About Us

Part of a worldwide French network, the [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] 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 [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] welcomes 200,000 people each year, thanks to an exciting programme of cultural events and activities extending from film screenings, debates, festivals, concerts, exhibitions, digital workshops, and events for children.

Among a UK-wide French network, and working with a great number of British partners, the [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] brings the best of French culture to a wide audience and develops Franco-British educational projects throughout the UK. Key partnering institutions include the Barbican, the BFI, the British Council, the British Library, Imperial College London, King’s College London, the National Gallery, Sadler’s Wells, the Serpentine Galleries, Tate Modern and Tate Britain, Oxford University and the V&A.

The Friends of the French Institute Trust has been key in helping the institution secure the necessary fundings to complete several capital projects such as Connexion, the renovation of the Institute’s foyer, the creation of a new cinema, the renovation of the beautiful Art Deco library la Salle Classée, and Confluence, the renovation of the Language Centre. For more information about our fundraising & development activities visit our Support Us page.

Purpose

The Development Department of the [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is looking for a 6-month intern starting July 2026. The Department’s objective, supported by the Trust of the [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], is to grow financial income for the [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] in the UK via a network of individual donors, corporate partners, grant applications and the development of the [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]’s Patrons’ Circle.

This internship will give you the opportunity to develop excellent fundraising skills, work with the team on the delivery the Ciné Lumière renovation fundraising campaign, as well as help secure year-round individuals and corporate support and manage existing Patrons. You will have an active role, supporting the team in the day-to-day running of the department, including 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.

Missions

You will work closely with and support the Director of Development, Head of Partnerships and Major Donors, and Head of Patrons and Brand Activation in the team’s day to day activities.

• Support with the day to day activities 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, including in kind partnerships; Draft briefing notes for individuals and corporate prospects; Update database with new information
• Event Management: 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; Help with the curation of an exciting programme of cultural events for our Patrons
• Communication, Marketing, Design: Design compelling proposals ahead of meetings with prospects; Draft newsletters and events invitations using Mailchimp and Word; Redact formal letters and written communication to donors and partners
• Others: Attend meetings/pitches with key donors and corporate supporters; Keep up to date with the best fundraising practices in the UK and abroad; Keep up to date with art, cultural and corporate sectors’ activities in the UK and France

Qualifications

• MASTER II or 3rd year of an undergraduate programme (Licence) in Culture, Business or Political Science
• Fluency in French and English (writing & speaking)
• Excellent writing skills both in French and English, across a variety of format and styles
• Excellent admin skills – Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Canva, Mailchimp or other email marketing software
• 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.
• Prior experience or strong interest in cultural politics, philanthropy and in the cultural sector, business and culture, in France and in the UK

Conditions

• Start date: From 6th July 2026 (flexible)
• Duration and schedule: 6 months, minimum 3 days per week
• Eligibility: 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
• Internship framework: 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 [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal].
• Interview process: Interviews will be conducted in French and English via Teams Meeting.
• Internship location: [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], 23 Cromwell Road, London SW7 2EL, United Kingdom
• Internship supervisor: Deputy Director and Director of Development
• Application process: Please send your CV to [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] with a short statement detailing:
  • Why this internship interests you
  • How it aligns with your university or professional goals
  • What you hope to gain from this experience
  • The strengths and qualities you would bring as a team member
  • Your available start and end dates, as well as your preferred schedule (minimum of 3 days per week)
  • Your current status in the UK, demonstrating you meet the eligibility criteria
• Compensation: Minimum compensation calculated on the basis of the current French legislation for internships
• Application deadline: 22 May 2026