Donor Engagement & Communications Lead

£30,500 to £34,500 per annum

Closing Date 30 April 2026

Permanent, Full Time

About the Organisation

Since 1947, the Edinburgh International Festival has existed to promote the exchange of ideas and deepen understanding between cultures through an unparalleled global celebration of exceptional performing arts. We are the original festival and bring some of the most exciting and creative artists working today to audiences from around the world.

Each August, we present the finest and most original performers and ensembles from the worlds of opera, music, dance and theatre over three weeks in venues across the city of Edinburgh. Throughout the rest of the year, we devise bespoke experiences to inspire our audiences and communities, to unlock their creativity and cultural curiosity. Our vision is simple: to provide the deepest experience of the highest quality art for the broadest possible audience.

About the Role

The Donor Engagement & Communications Lead will creatively bring together the right people, information, and messaging to demonstrate the impact of philanthropy and partnerships at the Festival, and deploy appropriate strategies to maximise donor satisfaction and retention.

Able to write and develop content for a range of donor constituents on a variety of artistic forms, they will ensure fundraising is integrated into communication channels at all levels, and that frontline fundraisers on the team are equipped with the materials and content they need to grow and maintain fruitful donor relationships.

They will work closely with fundraisers and colleagues across the Development team to lead and manage the donor recognition and stewardship programme, as well as develop reports, updates and activities that connect supporters directly to the impact that they enable.

The Donor Engagement & Communications Lead will also foster productive internal relationships, particularly with colleagues in the Audiences department, to develop content and materials which articulate the Festival’s fundraising priorities and outcomes.

How to Apply

  • Download: the full job description HERE
  • Apply: via the dedicated jobs portal HERE
  • Deadline: 5pm on Thursday 30 April - due to the high volume of applications received for this role, it is possible the job opening will close before the application closing date. We advise you to submit your application as soon as possible.
  • Interviews: 13 & 14 May, with second round interviews for finalists on 18 May.

EIF is an equal opportunity employer, we value diversity and applications from candidates of all communities and backgrounds. Inclusive culture is the foundation for a successful workplace, this is a key focus for us across our staff, our artists, and our audiences. To increase the diversity of our staff, our recruitment includes the Rooney Rule - regarding ethnicity – and Disability Confident Scheme for interviews. For more information go to our website.

Funded by The City of Edinburgh Council and Creative Scotland.
Registered charity number SC004694.

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