Director of Programming

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The Director of Programming leads the development and delivery of the Edinburgh International Book Festival’s programme. They are responsible for translating the Festival’s overall creative vision and thematic framing into an ambitious, distinctive and coherent programme, and for leading the team, partnerships, resources and processes required to deliver it.

The Festival Director/Chief Executive retains overall responsibility for the Festival’s creative and intellectual vision, including its annual thematic framework, and will continue to originate and lead selected programme ideas, projects and partnerships. The Director of Programming works in close creative partnership with the Festival Director, bringing their own ideas, expertise and networks to develop that vision into an outstanding programme, while taking overall responsibility for the programming function and its delivery.

The Director of Programming will identify writers, ideas, partnerships and programme opportunities that bring the Festival’s strategic priorities and Programming Principles to life. They will combine excellent editorial and cultural judgement with a strong understanding of audiences, ensuring the programme celebrates outstanding writing while engaging imaginatively with the ideas and questions shaping contemporary life.

They will maintain and develop an extensive network across publishing, literature and the wider cultural sector in Scotland, the UK and internationally, ensuring the Festival remains deeply rooted in Scotland and outward-looking in its reach.

A key strategic priority is to develop a programme which reaches a wide range of reading audiences, including growing our engagement with people under 35.

As a member of the Senior Management Team, the Director of Programming shares responsibility for the leadership and development of the organisation as a whole. They will work particularly closely with the Directors of Brand & Audiences, Development, Communities, Operations and Finance to ensure creative ambition is supported by strong audience insight, effective delivery and financial sustainability.

This is a high-profile role which requires travel for research and development and to represent the Festival within the UK and internationally. A significant proportion of publisher research meetings take place in London during the autumn.

Full time, permanent. Salary is £50,000 per year.

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