Work for The Skinny
The Skinny is an independent, creative company that seeks to connect curious readers with interesting artists and events. We aim to offer freedom within your role to work towards our company goals and business vision.
Business Development Executive – Festivals and Sponsorship
Contributors
Business Development Executive – Festivals and Sponsorship
The Skinny is Scotland’s largest independent culture and listings magazine, serving Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee for twenty years as the voice of Scottish culture. Fest is the best free guide to both the Edinburgh and Adelaide Festivals and Fringe, publishing seasonally each year in July & August (Edinburgh) and February & March (Adelaide).
We are on the hunt for a talented and enthusiastic individual to complement the core team and further expand our client base with a focus on the Edinburgh and Adelaide Festivals, as well as securing commercial sponsorship for our seasonal publications and events. The role will be a commercial one, with the primary focus of generating new and increasing existing revenue for the company.
You will report to the Commercial Director and work within our established sales team, also working alongside our editorial team when appropriate.
The role will involve:
– Building and managing commercial relationships with brands, media buying agencies, businesses and events
– Attending various events throughout the year to network and meet potential new and existing clients
– Identifying and approaching potential revenue leads so you can introduce both The Skinny and Fest as brands and advertising platforms
– Presenting ideas and solutions for new revenue streams
– Building on our existing calendar of publications and events to secure commercial sponsorship opportunities
– Securing new business for The Skinny across core platforms
– Selling advertising space in our seasonal titles including our Guide to Edinburgh, GNAW and Student Supplement
– Using your knowledge of the platforms to create effective, exciting campaigns for clients to help them achieve their marketing goals
– Communicating with clients and potential clients via telephone, face to face and over email
– Efficiently managing your time and diary through our bespoke CRM system
– Identifying and managing media partnerships throughout the year to help grow The Skinny brand and audience
– Achieving and surpassing set revenue targets
We are looking for an individual who has the following skills and experience:
Essential
– Has experience in a sales environment and a proven track record, preferably within media and publishing
– Has a strong understanding of the cultural landscape in Scotland and an awareness of cultural events
– Is very capable of working independently when required
– Comfortable speaking to and presenting to clients in person and over the telephone
– Has strong relationship building and networking skills
– Has excellent time management skills
– Is able to work well under pressure and meet deadlines
– Has proficient computer literacy
Desirable
– Has experience working within the arts and culture or food and beverage sector
– Has experience in and knowledge of brand sponsorship
– A strong understanding of the Edinburgh Festivals and Fringe
– Already a reader of The Skinny (or similar local arts titles)
– Actively attends cultural events regularly
The Skinny prides itself on being forward thinking, supporting emerging talent and developing strong relations across Scotland. If you think you have what it takes to join Scotland’s leading culture and listings magazine, are keen to make the role your own, and become part of an ever expanding team and a strong creative community then we would love to hear from you.
This is a full time, permanent position and will mainly be office based at The Skinny’s head office in Edinburgh; remote working is available and can be discussed with the applicant/ on a case-by-case basis.
To apply please send us your CV with a cover letter outlining how you meet the role description and person specification via email to both: jobs@theskinny.co.uk and sandy@theskinny.co.uk
Salary: £27,000 + uncapped bonus
Closing date: Sunday 27 July 2025
CONTRIBUTORS (Writers, Illustrators, Photographers)
The Skinny is your magazine: a collaborative effort, it’s put together by people who love their region and its culture, for people who love their region and its culture – and our contributors are known for having something new to say as well as a passion for their areas of expertise.
We are looking for writers, illustrators and photographers on an ongoing basis to help make The Skinny an informed, inspiring, witty and opinionated collection of the voices and talents that makes Scotland such an exciting place to be.
With 35,000+ copies distributed to more than 650 venues, The Skinny gives writers a platform to get their voice heard, and illustrators and photographers an opportunity to showcase their work and build their portfolio.
Pitching to The Skinny: Before you pitch your article ideas, we first recommend reading this pitching guide, which gives clear advice on writing a successful, eye-catching pitch to The Skinny and answers many questions you might have about the process.
If you’re a writer: Please introduce yourself to the relevant section editor – see contact details here – and send them two or three samples of your work.
If you’re an illustrator or photographer: Please email jobs@theskinny.co.uk with the subject line 'Contributor: illustrator' or 'Contributor: photographer' and let us know your area of expertise/interest (e.g. perhaps you’re a fashion photographer, or would like to try more live music photography) – and please link us to your portfolio where possible rather than attaching large files.