At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive major donor growth and design engagement strategies for high-value supporters.
- Company: Join the prestigious Edinburgh International Festival, a global celebration of the arts.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that shapes cultural experiences and connects with influential donors.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in fundraising and strong relationship-building skills.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a respected organisation.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 51000 £ 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.
To sustain and grow our impact, we’re investing in our fundraising and partnerships, and expanding our Development team. We’re now looking for a Senior Philanthropy Manager to drive major donor growth, particularly among wider national and international supporters. With a focus on donors with the capacity to give £10,000, and a portfolio mostly centred in London and New York, you’ll design compelling engagement strategies, secure new gifts, and grow existing support.
You’ll also get to work closely with senior leadership, playing a key role in securing some of the Festival’s most significant donations. We’re looking for a proactive, strategic fundraiser with a strong track record in individual major gifts and stakeholder management. This will take someone who thrives on building relationships, thinking creatively, and delivering results as part of a collaborative team.
This is a rare career opportunity to join a high-performing and growing fundraising team at an organisation which maintains an exceptional reputation year on year, and garners international respect and attention.
If that piques your interest, please get in touch via our recruitment partners at Richmond Associates. You can download further details on the role from their website by following the Apply button.
Closing date for applications: 5pm Wednesday, 29 April 2026.
Senior Philanthropy Manager in Edinburgh employer: Edinburgh International Festival
Contact Detail:
Edinburgh International Festival Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Philanthropy Manager in Edinburgh
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the philanthropy scene! Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for the arts and fundraising shine through. Share your ideas on how to engage major donors and make it clear that you’re ready to contribute to their mission.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework on the Edinburgh International Festival and its fundraising strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in securing major gifts. Confidence and knowledge go a long way!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to something amazing.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Philanthropy Manager in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Senior Philanthropy Manager. We want to see how your skills in major donor growth and stakeholder management can contribute to our mission at the Edinburgh International Festival.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to hear about your successes! Share specific examples of how you've secured major gifts or built relationships with donors. This will help us understand the impact you've made in your previous roles.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who thrives on building relationships and thinking creatively, so don’t be afraid to show us what makes you unique and passionate about philanthropy.
Follow the Application Process: Make sure to apply through our website as instructed. It’s super important to follow the guidelines provided by Richmond Associates to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Edinburgh International Festival
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research the Edinburgh International Festival and its mission. Understand their fundraising goals and recent initiatives. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Showcase Your Success Stories
Prepare specific examples of your past successes in securing major gifts. Highlight your strategic approach and how you built relationships with donors. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact, as numbers can speak volumes in fundraising.
✨Engagement Strategies Matter
Be ready to discuss your ideas for engaging high-value donors, especially those in London and New York. Think creatively about how to connect them with the Festival's vision and how you would personalise their experience.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the current challenges the Development team faces or how they measure success in donor engagement. This shows your strategic thinking and genuine interest in contributing to their goals.