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About the role
The Institut français du Royaume-Uni is seeking a dynamic and strategic Head of Patrons’ Circle & Sponsorship Activation to lead the development of its patron engagement programmes and sponsorship (in-kind) activation strategy across the Institut’s major cultural events and flagship seasons.
This senior role has three core objectives:
- to grow and structure the Institut’s existing Patrons’ Circle;
- to create and launch a new Young Patrons Circle aimed at engaging a new generation of supporters;
- to design and deliver an in-kind sponsorship activation strategy across the Institut’s flagship cultural events and programmes.
The role combines community building, relationship management, experiential programming and sponsorship activation. It focuses on audience engagement, visibility and stakeholder experience rather than direct fundraising or financial sponsorship solicitation.
A key dimension of the role is the development of both:
- an in situ engagement programme at the Institut français;
- and a “Hors-les-murs” programme of exclusive events and experiences organised in partnership with leading cultural venues and institutions across London.
Working closely with the Head of Partnerships & Major Donors, the successful candidate will contribute to the Institut’s development strategy by creating meaningful experiences for patrons, sponsors and cultural stakeholders.
About the Patrons’ Circle
The Patrons’ Circle of the Institut français du Royaume-Uni is an active and committed community of individuals supporting the Institut’s mission through its Trust. Bringing together philanthropists, arts supporters and Francophile audiences, the Circle contributes to the development of the Institut’s cultural and educational programmes while fostering engagement with French culture in the UK.
Members benefit from privileged access to the Institut français and enjoy a curated programme of exclusive events and cultural experiences throughout the year, both at the Institut and through a “hors les murs” programme developed in partnership with leading cultural venues across London.
Key responsibilities
Patrons’ Circle & Young Patrons development
- Design and implement a development strategy for the Patrons’ Circle focused on engagement, retention and community growth
- Conceive, create and launch the Institut français du Royaume-Uni’s Young Patrons Circle, defining its positioning, audience, engagement model and value proposition
- Develop a recruitment and engagement strategy targeting younger audiences and emerging supporters
- Build and nurture a strong community through tailored engagement and personalised experiences
- Oversee the full patron journey, including onboarding, stewardship and retention
- Develop targeted communications and engagement campaigns (newsletters, invitations, tailored outreach)
- Structure and evolve benefits and membership offers for Patrons and Young Patrons
- Develop exclusive cultural experiences and networking opportunities for patrons and trustees
In-kind sponsorship activation & event partnerships
- Develop in-kind partnerships and collaborative sponsorship opportunities for major events including the French Film Festival UK, Night of Ideas and other high-profile programmes
- Identify and engage brands, cultural partners and lifestyle organisations aligned with the Institut’s values, audiences and events
- Develop creative non-financial partnership propositions focused on visibility, hospitality, audience engagement and cultural experiences
- Ensure meaningful and high-quality sponsor integration into events through experiences, visibility and tailored activations
- Coordinate sponsor activations in collaboration with programming, communications and production teams
- Build and maintain long-term relationships with sponsors and institutional partners
- Coordinate delivery and follow-up of partnership benefits and sponsor visibility
Events & experiences
- Curate, in coordination with the Institute cultural teams, selected moments from the Institut français’ existing programme for Patrons’ privileged access, including post-event encounters with artists and production teams
- Lead the conception and delivery of the “Hors-les-murs” programme, developed in close collaboration with cultural teams and hosted across partner venues in London
- Collaborate closely with programming, communications and production teams
- Ensure excellence in event delivery and premium stakeholder experience
Administration & coordination
- Prepare administrative committees and Board meetings in close collaboration with the Head of Partnerships & Major Donors
- Draft meeting minutes and coordinate follow-up actions
- Oversee administrative management of the Patrons’ Circle
- Coordinate agreements, partnerships and sponsor deliverables
- Ensure logistical and administrative follow-up for events and activations
Strategic contribution
- Propose innovative formats and initiatives to enhance patron and sponsor engagement
- Contribute to the Institut’s visibility and audience engagement strategy through cultural partnerships and experiences
- Monitor and evaluate engagement outcomes and partnership impact
- Benchmark best practices in patron engagement, sponsorship activation and cultural partnerships
Profile
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in partnerships, sponsorship activation, audience engagement, cultural programming or related fields
- Proven experience in developing and managing high-level relationships and stakeholder communities
- Experience in event partnerships, experiential engagement or brand activation
- Strong strategic thinking with the ability to design and implement audience and engagement initiatives
- Excellent organisational and project management skills
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication abilities
- Fluent English and French (written and spoken) essential
- Proactive and entrepreneurial mindset with strong initiative
- Strong interest in arts, culture and international environments
Conditions & benefits
- One-year renewable contract: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
- Gross monthly salary: £3,292
- 32 days of paid leave + public holidays
- travel allowance provided
- Possibility of joining a supplementary pension fund and health insurance subject to conditions
- Place of work: Institut Français du Royaume-Uni, 23 Cromwell road, London SW7 2EL
- Only applications from candidates who are already eligible to work in the United Kingdom will be considered.
