Introduction

The Edinburgh International Festival is looking for an experienced Supporter Relations Manager to join the team. 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.

As part of the Development team, the Supporter Relations Manager will create, develop and manage a programme of stewardship and cultivation activities that fosters loyalty and engagement with the Edinburgh International Festival and offers gold standard stewardship, specifically for 2021 International Festival.

We believe that being inclusive and diverse across all areas of our work helps us bring the best international festival to Edinburgh.  We believe that an inclusive culture is the foundation for a successful workplace, and we strive to grow our diverse representation across our staff, our artists and our audiences.

We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of their backgrounds and life experience.

As part of the Development team, the Supporter Relations Manager will create, develop and manage a programme of stewardship and cultivation activities that fosters loyalty and engagement with the Edinburgh International Festival and offers gold standard stewardship, specifically for 2021 International Festival.

We believe that being inclusive and diverse across all areas of our work helps us bring the best international festival to Edinburgh.  We believe that an inclusive culture is the foundation for a successful workplace, and we strive to grow our diverse representation across our staff, our artists and our audiences.

We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of their backgrounds and life experience.

Supporter Relations Manager  

Fixed term contract: Tuesday 6th April – Friday 3rd September 2021 (exact dates tbc with appointee)

Reports to: Head of Development

Works with: Development Team fundraisers (Corporate Partnerships Manager, Individual Giving Manager, Trusts & Foundations Manager, Strategic Partnerships Manager), Events Manager (temporary post) and Development Director.

Job Purpose: In consultation with fundraisers and others, the post holder will create, develop and manage a programme of stewardship and cultivation activities for major donors and supporters (sponsors, trusts and other stakeholders) that fosters loyalty and engagement with the Edinburgh International Festival and offers gold standard stewardship, specifically during the 2021 festival period and the limitations of COVID-19.

Specific Responsibilities

To work productively as part of the Development Team and in particular to support of the Head of Development and the Development Director with all cultivation and stewardship events and activities. 

Responsibilities include:

• Scope and implement new and innovative stewardship methods to achieve goals as creatively and impactfully as possible to advance the organisation and engage with supporters and stakeholders
• Working with the Development team to create and deliver stewardship and cultivation events (in person and virtual) for all areas of fund-raising in corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations, major gifts and international partners.
• In collaboration with fundraisers, create bespoke stewardship plans for major and principal donors (individuals and organisations) ensuring that activities give a gold-standard experience of the Edinburgh International Festival.
• Meet with fundraisers on a regular basis to discuss stewardship and/or cultivation requirements and ensure that activities are in place to support these during the Festival
• Provide best practice advice and guidance to fundraisers on stewardship activities that maximise interactions with prospects and donors of all level, building loyalty and engagement with the Edinburgh International Festival
• Support the Individual Giving Team with donor relations programme for Friends and mid-level donors
• Take the lead on complex cross-festival stewardship projects involving multiple stakeholders and working closely with senior leadership
• Working with the Executive Office to create impactful stakeholder engagement with public funders and other stakeholders
• Assist with compiling guest lists and sending invitations for International Festival events
• Record details in the Festival’s database Spectrix and ensure that information is frequently updated
• Liaise with the Head of Development and Events Manager re daily guest lists and create and circulate briefing notes to all attending EIF staff, including Directors
• With the Events Manager to be responsible for the delivery of virtual and in person events during and in the lead up to the Festival.
• Oversee the donor reporting schedule, supporting the Development Team, ensuring that reports for Supporters are produced on time

Post Festival

• Making sure records of attendance at stewardship and cultivation events and activities are complete for reporting purposes
• Completing a record of all stewardship activity and recommendations for taking this forward

General

• Attend Development Team regular meetings and stewardship planning meetings
• Attend other hospitality events and external meetings as agreed with the Development Director and Head of Development
• Be attentive to and implement EIF brand and style guidelines
• Respect Partners and EIF confidentiality
• Any other duties as requested by the Head of Development and the Development Director.

Person specification

• A proven track record of stewardship and donor engagement at senior level preferably in the cultural, university or third-sector.
• An understanding of the fund-raising process particularly in the cultivation and stewardship of relationships with individuals and organisations
• Exceptional organisational and time management skills including the ability to cope with high volumes of work, changing priorities and critical deadlines.
• Flexible approach and adaptability to last minute changes.
• Ability to analyse problems /anticipate situations, formulate suitable solutions and implement appropriate actions under pressure.
• Excellent standard of writing and confident oral communication skills
• An ability to work on own initiative, to be pro-active in developing engagement ideas
• A polished and personable manner, confident in dealing with stakeholders and senior colleagues
• Creativity and enthusiasm to inspire colleagues and create exceptional experiences
• A team player who demonstrates willingness to share information and ability to communicate positively and effectively with colleagues, including direct reports.
• Proficient in IT skills including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and ability to work from home if required
• An interest in and appreciation of arts and culture

Terms and Conditions

Our standard working hours are 35 hours per week, by agreement within standard office hours of 9.30 to 17.30, Monday to Friday. As this role starts before and continues for the duration of the annual International Festival, it will be necessary to work outside standard hours and at weekends and payment of overtime is not applicable to this post.  

We welcome any requests to discuss flexible working.  There is no obligation to raise this at the application stage but if you wish to do so, you are welcome to.  Flexible working can also be part of the discussion at the offer stage.  Please note that during the 3 week duration of the Festival it may not be possible to offer or continue previously agreed flexible working.

Contract type Fixed term

Salary £30,000 per annum pro rata

Holiday entitlement

22 days per annum and an additional 5 public holidays to be taken pro-rata

Pension Scheme

The International Festival will comply with the employer pension duties in accordance with Part 1 of the Pension Act 2008, as amended or replaced from time to time.