Head of Partnerships
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In this role, you will manage all fundraising activities for corporates, strategic and international partners, and public funders. You will create and drive forward an ambitious and strategic donor-centric fundraising plan in your area, and work collaboratively to achieve comprehensive Development goals.
The International Festival’s Development Team is comprised of curious, hard-working, and creative individuals who are all deeply committed to EIF and the role the arts play in enriching our lives and bringing world cultures together. The Head of Partnerships leads a team of three, including two direct reports.
The Edinburgh International Festival was the inspired idea of Rudolf Bing, then the General Manager of Glyndebourne Opera, Henry Harvey Wood, the Head of the British Council in Scotland, and leaders from the City of Edinburgh. It was established in 1947 as a world-class cultural event to bring together audiences and artists from around the world, and over 75 years has gone from strength to strength.
For three weeks in August, Scotland’s capital becomes an unparalleled celebration of the performing arts and an annual meeting point for people of all nations.
The Festival enjoys a centrality to the cultural, social and economic life of our city that is rare in today’s world. It is grounded in Scotland and is truly international; it is conscious of its history, yet always looking to the future; it is deeply collaborative, yet resolutely independent. The past two years have been some of the most challenging in the Festival’s history and yet it has also been a time of innovation, inspiration, and affirmation of the role of culture in all our lives.
The International Festival’s impact extends beyond the annual programme: their community learning and engagement and professional development programmes run throughout the year, reaching the widest possible audiences and contributing to the cultural and social life of Edinburgh and Scotland.
Your skills & attributes for success:
• A proven track record of corporate fund-raising and managing business relationships with brands
and other business partners.
• Demonstrable success of negotiating partnerships to at least 6 figure level.
• Experience leading and managing a team within a matrixed organisation.
• Proven track record of pitching, negotiating, and securing major partnership agreements (six+ figures).
• A talent for building and nurturing great working relationships.
• A flexible approach and positive outlook.
• An engaging and inspiring individual.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; knowledge of a CRM (EIF is on Spektrix) is a plus.
• Excellent account management skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with a portfolio of
corporate and individual clients at all partnership levels.
• Ability to work under pressure to ensure deadlines and targets are met.
• Experience leading and directing relationship management with partner contacts at all levels, including
C-suite executives and high-profile domestic and international governmental figures.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of corporate, international, and governmental fundraising
policies, rules, regulations, and contract/agreement terminology.
