Job Description

Summary

Join us to lead a bold feminist women's organisation in rural Northumberland. As the Executive Director, you will be at the helm of our organisation, responsible for strategic leadership and effective management. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, your role will focus on overseeing operations, financial performance, and ensuring alignment with our mission. Your core skills in management and leadership will be essential in guiding teams and fostering a collaborative culture. Additionally, your supervising experience and financial management expertise will be crucial in achieving organisational goals and enhancing overall effectiveness.

Responsibilities

The Women's Workshop Executive Director will:

Support the design and delivery of a creative, holistic programme of support that champions gender equality, fosters confidence and skills, and connects women to their heritage, environment, and each other.

Lead and nurture a dynamic, woman-centred team of staff, mentors, associates and volunteers, all committed to the empowerment of women, particularly those facing multiple barriers in rural communities.

Drive feminist campaigning and advocacy to influence local and national conversations around women's rights, rural inequality and systemic barriers, including through the Northumberland Women's Network.

Ensure the long-term sustainability of our work.

Amplify the voices of women through inclusive, participatory practice - ensuring that the Women's Workshop remains a safe, supportive and female-led space where women shape the agenda.

Build practical partnerships with mainstream and grassroots organisations, to improve outcomes for women.

Promote feminist values across all aspects of the organisation, embedding equity, inclusion, and collaboration throughout.

Knowledge and Experience

Have proven experience of leading community-based projects or services that empower women, particularly those facing multiple disadvantages such as rural isolation, poverty or gender-based violence.

Understand the social, economic, and structural barriers that impact women in rural communities, with a commitment to feminist and intersectional values.

Be experienced in working with women to design and deliver holistic support programmes that respond to women's real-life experiences and barriers.

Be confident in managing budgets, writing funding applications and overseeing monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

Have a strong background in managing and supporting diverse teams, volunteers, or peer mentors in a collaborative and empowering way.

Be experienced in partnership working with a range of stakeholders including voluntary, grassroots, private, statutory and funder organisations.

Have demonstrable experience of advocacy, campaigning, or influencing work that amplifies women's voices and rights.

Skills and Abilities

Strong leadership skills grounded in empathy, collaboration, and feminist values.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - written, verbal, and digital - with the ability to engage and influence diverse audiences.

Ability to plan strategically, prioritise, and work flexibly in a fast-moving environment.

Confidence in overseeing communications, including social media, newsletters, and events.

Ability to embed trauma-informed, inclusive and participatory practices across all areas of the work.

Excellent organisational and administrative skills, including working knowledge of safeguarding, GDPR, and health and safety.

Ability to carry out administrative tasks related to the post.

Attitude and Commitment

Strong feminist ethos and a belief in the power of women-led, grassroots change.

Passionate about supporting and advocating for women who face barriers due to poverty, geography, discrimination or lived experience.

Commitment to collaborative leadership, shared learning, and continuous reflection.

Willingness to work flexible hours (including some evenings/weekends) and travel across Northumberland as needed.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 27,053.00 per year

Expected hours: 30 per week

Benefits:

Casual dress Company pension Employee mentoring programme Free or subsidised travel Free parking Sick pay
Schedule:

Flexitime
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Morpeth NE65 0DT

Application deadline: 02/06/2025
Reference ID: Women's Workshop Executive Director
Expected start date: 01/08/2025