We have an exciting and creative opportunity for a new Development Director to be a key member of the Senior Management team, leading an ambitious fundraising strategy for the Book Festival while ensuring that all fundraising activities align with our core organisational mission and values.

The Book Festival expects to raise about £2.1m in 2024 (representing around two-thirds of the total Festival income). The Festival retains much of its funding on an annual basis, has increased the amount raised from several major funding relationships, and has a strong track record in attracting new sponsors, donors and funders, with around 50 organisations sponsoring the Festival each year as well as a number of well-established major donors.

Reporting to the Festival Director and overseeing a team of five fundraisers, the Development Director will manage a small high-value portfolio of funding relationships across all income streams and will have significant opportunity to develop new income streams, including legacies and US fundraising, as well as continuing the growth of the existing areas of income.

The Edinburgh International Book Festival is looking for several new members to join the Book Festival’s Board of Trustees. We are seeking to appoint trustees with specific skills, experience, and interest in any of the following areas:

• Writing and/or illustration (based in Scotland)

• Publishing/media (wider UK)

• Finance and risk

• Law

• Community engagement/creative learning

• Sustainability/climate emergency

Key Information

• Board meetings take place four times per year in March, June, October, and December. Meetings are held in central Edinburgh and take place during the day. There is the option to join remotely.

• Trustees are appointed for a term of 5 years initially, with the option to stand for re-election for an additional 3-year period.

• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses incurred in attending meetings (including costs of childcare) and other Festival related activities will be paid.

• The Edinburgh International Book Festival’s work is framed by a commitment to equality, diversity, care, and inclusion.

• We want to create a working environment where everyone is treated fairly and our differences are celebrated as strengths. We actively encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. We also welcome applications from younger people in the early stages of their careers (aged 21-35) who are keen to build their board and strategic leadership experience.

• For any questions, please contact our Executive Assistant, Danielle McCann danielle.mccann@edbookfest.co.uk in the first instance to arrange a call