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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
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Following a restructure of the school’s development department, St Mary’s Music School, Edinburgh, is looking to appoint a self-motivated and dynamic fundraiser to help secure and sustain significant grants from trusts and foundations.
The postholder will develop high quality applications, bids and reports for a diverse range of audiences.
The School is keen to appoint someone with excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as exceptional relationship-management skills, who will work to develop and deliver a strategy to grow sustainable income from grants and foundations over time.
The successful candidate will work closely with the School Bursar, Individual Giving Manager, Marketing & Communications Manager and Database Assistant, as part of the School's development team.
This is a part-time post of 21 hours/3 days per week, working over the whole year.
Role Purpose:
To develop and manage a programme of trust, foundation and statutory fundraising that delivers sustainable income for St Mary's Music School. The Trusts and Foundations Manager will identify funding opportunities, prepare compelling applications and reports, and build strong relationships with funders to support the School's strategic priorities.
Specific duties will include:
Fundraising
- Contributing to the overall Fundraising Strategy;
- Developing and implementing plans to meet income targets;
- Working with the development team on fundraising messaging, including a consistent and compelling narrative;
- Establishing strong relationships with staff, the public, stakeholders, supporters, funders and the media.
Research, Bids and Grant Applications
- Managing and researching a pipeline of prospective trust, foundation and statutory funders;
- Developing relationships with existing and prospective funders, attending fundraising events as required;
- Preparation of cases for support including the development of restricted funding proposals for projects and bursaries;
- Creation of high quality grant and tender applications for funding and submission of funding reports.
Reporting, Fundraising Database & Compliance
- Ensuring that all activity undertaken is accurately recorded and submitted reports as required;
- Ensuring the maintenance of up to date, accurate records of trust and foundation contacts;
- Building relationships with representatives from trusts and foundations;
- Capturing and recording information on individuals’ relationships with relevant organisations.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.