Artist development programme manager jobs in Edinburgh
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Donor Engagement & Communications Lead
Salary: £30,500 - £34,500 pa
Contract Type: Permanent
The Edinburgh International Festival is looking for a creative, organised, and collaborative storyteller to join the team in our new Donor Engagement & Communications Lead role. 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.
To increase the diversity of our staff, our recruitment includes the Rooney Rule - regarding ethnicity – and Disability Confident Scheme for interviews. For more information go to our website.
Job Specification
The Role:
The Donor Engagement & Communications Lead will creatively bring together the right people, information, and messaging to demonstrate the impact of philanthropy and partnerships at the Festival, and deploy appropriate strategies to maximise donor satisfaction and retention.
Able to write and develop content for a range of donor constituents on a variety of artistic forms, they will ensure fundraising is integrated into communication channels at all levels, and that frontline fundraisers on the team are equipped with the materials and content they need to grow and maintain fruitful donor relationships.
They will work closely with fundraisers and colleagues across the Development team to lead and manage the donor recognition and stewardship programme, as well as develop reports, updates and activities that connect supporters directly to the impact that they enable.
The Donor Engagement & Communications Lead will also foster productive internal relationships, particularly with colleagues in the Audiences department, to develop content and materials which articulate the Festival’s fundraising priorities and outcomes.
Performance Indicators and Deliverables
· A strategic, nuanced, year-round communications plan for the Festival’s donor and prospects, particularly those who don’t regularly attend the Festival
· Exceptional written content, tailored for different donors and tones of voice (including our brand tone of voice) which communicates our case for support and the impact of our supporters’ generosity
· Engaging strategic events, bringing artists and supporters closer together, in support of our fundraising strategy
· Supporting frontline fundraising personnel with the materials, resources, and assets they need to communicate effectively and consistently with their donors and prospects
Benefits: EIF-Employee-Benefits.pdf
Please apply online at Jobs | Edinburgh International Festival
Closing date for applications: 5pm, Thursday 30 April 2026
Interviews will be held on 13 and 14 May, with second round interviews for finalists on 18 May.
If a high volume of applications is 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.
Job applicants will be expected to provide evidence of right to work in the United Kingdom or be able to obtain such. This role is not eligible under the Skilled Worker Route.
Registered Charity 
21 - 50
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
This is a rare opportunity to lead the development and delivery of our digital learning and natural history publishing at our national environmental education charity.
You will oversee a talented team and collaborate with authors, designers, and creators in the natural history community to deliver innovative training and resources that set the standard for environmental learning.
- Permanent full-time contract
- Starting salary circa £36,973 per annum + excellent benefits
- Flexible base location with remote / home working welcomed
- Make a visible, lasting contribution to environmental education across the UK
Love where you work!
At the Field Studies Council, our mission is to create outstanding opportunities that inspire everyone to engage with and care for the environment.
Your team will be responsible for creating high-quality training courses, publications, and resources that inspire learners of all ages. You’ll work together to extend our charity’s impact across the UK.
We value the contribution each team member makes and provide excellent benefits to reward and support you in your role.
What you’ll be doing
In this key leadership role, you will guide the Digital Learning & Publishing unit, ensuring our courses and publications are impactful, financially sustainable and aligned with our charitable mission. Your work will include:
- Overseeing the production and management of biodiversity training courses and natural history publications
- Leading a team to deliver both in person and digital learning experiences
- Managing budgets, business planning, and the operational performance of the unit
- Working with Marketing to grow ecommerce revenue and promote the portfolio
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with partners, authors, tutors, designers, and the wider natural history community
- Identifying new opportunities, markets, and partnerships to expand our reach
- Leading editorial workflows, rights management, licensing, and version control
- Commissioning new titles and resources that support environmental understanding
- Ensuring compliance with GDPR, safeguarding, and copyright requirements
Where you’ll be based
The base location for this position is negotiable, with remote working / home working welcomed. If you prefer working in an office environment, you can work from one of our Field Studies Centres across the UK. Hybrid working options can also be considered.
This role includes travel to Field Studies Council locations and other venues throughout the UK and will involve some overnight stays.
You’ll thrive in this role if you are:
- An experienced senior manager with a strategic mindset
- Skilled at leading teams, freelancers, and creative contributors
- Confident working with authors, artists, designers, and content creators
- Experienced in delivering training materials at regional or national scale
- Commercially aware, with strong budget management experience
- A clear and engaging communicator with excellent written and verbal skills
- Highly organised, detail focused, and able to deliver at pace
- Comfortable using digital tools, databases, and online learning platforms
- Motivated by our mission and values
If you are looking for a role where your leadership can make a genuine difference to environmental learning, we would be delighted to receive your application.
* Your benefits whilst working with us will include:
- 28 days annual leave + bank holidays
- 2 extra loyalty days dependent on length of service
- Life assurance 5 x your annual basic salary
- Health and Wellbeing Support App for you and eligible family members to access remote GP appointments, mental health consultations, physiotherapy sessions and financial & legal support
- 24-hour Counselling Helpline Service
- Cycle to work and EV schemes
- Discounts and cashback opportunities
- Flexible working options where roles permit
- Quality learning and development opportunities
The closing date for receipt of your completed application is 27th April 2026.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we’re in receipt of sufficient applications. Please apply early to avoid disappointment.
Interviews are scheduled to take place at Field Studies Council online in the week commencing 11th May 2026.
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by email.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and we expect all team members to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will only be confirmed following the successful completion of rigorous pre-employment checks, including appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks / PVG Scheme check with Disclosure Scotland.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.