At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead patron engagement programmes and sponsorship activation for major cultural events.
- Company: Institut français du Royaume-Uni, a vibrant hub for French culture in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, travel allowance, and health insurance options.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for creativity and community building.
- Why this job: Shape cultural experiences and engage a new generation of supporters in the arts.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in partnerships or audience engagement; fluent in English and French.
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;
- 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.
Head of Patrons’ Circle & Sponsorship Activation in South Kensington employer: Institut français du Royaume-Uni
The Institut français du Royaume-Uni is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant work culture centred around arts and culture, offering employees the chance to engage with a passionate community of patrons and cultural stakeholders. With a focus on professional growth, the role of Head of Patrons’ Circle & Sponsorship Activation provides unique opportunities for creative collaboration and strategic development within London's dynamic cultural landscape, alongside generous benefits such as 32 days of paid leave and a supportive environment for personal and professional advancement.
Contact Details:
Institut français du Royaume-Uni Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Patrons’ Circle & Sponsorship Activation in South Kensington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the arts and culture scene. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or at networking events, make sure to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Let them see how much you care about engaging patrons and enhancing cultural experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after meetings or events! A quick email thanking someone for their time can go a long way. It keeps you on their radar and shows that you’re genuinely interested in building relationships within the community.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest opportunities listed there, and it’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to be part of our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Patrons’ Circle & Sponsorship Activation in South Kensington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see how you can grow and structure the Patrons’ Circle, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Show Your Passion for Culture:This role is all about engaging with arts and culture, so let your enthusiasm shine through! Share any experiences or projects that demonstrate your love for cultural programming and community building.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key skills and experiences are easy to spot. Avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Institut français du Royaume-Uni
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research the Institut français du Royaume-Uni and its Patrons’ Circle. Understand their mission, values, and recent events. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your skills in community building, relationship management, and sponsorship activation. Highlight how you've successfully engaged audiences and created meaningful experiences in previous positions.
✨Engagement Strategies Matter
Be ready to discuss innovative ideas for engaging younger audiences and emerging supporters. Think about how you would approach launching the Young Patrons Circle and what unique value propositions you could offer to attract new members.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the Institut’s future plans. Inquire about their current challenges in patron engagement or how they envision the 'Hors-les-murs' programme evolving. This shows your strategic thinking and genuine interest in contributing to their goals.
