The Edinburgh International Festival is looking for a creative, organised, and collaborative storyteller to join the team in our new Donor Engagement 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.

The Role:
The Donor Engagement Lead will creatively bring together the right people, information, messaging and moments to demonstrate the impact of philanthropy and partnerships at the Festival, and deploy appropriate strategies to maximise donor satisfaction and retention.

Able to develop content and write compellingly for a range of donor constituents on a variety of artistic forms and social impact areas, they will ensure that frontline fundraisers on the team are equipped with the materials and content they need to grow and maintain fruitful donor relationships, and that all engagement points combine donor needs with organisational moments and key messages.

They will work closely with fundraisers and colleagues across the Development team to lead and manage donor recognition, support engagement & stewardship plans for high-value supporters and partners, and support frontline fundraisers with content & materials which connect supporters directly to the impact that they enable.

The Donor Engagement Lead will also foster productive internal relationships, particularly serving as the Development department’s primary liaison and resource with colleagues in the Audiences department, to ensure consistency across messaging, timing, and delivery.

Performance Indicators and Deliverables 
•    A strategic, nuanced, year-round communications plan for the Festival’s donors and prospects, particularly high-value supporters and those who don’t regularly attend the Festival
•    Integration of donor segments in organisational communications, alongside bespoke communications to high-value supporters, all aligned to the organisational key messages and overarching comms plan
•    Donors and partners are recognised appropriately for their support, both in traditional crediting and through the delivery of benefits and strategic engagements
•    Strategic events deliver on objectives and result in stronger giving/sponsorship relationships
•    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
•    Frontline high-value fundraising personnel are equipped with the materials, resources, and assets they need to communicate effectively and consistently with their donors and prospects

 Learn about our Employee Benefits

Closing date for applications: Friday 4 December 2026, 10:00am

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.