Charity registered in Scotland SC003790
Edinburgh International Science Festival, founded in 1989, is an educational charity that encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to discover the wonder of the world around them.
Top job! Corporate Sponsorship & Philanthropy Lead
- Full time
- £35,000 – £40,000
- Hybrid: Edinburgh
- Closing 16th April 2025
We are passionate about inspiring audiences through science and innovation, and we are looking for a dynamic individual to help drive our fundraising efforts to new heights.
Edinburgh Science is a world leader in creative science content and festival management, renowned for delivering high-quality events both locally and internationally.
We are best known for organising Edinburgh’s annual Science Festival – the world’s first public celebration of science and technology as a festival – as well as our science education outreach programmes, Generation Science and Careers Hive and our community engagement work. An increasing worldwide element shares our content, passion and expertise more widely through an extensive portfolio of international collaborations and projects.
We are passionate about inspiring audiences through science and innovation, and we are looking for a dynamic leader to drive our cooperate and philanthropy efforts to new heights.
Job Purpose
The Corporate Sponsorship and Philanthropy role is central to powering Edinburgh Science’s growth and long-term impact. This role will lead on securing high-value sponsorships and forging meaningful, mission-aligned partnerships with businesses across sectors—helping to fuel world-class science engagement for diverse audiences at home and abroad.
Working closely with the Head of Development, the postholder will shape and deliver a bold sponsorship strategy, craft innovative and tailored partnership opportunities, and engage with key industries—including technology, energy, finance, life sciences, and education—to unlock sustainable revenue and amplify Edinburgh Science’s reach and reputation on a global stage.
Key Responsibilities:
Sponsorship Strategy & Business Development
- Develop and implement a corporate sponsorship strategy to increase revenue and expand partnerships both in the UK and internationally.
- Identify, research, and proactively engage new corporate sponsors across relevant sectors, ensuring alignment with Edinburgh Science’s mission and values.
- Explore international sponsorship opportunities, working with partners in global markets to develop funding opportunities for Edinburgh Science’s programmes and events.
- Create bespoke sponsorship proposals and negotiate agreements that offer compelling brand and engagement opportunities for partners.
- Collaborate with the Head of Development to align sponsorship activities with Edinburgh Science’s wider fundraising and strategic objectives.
Relationship Management & Stewardship
- Act as the primary relationship manager for corporate sponsors, ensuring high-quality engagement, fulfilment of sponsorship agreements, and long-term partnership growth.
- Develop and manage sponsorship activation plans, ensuring partners receive value through branding, hospitality, thought leadership, and employee engagement opportunities.
- Maintain and update records of sponsor communications, agreements, and deliverables using CRM systems.
Sponsorship Activation & Impact Reporting
- Work with marketing, programming, and events teams to deliver meaningful sponsor activations across live events, digital content, and international collaborations.
- Develop reports and presentations demonstrating ROI, audience reach, and engagement outcomes for corporate partners.
- Provide regular performance insights, identifying opportunities to enhance and grow sponsorship impact.
International & Industry Engagement
- Represent Edinburgh Science at key industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities in the UK and abroad.
- Build relationships with international sponsors and partners, exploring opportunities to align Edinburgh Science’s programmes with global CSR, ESG, and STEM education initiatives.
- Work closely with Edinburgh Science’s international projects team to leverage commercial sponsorships for overseas programmes.
Person Specification
Essential
- Proven track record of securing and managing corporate sponsorships in a relevant sector (e.g., science engagement, Festivals, arts, events, charity, education).
- Strong sales and negotiation skills, with the ability to confidently pitch sponsorship packages to senior decision-makers.
- Experience in developing corporate relationships to six-figure amounts and beyond.
- Knowledge of CSR, ESG trends, and how businesses engage with sponsorship and corporate social responsibility.
- Excellent relationship management skills, with experience in building and maintaining long-term partnerships.
- Strong commercial awareness, with the ability to develop creative and strategic sponsorship opportunities.
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
- Highly organised, with strong project management skills, able to handle multiple partnerships simultaneously.
- Passion for science, education, and public engagement.
Desirable
- Experience working in the science, technology, or cultural sectors.
- Understanding of international sponsorship and funding landscapes.
- Knowledge of CSR, ESG trends, and how businesses engage with sponsorship and corporate social responsibility.
- Familiarity with CRM systems such as Spektrix, Monday or similar.
- Experience in contract and funding agreement oversight, ensuring financial compliance.
- Excellent ability to present financial insights to non-finance stakeholders, including Boards and funders.
- Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills, with an eye for operational efficiency.
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Opportunities for international travel.
- A vibrant and supportive work environment.
- The chance to lead a passionate team and make a global impact.
