With a 110-year history, we are proud to be able to say that the WI continues to be the largest and most influential UK women’s organisation, with over 170,000 members. Our campaigns push for change on the issues that matter to women and their communities, from equal pay to climate change, mental health and violence against women. The WI has brought about real change, and this record of action shows that we are as relevant today as we were in 1915.
The National Federation of Women’s Institutes (the NFWI) is responsible for running the organisation and provides support and advice to members at both regional and local levels.
About the role
Leading innovation across the organisation, you will be responsible for developing and delivering a strategy to grow our movement, to increase our membership and reach whilst ensuring we continue to reflect the needs and aspirations of women. You will oversee research into women’s evolving needs and preferences, whilst testing approaches with new external audiences to maximise our relevance, diversity and inclusivity. At the same time, you will actively embed innovation into strategy and decision-making in all areas, constantly find new ways to reach underrepresented women and build a wealth of data to support your recommendations. You will lead transformation across the organisation by championing change, creativity and a forward-thinking strategy that ensures the continued growth for the WI.
Location: Hybrid, with one day per week at our London, Oxfordshire or Wales office.
About you
Highly experienced in innovation, organisational development or programme management, you will bring an impressive track record of instigating and managing successful organisational change that leads to sustainable income generation. You will be adept at designing and delivering pilot programmes, as well as commissioning research and deploying data to support action. The role requires excellent communication skills and the confidence to advise and lead at both senior leadership and Board level, as the organisation looks to you to lead fundamental organisational change. Experience within the charity or not-for-profit sector would be beneficial, as would an understanding of trends and issues affecting women across different demographics in the UK.
How to apply
For further information about this Head of Innovation role, please download the recruitment pack which includes the job description and person specification.
To apply, please submit your current CV with a covering letter clearly explaining why you would be suitable for the role to the HR department.
Closing date: 3 September 2026.
First round interview (virtual): 11 September 2026.
Second round interview (in-person): 15 September 2026.
No other media or agencies, please.
The WI is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and values diversity. Reg. Charity No. 803793.
Registered Charity 
51 - 100
Thank you!
Shaftesbury is a national disability charity that supports more than 4,000 children, young people and adults with a disability every year to live a life that truly adds up for them. That is at the heart of everything they do.
Their vision ‘all together better for disability’, is about working alongside the people they support so they can participate, contribute and be valued for who they are.
Their work is spearheaded by 1,500+ dedicated staff and volunteers who deliver a wide range of disability care, special education and rehabilitation services across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, around the clock.
To achieve their vision, they are looking for an Individual Giving Manager with a focus on acquisition to work alongside the Head of Individual Giving across regular gifts, appeals, lottery, raffle and other new products.
The Individual Giving Manager drives the recruitment of new supporters and supports the stewardship of warm audience, generating sustainable income for Shaftesbury. The proportion of acquisition focus v retention focus is likely around 70/30.
This role focuses on maximising long-term value through innovative and impactful multichannel campaigns including reactivating lapsed supporters, optimising supporter conversion and delivering engaging onboarding experiences. The Individual Giving Manager will work on growing regular giving, cash and gaming pipelines and manage exciting projects which could include digital, DRTV, face-to- face, telemarketing, direct mail and radio. The role will provide assistance to the Head of Individual Giving with all retention activity, including cash appeals and newsletters.
Shaftesbury is happy to consider fundraiser or officer level candidates looking to step up into their first manager level role. At present this role doesn’t line manage, so management experience is not necessary. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate project or product management skills, an enthusiasm for fundraising, familiarity with supporter journeys, creative thinking and will have experience within a UK based charity in either IG and legacies, community fundraising, corporate or philanthropy.
This role is hybrid, with 4 days per month on average at either the Gateshead office or London office. The one role is being advertised twice to ensure candidates from both geographic locations see the role within their search remit and feel able to apply.
Application notes
Please download the Candidate Info Pack provided for further information about the role, timelines and next steps.
To express interest, please contact THINK Recruitment using the information in the Candidate Pack to organise an informal screening call. Please note, we cannot progress candidates through to longlist without speaking with them, so please ensure you leave enough time to organise a screening call before the role closes. Following your call we will share the info needed to submit a full application.
If you need assistance with downloading the pack, please send an email to THINK and our team will support you.
Deadline for expressions of interest: Midnight Sunday 13th September
Closing date for applications: Midnight Monday 14th September
Thank you!
Shaftesbury is a national disability charity that supports more than 4,000 children, young people and adults with a disability every year to live a life that truly adds up for them. That is at the heart of everything they do.
Their vision ‘all together better for disability’, is about working alongside the people they support so they can participate, contribute and be valued for who they are.
Their work is spearheaded by 1,500+ dedicated staff and volunteers who deliver a wide range of disability care, special education and rehabilitation services across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, around the clock.
To achieve their vision, they are looking for an Individual Giving Manager with a focus on acquisition to work alongside the Head of Individual Giving across regular gifts, appeals, lottery, raffle and other new products.
The Individual Giving Manager drives the recruitment of new supporters and supports the stewardship of warm audience, generating sustainable income for Shaftesbury. The proportion of acquisition focus v retention focus is likely around 70/30.
This role focuses on maximising long-term value through innovative and impactful multichannel campaigns including reactivating lapsed supporters, optimising supporter conversion and delivering engaging onboarding experiences. The Individual Giving Manager will work on growing regular giving, cash and gaming pipelines and manage exciting projects which could include digital, DRTV, face-to- face, telemarketing, direct mail and radio. The role will provide assistance to the Head of Individual Giving with all retention activity, including cash appeals and newsletters.
Shaftesbury is happy to consider fundraiser or officer level candidates looking to step up into their first manager level role. At present this role doesn’t line manage, so management experience is not necessary. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate project or product management skills, an enthusiasm for fundraising, familiarity with supporter journeys, creative thinking and will have experience within a UK based charity in either IG and legacies, community fundraising, corporate or philanthropy.
This role is hybrid, with 4 days per month on average at either the Gateshead office or London office. The one role is being advertised twice to ensure candidates from both geographic locations see the role within their search remit and feel able to apply.
Application notes
Please download the Candidate Info Pack provided for further information about the role, timelines and next steps.
To express interest, please contact THINK Recruitment using the information in the Candidate Pack to organise an informal screening call. Please note, we cannot progress candidates through to longlist without speaking with them, so please ensure you leave enough time to organise a screening call before the role closes. Following your call we will share the info needed to submit a full application.
If you need assistance with downloading the pack, please send an email to THINK and our team will support you.
Deadline for expressions of interest: Midnight Sunday 13th September
Closing date for applications: Midnight Monday 14th September