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Bid Writer — The Heritage Alliance
Application Deadline: 22 May 2026
Fixed Term: 0.4 FTE (14 hours per week) for 6 months
Start Date: June 2026
Salary: £33,000 FTE per annum, pro-rata (£13,200 per annum)
Leave: 24 days FTE per annum pro-rata, in addition the Heritage Alliance Office closes between Christmas and New Year
Line Manager: Head of Development and Membership
Place of Work: The Heritage Alliance Office, Central London, EC4M
(Flexible working arrangements can be considered)
The Opportunity
Are you an experienced bid writer looking for an intensive, focused role with a leading heritage organisation? We are seeking a skilled professional to join our "Creating Connections" project team for a targeted 6-month assignment.
This role is part of The Heritage Alliance's NLHF-funded resilience project, specifically supporting Strand C: Future-proofing our charity. You will work with a pipeline of funding opportunities already developed by our professional fundraising consultant to secure vital long-term funding for our sector support activities.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced bid writer to make a significant impact in a short time-frame, working with high-quality prospects and supporting England's heritage sector through sustainable funding solutions.
About The Role
Key Tasks:
Research & Development
- Conduct detailed research on prospective funders to tailor applications effectively
- Develop compelling case studies and evidence base to support funding applications
- Research and incorporate relevant sector data, impact statistics, and beneficiary testimonials
- Stay informed about current funding trends and opportunities in the heritage and charity sectors
- Identify additional funding opportunities that align with our strategic priorities
Strategic Bid Writing
- Develop compelling funding applications to trusts, foundations, and grant-making bodies using an established pipeline of prospects
- Write high-quality proposals for long-term support of the Heritage Funding Directory
- Create applications for new sector-wide support programmes addressing skills needs and emerging challenges identified in our sector capability-building strategy
- Adapt proposals to different funder requirements, priorities, and application formats
- Work closely with the Head of Development to ensure applications align with organisational strateg
Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
- Work with a professional fundraising consultant to prioritise and progress pipeline opportunities
- Collaborate with the Heritage Alliance senior team to gather project information and organisational data
- Engage with relevant staff members to collect evidence, case studies, and impact data
- Coordinate with the Project Administrator and other team members to ensure consistency in messaging
- Liaise with potential funders as appropriate during the application process
Project Support & Administration
- Maintain accurate records of all funding applications and their progress
- Manage application deadlines and submission processes
- Support the development of a sustainable fundraising strategy for post-project continuation
- Contribute to project reporting and evaluation activities
- Participate in project team meetings and provide updates on fundraising progress
Key Competences:
Experience:
Essential:
- Proven track record of successful bid writing with demonstrable results in securing funding
- Experience writing applications to trusts, foundations, and statutory funders
- Strong background in the charity/not-for-profit sector with understanding of funding landscape
- Experience managing multiple applications simultaneously and meeting tight deadlines
- Knowledge of different application formats and funder requirements
Desirable:
- Experience in the heritage, cultural, or arts sectors
- Previous work with membership organisations or sector support bodies
- Experience with capacity-building or infrastructure funding applications
- Knowledge of NLHF and other major heritage funders
- Experience working with professional fundraising consultants
- Understanding of digital heritage projects and online resource development
Skills, Abilities and Knowledge:
Essential:
- Exceptional written communication skills with ability to adapt tone and style for different audiences, and present detailed information clearly and concisely
- Strong research skills and ability to quickly understand complex organisational contexts
- Excellent project management skills with ability to prioritise and meet multiple deadlines
- High attention to detail and accuracy in application preparation
- Understanding of charity finance, governance, and impact measurement
- Ability to work independently and take initiative in a fast-paced environment
- Strong interpersonal skills for stakeholder engagement and collaboration
Desirable:
- Knowledge of heritage sector challenges, funding landscape, and policy environment
- Understanding of digital transformation and accessibility requirements for online resources
- Experience with monitoring and evaluation frameworks
- Knowledge of social impact measurement and outcome reporting
- Familiarity with Data Protection legislation and compliance requirements
- Understanding of partnership working and collaborative funding approaches
Application Process
To apply, please submit a CV/resume detailing your qualifications and experiences together with a cover letter (to be pasted into the box labelled 'Anything else to mention').
All applications should be submitted through our WorkSmarter vacancy page by 22 May 2026.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted w/c 25 May to arrange interviews. We will also request that shortlisted candidates provide a portfolio of successful funding applications (anonymised as appropriate) demonstrating your track record and writing style.