- Start Date: as soon as possible
Only applications from candidates who are already eligible to work in the United Kingdom will be considered.
Non Charity Employer The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
The Grants and Trusts Manager will play a vital role in growing income from Charitable Trusts, Foundations, and Statutory funding by identifying new funding opportunities, developing compelling, high-quality funding applications, and delivering excellent stewardship. This role will support Lakeland Arts’ artistic, heritage, learning, and engagement programmes across our sites in the Lake District including Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house, Abbot Hall art gallery, and Windermere Jetty Museum. You will collaborate with colleagues to develop strong, place-based cases for support aligned with the charity’s strategic priorities. Key Responsibilities Trusts, Foundations & Statutory Fundraising • Identify, research, and qualify funding opportunities from trusts, foundations, and statutory bodies – including Arts Council England - to support the conservation of our artistic, heritage, learning, and engagement activity. • Lead on writing and submitting high-quality funding applications, securing both unrestricted income and project-specific funding aligned with Lakeland Arts’ strategy. • Develop compelling proposals that clearly articulate the significance of our extensive collections, the benefit of public access to these and the value of our heritage, and community impact, using evaluation data, audience insight, and partnership testimonials. • Maintain ownership of a proactive and balanced funding pipeline, ensuring prospects are thoughtfully approached and progressed through the fundraising cycle. Stewardship, Reporting & Relationship Management • Steward a balanced portfolio of funders, building strong, long-term relationships through regular communication and engagement opportunities (including site visits where appropriate), while complying with funding agreements. • Maintain a clear calendar of applications, reports, renewals, and deadlines, ensuring all funder requirements are met to a high standard and on time. • Produce clear, engaging funder reports that demonstrate impact, successful financial management, and agreed outcomes. Internal Collaboration & Funding Priorities • Work collaboratively with colleagues across curatorial, participation & learning, conservation workshop, visitor experience, finance, and leadership teams to shape strong, well-informed funding bids. • Proactively gather information to ensure funding proposals reflect current and emerging organisational priorities. • Contribute to a positive, collaborative culture that values shared learning and cross-departmental working. Data, Systems & Performance Management • Use CRM systems to accurately record fundraising activity, funder communications, deadlines, and outcomes. • Track and analyse fundraising performance against income targets and KPIs, contributing to internal reporting, forecasting, and strategy reviews. • Ensure compliance with fundraising best practice, data protection, charity law, and internal policies and procedures. Representation & Wider Development Activity • Act as a confident and knowledgeable ambassador for Lakeland Arts, representing the charity at funder meetings, networking events, and sector committees. • Support wider development activity, including campaigns, events, and partnership work as required. • Provide administrative and project support to the Development team when needed. Safeguarding, Equity & Organisational Values • Embed safeguarding, health & safety, and duty of care into all aspects of work in line with Lakeland Arts’ policies. • Promote inclusive, welcoming, and accessible arts and heritage spaces for all audiences. • Actively promote Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging principles into dayto-day practice. General: • Ensure the highest level of donor care for sponsors and supporters. • Maintain a solid understanding of the external funding environment, keeping up to date with funding trends and developments in the sector. • Adhere to ethical and legal fundraising best practice keeping up to date with any changes in fundraising legislation. • Contribute to the overall success of the organisation by attracting new funders. This job description outlines the principal responsibilities and duties of the post holder. It isn’t meant to be, nor is it, an exhaustive list of specific responsibilities and duties. The post holder will be expected to undertake any other duties which could reasonably be expected as being within the remit of the post and which arise out of changes of legislation, regulations, orders, rules and working practices, methods and procedures and reviews, as directed from time to time.
Please send CV and Coverletter explaining why you wish to apply and how your skills and experience match our requirements.
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The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.