Head of Music Programme

Creative Scotland; West Tulloch; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading arts organization in Scotland is seeking an experienced Head of Music Programme to lead the music programming at the Edinburgh International Festival. The role involves researching and developing the music programme, managing the team, and delivering performances. Successful candidates will need to work flexible hours, particularly during peak times. This position offers a salary between £50,000 and £60,000.

Qualifications

• Experience in programming music for festivals.
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours during peak times.

Responsibilities

• Research and develop the Festival’s music programme.
• Deliver all musical elements of the Festival.
• Manage the wider music team and schedule performances.

Job description

The Edinburgh International Festival is looking for an experienced, passionate and dedicated Head of Music Programme to join the team.

£50,000 to £60,000

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 Head of Music Programme‘s primary responsibility is to research and develop the Festival’s music programme guided by the Festival Director, and for the delivery of all musical elements of the Festival including planning and scheduling through to producing the final performances and managing the wider music team.

The International Festival’s regular music programme spans orchestral, chamber, traditional, folk and contemporary styles, as well staged opera and opera in concert.

Festival Director Nicola Benedetti’s vision is to create the deepest level of experience, through the highest quality of art, for the broadest possible audience. Innovations in the presentation of all music performances are key to this vision, and have commenced with the creation of an informal music venue at the Festival’s home The Hub, presenting beanbag concerts at the Usher Hall, and creating programmes that give insight into repertoire and the musicians that perform the music. This is an exciting time to join the Programme Department as we continue to explore and develop the possibilities offered by Nicola Benedetti’s vision for the Festival.

Job Responsibilities and Deliverables

• Programming
• Music Programming
• Festival Chorus
• Recording and Broadcast
• Financial
• Production
• Management

35 hours per week within standard office hours of 9.30 to 17.30, Monday to Friday, in Edinburgh. At peak times, and particularly immediately before and during the Festival, this includes working outside standard hours and at weekends. However the working hours will not exceed the Working Time Directive.

For information about our employee benefits please go to our website.

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

The deadline is Friday 05 December 2025 at 12:00.