How to apply
If you would like to apply for the post, please send us your CV along with a cover letter (no more than 1 side of A4) outlining why you are interested in the role and why you think you would be a suitable candidate, referring to the job description and person specification. Please also complete the online equal opportunities monitoring form.
Please email your CV and cover letter to [email protected] no later than midday on 1 July 2026.
Please note that in line with our environmental policy, we are only handling applications electronically.
We expect that interviews will take place w/c 6 July 2026.
We look forward to hearing from you and thank you once again for your interest.
ABOUT EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) is the world’s oldest continually running film festival and, in 2024, relaunched as a brand new entity with a new board of industry leaders. Honouring 70+ years of festival history, EIFF showcases the very best filmmaking talent in a re-energised format that is rooted in a local Scottish context whilst embracing the international diversity of creative expression.
EIFF is poised to accelerate the discovery of new talent through its two centrepiece competitions; The Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence, which carries a cash prize of £50K, and The Thelma Schoonmaker Prize for Short Filmmaking Excellence, which carries a cash prize of £15K, both decided by audience vote.
EIFF's August fixture runs in parallel to a host of creative festivals taking place in Edinburgh, including The Fringe, Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh International Book Festival, Edinburgh International Art Festival, Edinburgh International TV Festival, and many more, which sell millions of tickets to cultural connoisseurs from around the world.
The EIFF Board includes Chair Andrew Macdonald of DNA Films (TRAINSPOTTING, THE BEACH, 28 DAYS LATER, SUNSHINE ON LEITH, CIVIL WAR), Vice Chair Amy Jackson of Unified Theory (THE NEST, AFTERSUN, THE END WE START FROM), Peter Rice (former Chairman of General Entertainment at Disney and President of 21st Century Fox) and Teresa Moneo (Director of UK Film at Netflix).
Helmed by CEO & Festival Director Paul Ridd and Festival Producer Emma Boa, the team works to create a world-class showcase for independent film and filmmaking talent.
A global player celebrating the very best that cinema has to offer in a modern, energised context, the core strategy of the revitalised Festival is to embed within the wider cultural offering taking place in Edinburgh in August, embracing the sense of discovery, experimentation and cross-arts collaboration.
VISION
Film will be embraced as a powerful connector locally, nationally and internationally.
MISSION
To connect film, artists and industry with audiences.
VALUES
Integrity
We are honest, transparent and committed to strong ethical practices.
Innovation
We are forward-thinking, experimental and committed to making bold creative choices.
Collaboration
We are inclusive, multidisciplinary and committed to partnership working to amplify aims and benefits.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Edinburgh International Film Festival 2026
Events Coordinator Job Description
Job Title: Events Coordinator
Reports to: Events Manager
Purpose of the Role
The Events Coordinator will support the Events Manager in managing the key major private functions taking place during the Festival for filmmaker, press and industry guests, partners and stakeholders. The role will provide key support across all areas of event delivery, in ensuring that everything runs efficiently and to a high standard in line with any stakeholder requirements, and all guests are well looked after and made to feel welcome.
The role will include liaising with venues and suppliers to coordinate dressing and catering for the events, coordination of guest lists, issuing invitations and managing RSVPs, as well as managing guest lists on the door, and liaising with partners and stakeholders as required. Events will include the Opening and Closing parties and the EIFF Ceilidh, and other receptions that may take place during the Festival, including sponsor and partner events.
The Events Coordinator works as part of the small Events team, working closely with the Events Manager as well as the Operations Manager, Development Manager, Marketing team and Guest Services team.
Responsibilities
- Support the smooth delivery of EIFF’s key private functions, including Opening and Closing parties, the EIFF Ceilidh and other receptions as required.
- Work with the Events Manager on the design and delivery of events, liaising with any partners and rights holders to meet needs and expectations as required.
- Work with internal teams as required to coordinate all required elements for each event, including design of event assets and smooth delivery of any sponsor or partner requirements.
- Work with the Guest Services team to ensure filmmaker, industry and press guests are invited to events, as required.
- Liaise with suppliers and in-kind supporters to ensure best value for EIFF, as required.
- Liaise with partners and sponsors, as required.
- Liaise with venue managers and staff to ensure the smooth running of events.
- Work with Filmchief, the Festival’s planning platform, to coordinate and draw up guest lists of filmmaker guests, industry, press and stakeholders with input from the Festival Producer and CEO & Festival Director as well as the Guest Services team and Development Manager.
- Coordinate distribution of invitations and follow them up to ensure guests have them and solicit RSVPs. Track distributed invitations and respond to queries as required.
- Manage guest lists on the door.
- Work with the Programme Planning team to ensure that the Festival’s management platform (Filmchief) is duly maintained and kept up-to-date with accurate event information.
- Support the Events Manager on development of operational plans and risk assessments, as required.
- Maintain functional relationships with the wider Festival team.
- Support the Events Manager with hosting at events, welcoming guests, making introductions where appropriate and ensuring that people feel welcomed and looked after.
- Work within EIFF’s purchasing systems to make sure all financial records are accurate and up-to-date. Adhere to all EIFF methods of financial control and accountability.
- Contribute to the successful delivery of EIFF.
General
- Communicate effectively with colleagues and departments across the Festival to share information, achieve deadlines and promote a positive working environment.
- Attend meetings and provide progress and financial reports as required.
- On completion of the contract, complete staff and line management report forms as required.
- Always act in accordance with EIFF policies and procedures.
- Carry out other duties as reasonably requested by your line manager.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
- Experience of event coordination
- Experience of frontline/production work in a busy venue or festival
- Successfully working to deadlines
- Working in a film or event related environment
- Operational knowledge of how film festivals work
- Knowledge of the film industry and film in general
- Experience of working with key stakeholders, partners, sponsors and funders
- Rigorous time-keeping
- Customer service
- Managing multi-faceted projects or activity
- Working to budgets and within a set finance system
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
- Excellent communication and customer care skills
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Team working and ability to motivate others
- Negotiating skills
- Attention to detail
- Ability to be flexible and respond to changing priorities
- Calmness under pressure and constant courteousness
- Proactive problem solving
- Integrity
Desirable
- Other languages
- Health & Safety awareness
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Working days 5 days a week by agreement within standard office hours of 9.30 to 17:30, Monday to Friday. At peak times, and particularly immediately before and during EIFF, it will be necessary to work outside standard hours and at weekends. Payment of overtime is not applicable to this post.
Contract type: Fixed term contract. Mid July- 25 August 2026
Salary: £28,407 pro rata
Holiday entitlement: 25 days per annum plus public holidays, pro rata plus 10 public holiday of which 5 are fixed and 5 are floating days
Working arrangements: Based at EIFF offices in Techcube in Summerhall. Hybrid working arrangements can potentially be discussed and agreed.
Pension Scheme: EIFF will comply with the employer pension duties in accordance with Part 1 of the Pension Act 2008, as amended or replaced from time to time
Right to Work: The successful applicant will be required to provide documentation under the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006
References: Offers of employment are subject to receipt of references that are satisfactory to Edinburgh International Film Festival
Edinburgh International Film Festival is an Equal Opportunities Employer and as such all positions will be offered to the candidate with the required skills for the post and without consideration to a candidate’s race, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, age, marital or civil partnership status or disability.
Please note that EIFF is not a licensed sponsor for VISAs and as such you must already have the Right to Work in the UK to apply for our roles.
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Pay: £28,407.00 per year
Work Location: In person