Director of Finance
- Full time
- £55,000 – £60,000
- Hybrid: Edinburgh (Hybrid Working optional)
- Closing 16th April 2025
We are passionate about inspiring audiences through science and innovation, and we are looking for a dynamic leader to drive our finances to support our organisations long term objectives.
Edinburgh Science is a world leader in creative science content and festival management, renowned for delivering high-quality events both locally and internationally.
We are best known for organising Edinburgh’s annual Science Festival – the world’s first public celebration of science and technology as a festival – as well as our science education outreach programmes, Generation Science and Careers Hive and our community engagement work. An increasing worldwide element shares our content, passion and expertise more widely through an extensive portfolio of international collaborations and projects.
We are passionate about inspiring audiences through science and innovation, and we are looking for a dynamic leader to drive our sales and marketing efforts to new heights.
About the role:
The Director of Finance is a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for ensuring the financial health, sustainability, and compliance of Edinburgh Science.
This role provides strategic financial leadership, overseeing financial planning, governance, risk management, and operational efficiency across all areas of the organisation. The Director of Finance will work closely with the Board of Trustees, Senior Leadership Team, and external stakeholders, supporting informed decision-making while driving a culture of financial accountability and commercial awareness throughout the organisation.
With a diverse income portfolio—including grants, sponsorships, commercial partnerships, and commissioned work—this role plays a critical part in maximising financial performance and ensuring long-term resilience for Edinburgh Science’s local and international programmes.
View the full job description here: Director of Finance
Key Responsibilities:
- Financial Strategy & Planning: Lead on financial strategy, long-term sustainability planning, and budget forecasting to support organisational growth.
- Governance & Risk Management: Ensure compliance with charity financial regulations, oversee audits, and manage financial risk.
- Financial Operations & Controls: Maintain robust financial management systems, ensuring accurate reporting, cash flow control, and cost efficiency.
- Commercial & Business Development: Support revenue generation through commercial projects, pricing models, and cost-benefit analysis.
- Contracts, Grants & Sponsorship Oversight: Manage financial aspects of funding agreements, ensuring compliance, reporting, and sustainability.
- Stakeholder & Team Leadership: Advise the Board, collaborate with leadership, and oversee financial aspects of operational and HR planning.
Key requirements:
Essential
- Accounting qualification (ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) or extensive proven financial experience.
- Senior finance leadership experience, ideally in a charity, cultural, or international organisation.
- A commercial mindset, with experience in financial modelling for income-generating activities.
- Strong expertise in financial strategy, budgeting, forecasting, and risk management.
- Proven ability to embed business planning into operational and programme teams.
- Experience in contract and funding agreement oversight, ensuring financial compliance.
- Excellent ability to present financial insights to non-finance stakeholders, including Boards and funders.
- Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills, with an eye for operational efficiency.
Desirable
- Experience in fundraising finance, commercialisation, or financial planning for commissioned work.
- Familiarity with accounting software (e.g., Sage).
- Knowledge of international financial operations and multi-currency budgeting.
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Opportunities for international travel.
- A vibrant and supportive work environment.
- The chance to lead a passionate team and make a global impact.
We are passionate about inspiring audiences through science and innovation, and we are looking for a dynamic individual to assist with finances to support our organisations long term objectives.
Edinburgh Science is a world leader in creative science content and festival management, renowned for delivering high-quality events both locally and internationally.
We are best known for organising Edinburgh’s annual Science Festival – the world’s first public celebration of science and technology as a festival – as well as our science education outreach programmes, Generation Science and Careers Hive and our community engagement work. An increasing worldwide element shares our content, passion and expertise more widely through an extensive portfolio of international collaborations and projects.
We are passionate about inspiring audiences through science and innovation, and we are looking for a dynamic leader to drive our cooperate and philanthropy efforts to new heights.
We are looking to add a Finance Officer to our highly motivated and small team. This role is key to the smooth running of a busy Finance department.
A self-starter, you will take on the challenge of working in a highly dynamic environment. You will be responsible for day to day accounting procedures including sales and purchase ledger, expense processing and petty cash reconciliations and bank reconciliations.
About you:
- Proven organisation skills, including a meticulous attention to detail.
- Already be a skilled user of excel
- Skilled at managing a varied workload and balancing priorities.
- Strong communication skills to work and communicate professionally with a diverse range of internal staff and external suppliers/third parties, are a must.
- An aptitude to and enthusiasm to learn and master new skills and undertake on the job training.
- Previous experience of providing finance support or using finance software within a finance department is desirable but not essential.
- We welcome applications from early career professionals including recent graduates looking for a first role.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join Edinburgh Science where you will have the chance to grow and develop your finance knowledge and experience and to gain career progression within the organisation.