At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising strategies and engage with donors to support the Edinburgh International Festival.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at the Edinburgh International Festival, celebrating creativity and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace focused on community and creativity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the arts while working with passionate individuals.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40101 - 49013 £ per year.
The Edinburgh International Festival is looking for an experienced, creative, and ambitious Philanthropy Manager to join the Development Department. 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.
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.
To increase the diversity of our staff, our recruitment includes the Rooney Rule regarding ethnicity and Disability Confident Scheme for interviews.
Job Specification
The Role:
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.
Performance Indicators and Deliverables
- A fundraising strategy for membership and individual giving (mid-level, online, US-based donors, and legacy) is delivered successfully and meets or exceeds annual income targets.
- Successfully engaging with donors and prospects in the Philanthropy Manager’s portfolio to move donors & prospects through the fundraising cycle, resulting in new, renewed, and upgraded giving.
- The Membership scheme and US giving scheme are managed appropriately, adhering to legal and regulatory requirements, monitored and reported on regularly, and are delivered in collaboration with colleagues across the organisation to ensure an exceptional and consistent donor experience.
- The Festival’s gift aid claim is submitted successfully each year, with underlying data and tracking mechanisms in place and audited regularly for accuracy.
- Prospects are identified proactively, organised and assigned strategically, engaged consistently, and moved through the fundraising cycle to ensure a healthy pipeline of future supporters.
- The Philanthropy Manager is abreast of wider fundraising trends, regulatory changes, and best-practice, and proactively shares and implements this across the Philanthropy team and Development Department.
- The Philanthropy Manager is viewed internally as a collaborative and knowledgeable colleague and contributes actively to organisational policies, culture, and projects.
Closing date for applications: 9am, 28 September 2026
Interview dates: 6 October 2026
Job applicants will be expected to provide evidence of permanent right to work in the United Kingdom or be able to obtain such.
Philanthropy Manager 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 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 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 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 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 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 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!
