Head of Innovation

£62,151 (London)
£53,459 (Outer London)
Hybrid, with one day a week at our London, Oxfordshire or Wales office

About us

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-based 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 Head of Innovation 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.

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.

Benefits

In return, we will offer you a hybrid working arrangement, which means a minimum of one day a week in your primary office and the rest worked from home, although you can work up to three days in the office if preferred; 28 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 days on completion of 5 years’ service with the flexibility to take your annual leave in hours; membership of our healthcare scheme; enhanced family-friendly policies; a commitment to employee wellbeing; and more.

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 at HR@nfwi.org.uk.

Closing date: 3 September 2026

Interview dates:

First round (virtual): 11 September 2026
Second round (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.