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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 
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The Deputy Director (Operations and Business Development) is a new senior leadership role that will work in close partnership with the Director and Board of Trustees to improve strategic effectiveness and sustainable growth. Created to support the next stage in The Burton's development, this role will translate strategic ambition into practical delivery, ensuring the organisation has the leadership, systems and operational capability needed to achieve its long-term goals.
The Deputy Director will lead organisational planning, internal operations, financial planning and performance, while supporting business development, commercial activity and income growth. They will oversee the systems, processes and infrastructure that enable The Burton to operate effectively, make informed decisions and deliver its ambitions.
Job Details
Job Title: Deputy Director (Operations and Business Development)
Contract: Full time (37.5 hours per week)
Duration: Two-year fixed-term contract. We hope this role will become a permanent part of our senior leadership team, subject to securing sustainable funding. There is a three-month probationary period.
Salary: £45,000 per year
Hours: The Burton works on a 7-day rota and the hours can be worked flexibly over the full week dependent on operational need. Some weekend and evening work will be required on a rota basis.
Location: The Burton at Bideford, EX39 2QQ. Occasional flexible/home-working is offered but the majority of the working week will be at The Burton.
Responsible to: Director
Responsible for: Commercial Operations Manager, Finance Officer, Operations and Front of House Coordinator-day rota and the hours can be worked flexibly over the full week dependent on operational need. Some weekend and evening work will be required on a rota basis.
Person Specification
Potential applicants may already be in a similar role or feel ready to take the next step in developing their careers and contributing to an ambitious organisation at a pivotal moment of its journey. Experience of working within the arts or charity sector may be an advantage to this role but is not a requirement – we are excited to explore transferable skills from other sectors.
You do not need to meet all of the person specification but we are excited to meet candidates with:
- Significant experience in operations, business development and/or a senior leadership role.
- An ability to translate strategy into practical delivery, balancing competing priorities within a small or medium-sized organisation.
- Demonstrable experience contributing to organisational planning, budgeting and performance management.
- Confidence using financial information, budgets and management reporting to support decisions.
- Experience supporting income generation through commercial activity, partnerships, fundraising or business development.
- Experience leading, supporting and developing teams and creating collaborative working cultures.
- An understanding of HR process and experience in policy development.
- Experience as a designated safeguarding lead or a willingness to complete a level three safeguarding training and undergo an enhanced DBS check.
- A track record of improving systems, processes or ways of working to increase organisational effectiveness.
- Strong communication, relationship-building and influencing skills with a range of stakeholders.
- An understanding of governance, risk and compliance within a charity, public or mission-led environment.
- Experience working in museums, galleries, charities, visitor economy, public sector or mission-led organisations.
- An understanding of charity finance, restricted/designated funding, grant reporting and project accounting.
- Part-qualified or qualified finance qualification (for example AAT Level 4, CIMA, ACCA, ACA) or equivalent professional experience with an understanding of cloud-based accounting software (Xero desirable).
We are looking for someone who is:
- Strategic but enjoys making things happen.
- Financially confident and commercially aware.
- Able to build trust and work collaboratively.
- Comfortable moving between strategic thinking and operational delivery.
- Excited to work in a small organisation where responsibilities are varied and interconnected.
Key Dates
Application deadline: 10am, Tuesday 1 September 2026
First interviews: Monday 14 September 2026
Second interviews: Date to be confirmed
How to Apply
Please download the full Recruitment Pack and Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form on our website.
The Burton at Bideford is an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer who understands the benefits of diversity so that everyone – irrespective of individual identities, background, or any personal characteristics – receives fair and equal treatment in a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable environment.
