Job Description

The Edinburgh International Festival is seeking a motivated and curious team-player to join us  as Development Assistant. The Development Assistant underpins the important work of the Development Department which raises crucial funds to help the Festival present an 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.

The Role
The Development Assistant underpins the important work of the Development Department to raise funds from private funders, including individuals, trusts & foundations, corporate partners, and international funders. The Development Assistant directly supports the Director of Development and works across the Development department, providing strong and proactive organisational and administrative support. This includes close working relationships across the Festival, particularly with colleagues in Finance and Box Office, to help Festival supporters, donors and partners have an exceptional experience.

With supervision from the Director of Development and support from the Heads of Philanthropy, Partnerships, and Events, you will have a hand in everything the department does—organising and hosting events, maintaining accurate financial and data records, providing extraordinary donor stewardship, and contributing to strategic aims and objectives. The ideal candidate will:
-    Be curious, creative, and collaborative
-    Have extraordinary organisational and time-management skills
-    Be a confident communicator
-    Have a passion for the arts and eagerness to develop a career in fundraising

Learn about our Employee Benefits


Closing date for applications: Sunday 26 October 2025, 12.00am.

Interviews will be held on  29 October and 31 October 2025.

Funded by The City of Edinburgh Council and Creative Scotland. 
Registered charity number SC004694.

Apply now