Help secure the future of Women Ahead by leading our fundraising strategy. Drive grants, sponsorship and partnership opportunities that enable us to grow our impact.
Location
No geographical restriction.
Open to
All genders
Purpose of the role
The Funding and Grants Director leads Women Ahead’s income generation beyond membership, securing the funding needed to sustain and grow the organisation. This role is central to our financial sustainability strategy — identifying and pursuing grants, sponsorship and partnership funding that allow us to deliver more for the women we support.
How the Board works
Women Ahead is a social enterprise with no support staff, so this is a working board rather than a non-executive one in the traditional sense. Each member is both an expert and an active contributor, expected to take on and deliver work directly in their area.
Time commitment
- Approximately 4–6 hours per month.
- Attendance at quarterly board meetings (in person or via Zoom), plus any extraordinary meetings where an important decision must be made.
- Attendance at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in person, usually in late April or early May. The date is confirmed each January as part of the annual calendar.
- Additional time for specific projects as agreed.
Key responsibilities
- Develop and lead a funding strategy covering grants, sponsorship and partnership income.
- Research, identify and pursue relevant grant and funding opportunities, and lead applications.
- Build and manage relationships with funders, sponsors and corporate partners, in support of the organisation’s corporate-partnership growth.
- Support fundraising around key events, including the Anniversary Gala.
- Track and report on the funding pipeline, applications and income secured.
- Ensure funding is applied and reported in line with funders’ requirements and the organisation’s objects.
- Act as an ambassador for Women Ahead and contribute to its growth.
What we’re looking for
- Experience in fundraising, grant applications, sponsorship or income generation.
- A strong track record of securing funding is highly desirable.
- Excellent relationship-building and written communication skills.
- A proactive, self-starting approach and strong communication skills.
- Alignment with Women Ahead’s values and mission.
Status
Voluntary – subject to a 3-month probation period.
Incentives and benefits
- Complimentary membership for the duration of tenure.
Networking and professional development opportunities.
A detailed summary of incentives is available separately on request.
Legal and governance responsibilities
- Act in the organisation’s best interest at all times.
- Maintain confidentiality and sign the NDA and governance documents.
- Comply with all relevant regulations, including GDPR.
- A notice period of 30 days is required should you wish to step down, to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of responsibilities.
Culture and values
- Women Ahead’s purpose is to empower women to lead, thrive and rise together. Our vision is to be the leading network advancing women in business and leadership across the region, and a recognised centre of excellence for women’s professional and enterprise development. Everyone on our board is expected to share and champion our values:
- Inclusive — open to every woman regardless of background, in a safe and supportive environment.
- Professional — a credible leadership hub, delivering real value to members and partners.
- Human-centred — performance and wellbeing treated as connected, not competing.
- Sustainable — run responsibly, reinvesting in the mission, built to last.
How to apply
Express your interest to chair@womenahead.co.uk