The Heritage Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities.
Thank you for considering a career at The Heritage Alliance. We look forward to receiving your application!
About the Heritage Alliance
Established in 2002, The Heritage Alliance represents the independent heritage movement in England. We have a unique role, promoting and championing the sector in all its diversity:
We influence legislation and policy through our extensive links with Government, Parliament and Sector Networks
We bring the sector together in our advocacy and working groups, events and publications
We help our members grow through both member-only initiatives and broader sector support programmes with partners like the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, Media Trust and Clore Leadership.
Our membership ranges from large bodies such as the National Trust, Historic Houses, Canal & River Trust to specialist charities and community organisations, across the breadth of sector, from museums, conservation, archaeology to science and construction.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Summary:
The Head of Engagement & Fundraising will play a pivotal role in driving the charity's mission forward by developing and implementing innovative fundraising strategies. This position is essential for enhancing community engagement and building lasting relationships with donors, ensuring the sustainability and growth of our initiatives in North Leeds, Yorkshire. The successful candidate will lead a dedicated team, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence in fundraising efforts.
Why This Role Matters
As Head of Engagement & Fundraising, you’ll be the strategic force behind the charity’s mission — developing and delivering an ambitious engagement and income‑generation strategy that strengthens long‑term sustainability.
You’ll lead a passionate team, champion the charity’s voice across all channels, and build meaningful relationships with funders, partners, community groups and local networks.
This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior role where your ideas, leadership and creativity will directly shape impact across the region.
What You Will Do:
- Strategic fundraising growth — Create and deliver a forward‑thinking fundraising strategy that increases and diversifies annual income.
- Marketing & engagement leadership — Oversee all marketing activity across digital, social, PR, campaigns and events.
- Team development — Coach, inspire and develop a high‑performing team across marketing and fundraising.
- Funding applications — Lead and project‑manage compelling bids to trusts, foundations and grant‑making bodies.
- Stakeholder relationships — Build trusted partnerships with funders, community groups, local networks and internal teams..
Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for an experienced, values‑driven professional who combines strategic thinking with the ability to deliver in practice.
You’ll be:
- An experienced fundraising and engagement manager from the UK charity, social care or community sector
- A confident, inclusive leader with a coaching mindset and proven experience of managing and developing teams
- A strong grant writer with a successful track record of securing funding from trusts, foundations and grant‑making bodies
- A digitally savvy marketer with hands‑on experience across social media, email, CRM systems and online fundraising platforms
- A natural communicator and relationship‑builder who thrives in community‑focused environments
- A creative storyteller able to craft compelling campaigns and messages that inspire action
- Someone with a proactive, can‑do attitude, excellent time‑management skills and the ability to get things done in a fast‑paced setting
- A values‑driven professional who wants their work to make a genuine and lasting difference
Why join us?
- Salary up to £55,000, depending on experience
- Early finish every Friday at 2pm
- Supportive, values‑driven and collaborative culture
- Senior leadership role with real influence and autonomy
- The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives
How to apply
To apply, please submit your CV along with a supporting statement outlining how your experience, skills, and values align with this role.
We actively welcome applications from people with lived experience and from under‑represented communities.
Closing date: 26 May 2026 at midday
We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Please note: no recruitment agencies or third‑party applications, thank you.
Our values
- Collaboration- Working closely with our residents, customers, locality and service users to understand and respond to their needs
- Caring- Caring for others and the environment
- Respectful- Treating people with respect
- Efficiency -Using resources effectively and efficiently
Thank you!
We’re looking for an experienced, proactive fundraiser who can think strategically and deliver hands-on. Someone confident writing bids, building partnerships and spotting opportunities for growth.
This is a key role at a pivotal moment for AudioActive, offering the chance to build on strong foundations and shape a diverse, sustainable income model and power a team that is dedicated to empowering young people through music.
What you’ll do
- Lead and deliver AudioActive’s fundraising and development strategy
- Grow income across trusts & foundations, tenders, contracts and partnerships
- Write high-quality bids, proposals and pitches
- Develop new business partnerships aligned with our mission
- Build strong relationships with funders, partners and supporters
- Work closely with the CEO and team to align income with programmes
- Track performance, manage targets and identify new opportunities
Registered Charity
11 - 20
AudioActive is a non-profit organisation creating social change through music for young people, supporting the development of emerging talent.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.