The Edinburgh International Festival is looking for an experienced, passionate and dedicated Executive Assistant to the Festival Director 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.  
 

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:
 

Behind every great Festival Director is someone who helps make things all run in harmony. As Executive Assistant to Festival Director Nicola Benedetti, you’ll be an organised, proactive force. You’ll manage a diary that spans time zones, anticipate what’s needed before anyone asks, handle VIPs, board members and government officials with discretion, and keep a hundred moving parts perfectly in time. A deep love of the performing arts is essential, but passion alone won’t be enough. We need a seasoned executive assistant, perhaps from supporting a CEO, managing director, chair or chief of staff, who brings polish, sound judgement and relentless drive. If you’re a brilliant organiser who also loves live performance, this is a front-row seat.

Performance Indicators and Deliverables 
•    Success in this role is as much about HOW you operate as what you deliver.
•    You will bring pace without creating unnecessary noise; confidence without ego; discretion without becoming disconnected; and challenge without losing collaboration.
•    You will be comfortable working alongside senior and high-profile individuals while treating everyone across EIF with professionalism and respect.  
•    You will actively contribute to a culture where information is shared appropriately, commitments are followed through and colleagues work across organisational boundaries to achieve the best outcome for EIF.

Learn about our Employee Benefits

Closing date for applications: Monday 30 November 2026, 09:00am

Due to the high volume of applications 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. 

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