application deadline: 15 January 2025