At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts to support the Edinburgh International Festival's vision and impact.
- Company: Join a vibrant team at the Edinburgh International Festival, celebrating creativity and diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent contract, and opportunities for flexible working hours.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a focus on teamwork and exceptional supporter experiences.
- Why this job: Make a difference in the arts while collaborating with passionate individuals.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
The Edinburgh International Festival is looking for an experienced, creative, and ambitious Philanthropy Manager to join the Development Department. 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.
We’re looking for someone who has proven experience in growing fundraising income through both membership campaign strategy and mid-level and major gifts frontline fundraising. Our team is hard-working, driven, and collaborative, and we’re looking for someone who can combine both the art and science of fundraising to help support the Festival’s vision to create the deepest experience with the highest quality of art for the broadest possible audience.
Reporting to the Head of Philanthropy, the Philanthropy Manager is responsible for developing and managing individual giving revenue streams (inclusive of membership), alongside their own portfolio of higher-level supporters and legacy donors, working alongside the Head of Philanthropy to shape and implement the overall strategy.
The Philanthropy Manager collaborates closely within the Philanthropy team, across the Development Department, and with colleagues in the Audiences Department to design and implement a cohesive, exceptional supporter experience for members and individual supporters of the Festival. The Philanthropy team is a close-knit team, thriving in a fast-paced environment, which requires flexibility, excellent organisation and time-management, and strong communication skills.
£41,000 to £45,000 per annum Permanent contract 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.
Closing date for applications: 9.00am, 28/09/2026. 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. The deadline is Monday 28 September 2026 at 09:00.
Philanthropy Manager employer: Creative Scotland
Capital Theatres is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that thrives on teamwork and creativity within the heart of Edinburgh's cultural scene. As a Box Office Sales Assistant, you will enjoy flexible working hours, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to engage with diverse audiences while contributing to memorable performances. Join us in a role that not only values your contributions but also fosters a sense of community and passion for the arts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Philanthropy Manager
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Creative Scotland.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Creative Scotland.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Creative Scotland.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Creative Scotland. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Philanthropy Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Creative Scotland. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Philanthropy Manager, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Creative Scotland
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Creative Scotland. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
