Time-Sensitive: Intern as a Speechwriter for French Cultural Services!

This would be a great opportunity for any student who has taken FRE 344 (Translation Techniques) and FRE 246 (France Today)! Hurry: deadline is August 12.


Fall Speechwriting Internship
Employment: Credit-Worthy Internship Job
Organization: Embassy of France | 972 5th Avenue, New York, NY
Department: Development Department
Duration: 3 months, 20 hours per week
Application: cover letter, resume, writing sample (in a single PDF file)
Deadline: August 12, 2015
Start Date: September 1, 2015


The Cultural Services of the French Embassy, headquartered in New York, promote the best of French arts, literature, and education to cultural and academic institutions across the United States, with a strong focus on the contemporary. The Development Office handles fundraising initiatives as well as the organization of many high level events for the Cultural Services.


The Speechwriting intern will draft all speeches to be said by the Cultural Counselor of the French Embassy at these events. Most speeches are written for decoration ceremonies during which a prominent cultural figure receives a French governmental award (ex: Chevalier dans l’Ordre des arts et des lettres, Légion d’honneur) but they are also frequently written for other cultural or academic events at universities, cultural institutions, or festivals. Due to the range in types of speeches required, the speechwriting intern should be comfortable alternating between different tones and styles. The position also requires a collaborative spirit and ease with accepting and integrating constructive criticism. For examples of the types of speeches the Speechwriting Intern would compose, follow this link: http://frenchculture.org/archive/speeches.


Beyond the writing itself, the Speechwriting Intern would perform extensive research on people, events, and cultural institutions to enhance speeches and would work with the Director of Communications and Development to refine them once written. In addition to writing and researching, duties may also include administrative tasks (updating contact lists and databases for example). Experience with speechwriting is a plus. These tasks naturally require excellent communications skills (both written and oral) and good computer skills (Microsoft Office, Firefox, etc.). Though most of our communications take place in English, our bilingual environment means it is essential to speak French well in order to understand the source material and to effectively interact with the mostly French staff. We are therefore seeking candidates with a background in history, politics, diplomacy, social sciences, creative writing, arts administration, English or French Studies. Having lived in France is a definite asset, as is a good knowledge and understanding of French culture and society.


Summary •Currently studying in a U.S. university (undergraduate preferred) •Excellent verbal and written communication skills. •Excellent comprehension of French (written and oral) •Excellent writing and research skills •Flexibility of writing style and ability to accept and integrate constructive criticism •Enthusiasm and collaborative spirit •Excellent organizational skills with particular attention to detail •Capacity to effectively manage multiple tasks and deadlines •Great interpersonal skills •Good general knowledge of France


How to Apply Please send a single PDF file including cover letter, resume and short writing sample (1/2 page, in English, about a cultural event) to Kimberly Corliss on or before August 12, 2015. Please note: Incomplete applications and applications that are not submitted as a single PDF file will not be considered. Contact Kimberly Corliss, Copywriter kimberly.corliss@diplomatie.gouv.fr Cultural Services - Embassy of France 972 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10075