At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting youth engagement projects and connect young people with the arts.
- Company: Join the Edinburgh International Festival, a vibrant celebration of performing arts.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for creativity and skill development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on youth connections and inspire the next generation of artists.
- Qualifications: Experience in youth engagement and project management is a plus.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with a focus on creativity and community.
The predicted salary is between 31000 - 35000 £ per year.
We want you to help us deliver this unparalleled celebration of the performing arts, bringing 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 encourage applications from candidates of all communities and backgrounds. We engage with positive action to increase diversity of our staff. An inclusive culture is the foundation for a successful workplace; this is a key focus for us across our staff, artists, and audiences.
The Role
To develop and manage the Festival's core programme of Youth engagement. Build long‐term, impactful connections and relationships with schools, organisations and community groups across Edinburgh, Scotland and internationally. Create and deliver projects and participation opportunities for young people to meaningfully connect with the Festival, develop skills, creativity and curiosity.
Job Responsibilities and Deliverables
- Work with the Head of Discovery & Participation to deliver our youth connections strategy plan that demonstrates clear impact in line with our strategic aims.
- Lead on our Youth Connections Programmes for Young People and Children. Deliver projects designed for 2026, and plan projects for 2027. Key projects include: Art of Listening (Primary 7), Discover Series (S1‐6), Youth Collective (16‐18 yrs), Youth Takeover Day (S5/6), two transatlantic youth connections projects and Young Music Pass events. These projects will involve codesign with our Youth Collective.
- Oversee the creation of opportunities and resources for schools and groups to enrich their connection to Discovery & Participation projects and creative learning experiences.
Please apply online at our website. 35 hours per week, by agreement within standard office hours of 9.30 to 17.30, Monday to Friday. At peak times, and particularly immediately before and during the Festival, it will be necessary to work outside standard hours and at weekends. However the working hours will not exceed the working time directive.
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.
Funded by The City of Edinburgh Council and Creative Scotland. Registered charity number SC004694.
The deadline is Friday 03 April 2026 at 09:00.
Youth Connections Manager (maternity cover) in Edinburgh employer: Creative Scotland
Contact Detail:
Creative Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Connections Manager (maternity cover) in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Edinburgh International Festival inside out! Familiarise yourself with their past projects and current initiatives. This will help you tailor your conversations and show genuine interest when networking or during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those involved with youth engagement and arts. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet!
✨Tip Number 3
When you get an interview, think about how you can demonstrate your passion for youth connections. Share specific ideas or projects you’d love to implement at the festival. Show them you’re ready to hit the ground running!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website as soon as you can! With the high volume of applications, getting your name in early can make a real difference. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen on the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Connections Manager (maternity cover) in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you start writing, take a moment to really understand what we do at the Edinburgh International Festival. Familiarise yourself with our youth engagement initiatives and think about how your experience aligns with our mission.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Youth Connections Manager role. Highlight relevant experiences that showcase your ability to build relationships with schools and community groups, and demonstrate your passion for engaging young people in the arts.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We want to see your personality shine through, so don’t be afraid to let your enthusiasm for the role come across!
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! Given the high volume of applications we receive, it’s best to apply as soon as you can. Head over to our website and get your application in early to stand out from the crowd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Creative Scotland
✨Know Your Youth Engagement Strategies
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and best practices in youth engagement. Research the Edinburgh International Festival's previous projects and think about how you can contribute to their core programme. Be ready to discuss specific ideas that align with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
This role involves working closely with schools, organisations, and community groups. Prepare examples of past collaborations where you’ve successfully built relationships and created impactful projects. Highlight your ability to co-design initiatives with young people, as this is key for the Youth Collective.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for the Arts
The festival is all about celebrating the performing arts, so let your enthusiasm shine through! Share your experiences with arts programmes or events, and explain how they’ve shaped your understanding of youth engagement. This will show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and creativity. Think about potential challenges in engaging youth and how you would address them. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.