London · Hybrid
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.
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 strategy
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
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!
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.
The Heritage Alliance
Bid Writer
Part-time
London · Hybrid
£13200.00 annually
22nd May 2026
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Please direct any enquiries about the role to The Heritage Alliance:
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