At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic fundraising team and develop innovative income generation strategies.
- Company: Join the Edinburgh International Festival, a global celebration of the performing arts.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative environment, and the chance to make a cultural impact.
- Other info: Temporary role until January 2028 with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a prestigious festival and inspire others through the arts.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in fundraising and experience with corporate and individual philanthropists.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 90000 £ per year.
The Edinburgh International Festival is one of the world’s great celebrations of the performing arts - bringing people together across cultures since 1947. Each August, we transform Edinburgh into a global stage, showcasing the most exciting and original work in opera, music, dance and theatre. Beyond the Festival, we create year-round experiences that spark creativity and deepen cultural curiosity. Our ambition is bold: to deliver world-class art to the widest possible audience.
We are now seeking an exceptional Director of Development to join our senior leadership team on a maternity cover basis, until end of January 2028. Reporting to the Chief Executive and working closely with the Festival Director, you will collaborate with other Directors on the SMT to contribute to the leadership and ambitions of the Festival. You will lead a talented and committed Development team, and play a key role in achieving growing fundraising targets.
You will be confident in your ability to operate at this level and have substantial experience of working with leading corporate and individual philanthropists to deliver highly successful income generating activities. You enjoy using your creativity and enterprising nature to develop new and exciting income generation propositions, and have been successful in gaining the support of those around you to turn these ideas into reality.
To succeed in this role, you will be an inspirational, inclusive and collaborative leader with experience of guiding and motivating teams, and bring an imaginative and flexible approach to achieving outstanding results. This is a rare career opportunity to lead a high-performing and growing fundraising team at an organisation which maintains an exceptional reputation year on year, and garners international respect and attention.
Funded by The City of Edinburgh Council and Creative Scotland. Registered charity number SC004694.
Closing date for applications: Thursday 22 October 2026
Status: Temporary, full time
Start date: Maternity cover from December
Salary: circa £90,000
Closing date: 22/10/2026
Director of Development (Maternity Cover) employer: Edinburgh International Festival
The Edinburgh International Festival is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that celebrates diversity and creativity. As a Senior Editor, you will have the opportunity to shape the narrative of one of the world's leading arts festivals, while benefiting from a supportive environment that prioritises employee growth and development. Located in the heart of Edinburgh, you will be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering outstanding artistic experiences to audiences globally.
Contact Details:
Edinburgh International Festival Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Development (Maternity Cover)
✨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 Edinburgh International Festival.
✨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 Edinburgh International Festival.
✨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 Edinburgh International Festival.
✨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 Edinburgh International Festival. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Development (Maternity Cover)
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 Edinburgh International Festival. 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 Director of Development (Maternity Cover), 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 Edinburgh International Festival
✨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 Edinburgh International Festival. 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!
