Advertised from 8 April 2026

Role

The Edinburgh International Festival is looking for a creative, organised, and collaborative storyteller to join the team in our new Donor Engagement & Communications Lead role. We want you to help us deliver this unparalleled celebration of the performing arts, which brings some of the most exciting and creative artists working today to audiences from around the world.  

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. 

Job Specification

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.

Performance Indicators and Deliverables 

• A strategic, nuanced, year-round communications plan for the Festival’s donor and prospects, particularly those who don’t regularly attend the Festival
• Exceptional written content, tailored for different donors and tones of voice (including our brand tone of voice) which communicates our case for support and the impact of our supporters’ generosity
• Engaging strategic events, bringing artists and supporters closer together, in support of our fundraising strategy
• Supporting frontline fundraising personnel with the materials, resources, and assets they need to communicate effectively and consistently with their donors and prospects

Benefits: EIF-Employee-Benefits.pdf

Application notes

Please apply online at Jobs | Edinburgh International Festival

Closing date for applications: 5pm, Thursday 30 April 2026

Interviews will be held on 13 and 14 May, with second round interviews for finalists on 18 May.

If a high volume of applications is 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. 

Job applicants will be expected to provide evidence of right to work in the United Kingdom or be able to obtain such. This role is not eligible under the Skilled Worker Route.