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- Tasks: Drive business growth by expanding funding and building strategic partnerships across 50+ countries.
- Company: Join WFD, a leading UK public body supporting global democracy and governance.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, wellbeing days, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global democracy while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in business development with strong proposal writing and negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: UK based with the option for remote working. This role will require occasional travel to HQ in London to fulfil operational requirements. Occasional overseas travel to support programme implementation and/or oversee activities is required for the position.
Benefits:
- Yearly performance related pay
- Generous leave
- 4 wellbeing days per year
- Eligible for the Civil Service pension scheme option - employer contribution up to 28.97%
Contract: Fixed Term - Until March 2029, with the possibility of being made permanent.
Working Pattern: Full-time; WFD will consider flexible working arrangements, including job share, compressed hours, and flexitime.
Role Overview with Key Responsibilities:
WFD’s exciting plans for growth include diversifying our donor funding and delivering our new business development strategy. As our new Business Development Manager, you will play a central role in expanding our funding portfolio, unlocking new strategic partnerships, and scaling high-impact programmes across more than 50 countries. Working closely with the Head of Business Development and Funding Partnerships, this role will:
- Actively engage in donor analysis; identifying emerging donor trends and contribute to the diversification of donor funding and the execution of our new business development strategy.
- Review and design effective business development systems and operating procedures.
- Lead funding opportunities with institutional donors (FCDO, ISF, EC and other bilateral European donors) including trusts and foundations when renewing or expanding WFD’s non-regional portfolio.
About You:
- Track record of engaging with, developing and delivering business development strategies.
- At least 4 years’ experience managing end-to-end bid processes.
- Experience writing convincing bids for both grants and commercial contracts.
- Evidence of winning institutional funding.
- Strong understanding of donor landscapes.
- Experience working with global cross-functional teams.
- Strong proposal writing and budgeting skills.
- Proficient in business development systems and operations procedures including designing and implementing.
- Experience in consortium development and strong negotiation skills.
- Strategic and commercially aware.
- Highly organised and able to manage competing priorities.
- A confident communicator and collaborator.
- Self-motivated and proactive.
About Us:
WFD is the UK public body dedicated to supporting democracy and governance around the world. We collaborate with partners in over 50 countries and territories, supporting democracies to evolve, become more resilient and address the most urgent challenges societies face. Recognised as an expert, trusted partner and an influential voice, we are an organisation that shows how strong democracies are critical for sustainable outcomes for people and our planet. Our work with parliaments, political parties, electoral institutions, civil society and others helps encourage growth, respond to climate change, end corruption, protect elections, tackle disinformation, challenge barriers to women's participation, and protect and uphold the rights of young people, people with disabilities, and LGBT+ people.
Our Offer:
With staff in the UK and in-country teams around the world that lead our work, we are a diverse, global organisation. Everything we do depends on our teams being able to thrive, so we pride ourselves in our supportive environment and benefits. As well as WFD's warm and welcoming culture, we offer flexible, hybrid, and remote working, generous leave, 4 wellbeing days per year, performance-related pay, and more.
Application Submission:
Applications are via CV and Cover Letter, which are received via our online application system. We also welcome applications in various formats; please contact our careers team at recruitment@wfd.org to discuss this. Please only apply if you have a work permit to work in the UK. This vacancy will close on 25th May 2026.
Business Development Manager (May 2026) employer: Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD)
Contact Detail:
Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager (May 2026)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its mission. Understand their values and how they align with your experience. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it relates to the role of Business Development Manager. Keep it concise but impactful, highlighting your successes in engaging with donors and managing bids.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager (May 2026)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Business Development Manager role. Highlight your experience with donor analysis and business development strategies, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills in managing bid processes and winning institutional funding.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about supporting democracy and governance. Mention how your background aligns with our mission and the specific responsibilities of the role. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your duties; show us what you’ve achieved! Include metrics or outcomes from your previous roles that demonstrate your success in business development. This will help us see the impact you've made in your past positions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and our values!
How to prepare for a job interview at Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD)
✨Know Your Donor Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the donor landscape relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with key players like FCDO and EC, and be ready to discuss emerging trends. This shows you’re proactive and knowledgeable about the sector.
✨Showcase Your Bid Successes
Prepare specific examples of your past successes in managing bid processes and securing funding. Highlight your proposal writing skills and any innovative strategies you employed. This will demonstrate your capability and experience directly related to the job.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you would approach diversifying donor funding and implementing business development strategies. Think about potential partnerships and how you can leverage them for growth. This will showcase your strategic mindset and alignment with WFD’s goals.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working with global cross-functional teams, prepare to talk about your collaboration experiences. Share examples of how you’ve successfully worked with diverse teams and navigated challenges. This will highlight your ability to thrive in a collaborative environment.