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- Tasks: Join the HippFest team to drive funding and partnerships for Scotland's unique silent film festival.
- Company: Falkirk Council supports HippFest, Scotland's first silent film festival with live music.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work flexibility and access to a collaborative workspace when needed.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative arts project that champions inclusion and sustainability while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Looking for organised, passionate individuals with experience in strategy, partnerships, and fundraising.
- Other info: Temporary contract from Sep 2025 to Aug 2026, with core festival dates in March 2026.
The predicted salary is between 42840 - 42840 £ per year.
Falkirk Council is looking for an arts professional with a strong track record in strategy, partnerships & fundraising to work as part of the friendly and dedicated HippFest team.
HippFest is Scotland’s first and only festival of silent film with live music, centred in and inspired by Scotland’s oldest cinema, featuring exceptional screenings, commissions, workshops, community events and touring.
This role is vital to the Festival’s ongoing success, taking HippFest to the next phase having secured Creative Scotland Multi-Year funding for 2025-28. The successful candidate will, in conjunction with the Festival Director, source & apply for funding & sponsorship in general & for specific projects, to support development & delivery of HippFest’s Business Plan 2025-28. With the Festival Director, you will establish/nurture a broad range of new/existing partnerships locally, nationally & internationally, for delivery and strategic development. You will provide groundwork for the Team to progress the Festival’s Accessibility ambitions. You will lead on Festival monitoring & evaluation to inform strategic development & project sustainability, producing reports for stakeholders. You will provide strategic direction for the Young Programmers Group, managing & developing the group’s 2026 HippFest cohort.
This is a great role for a highly efficient, organised & committed person with a flair for innovation & a passion for championing inclusion, excellence, collaboration & sustainability through the arts.
If you have any questions contact alison.strauss@falkirk.gov.uk before applying.
Fee: £18,870 (111 days @ £170 p/d). (FTE 0.44 @37hrs p/w) (£42,840 pro rata)
Term: Temporary contract, 1 Sep 2025–31 Aug 2026 subject to successful completion of a one-month probationary period. Core dates for HippFest 2026 are Wednesday 18 – Sunday 22 March 2026, plus key events on other dates (eg. programme launch w/c Mon 2 Feb 2026).
Place of Work: Mostly remote working but there is the option to access to a workstation hub with a wired data connection, external display, keyboard & mouse (subject to availability) at Council offices (Falkirk Stadium/Callendar House) (during office hours). The Development Officer will need to attend meetings and undertake stakeholder engagement across the Falkirk area. It is therefore essential that the Development Officer is mobile across the Falkirk area.
Interviews: Tue 12 Aug (afternoon) & Wed 13 Aug
Further information on the role, person specification, application & selection process are included here: https://www.hippodromecinema.co.uk/media/wtmjdyrm/hippfest-2026-development-officer-recruitment-pack-final.pdf
Location: East Dunbartonshire, East Lothian, East Renfrewshire, Edinburgh City, Falkirk, Fife, Glasgow City, Midlothian, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Lanarkshire, Stirling, West Lothian
The deadline is Monday 28 July 2025 at 11:00.
TAGGED:
Audience Development / Equalities / Film / Festivals / Music / Young People (aged 0 to 25) / Cultural Tourism / Cultural Policy
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Development Officer (Freelance) employer: Creative Scotland
Contact Detail:
Creative Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Officer (Freelance)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the arts and festival sectors. Attend local events or workshops related to film and arts funding, as this will help you build connections that could lead to partnerships or sponsorship opportunities for HippFest.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Creative Scotland's funding criteria and application processes. Understanding what they look for can give you an edge when sourcing and applying for funding for specific projects at HippFest.
✨Tip Number 3
Research successful case studies of similar festivals and their development strategies. This knowledge can provide you with innovative ideas to propose during your discussions with the Festival Director and stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your vision for enhancing accessibility at the festival. Think about practical steps and initiatives you could implement to ensure inclusivity, as this aligns with the festival's ambitions and will demonstrate your commitment to its values.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Officer (Freelance)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements. Highlight your relevant experience in strategy, partnerships, and fundraising that aligns with the Development Officer role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position. Emphasise any previous work in arts management, festival organisation, or community engagement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the arts and your understanding of HippFest's mission. Include specific examples of how you have successfully sourced funding or built partnerships in the past.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Creative Scotland
✨Show Your Passion for the Arts
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the arts and how it drives your work. Share specific examples of projects or initiatives you've been involved in that highlight your commitment to cultural development and inclusion.
✨Demonstrate Fundraising Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous fundraising successes in detail. Be ready to outline your strategies for sourcing funding and sponsorship, and how you plan to apply these skills to support HippFest's Business Plan.
✨Highlight Partnership Building Skills
Discuss your experience in establishing and nurturing partnerships. Provide examples of how you've collaborated with various stakeholders, and how you can leverage these skills to enhance HippFest's reach and impact.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Accessibility Initiatives
Since the role involves progressing the Festival's accessibility ambitions, come prepared with ideas on how to make events more inclusive. Share any relevant experiences where you've successfully implemented accessibility measures in past projects.