Nationwide Foundation Programme Manager

The Nationwide Foundation is looking for a knowledgeable and professional individual to provide programme and grant management support on a fixed term contract basis for a period of 12-months. There is potential for this position to be extended at the end of the 12-month period based on a review of the requirement. 

The Nationwide Foundation is a charitable foundation funded by Nationwide Building Society. We are committed to improving the lives of people in need in the UK by funding charitable causes and influencing change.

At the heart of the Nationwide Foundation’s approach is a commitment to tackling the root causes of the social issues that lead to disadvantage, poverty, and inequality. Since 2013, our strategy means we’re working so everyone has access to a decent and affordable home. 

Decent Affordable Homes. We do this by:

• Making renting work for everyone 
• Helping to build affordable homes
• Shaping the future of good housing

Our activities include:

• Engaging with Government and cross-party policymakers to advocate for change 
• Convening coalitions to bring different voices and call for change 
• Building an evidence base by commissioning ground-breaking research
• Investing long-term in campaigning groups 
• Testing new ideas to build understanding of what works

We are happy to consider flexible working approaches to help you perform at your best. The working hours (per week) for this role are anticipated to be 28 however we’re open to considering other working patterns. 

At the Nationwide Foundation we offer hybrid working wherever possible. More rewarding relationships are supported through our hybrid approach, bringing colleagues together across our UK wide estate, whilst also supporting generous access to home working. We value our time in the office to solve problems and there will be a need to regularly connect with colleagues for collaboration in one of our office sites, particularly Swindon and London.

The team work together in our Swindon office on Tuesdays. If your application is successful, your hiring manager will provide further details on how this works.

What you’ll be doing

Programme management 

• Oversee the performance and delivery of the TPRS programmes emerging initiatives including ensuring effective evaluation and learning is designed into the work.

• Lead the work of the Foundation’s Private Renting Knowledge Hub 

• Identify and develop strategic relationships and partnerships with key stakeholders including voluntary and statutory bodies, think tanks, academic institutions, and service delivery organisations. 

• Identify and commission activities, research and partnerships which will deliver on the TPRS research priorities.

• Lead horizon scanning to identify proactive and reactive influencing opportunities, and deliver this activity, in partnership with internal and external colleagues. 

• Work with the Foundation’s External Affairs and Communication leads to maximise profile, storytelling and influence of our work in the private rented sector.

Grant / contract management 

• Design and deliver the funding programme and partnerships that supports the delivery of at least one place-based funding programme. This will involve managing the application and assessment stage and ensuring appropriate dure diligence at all stages

• Supporting grant-holders and other delivery partners to deliver the work and project outcomes 

• Support grant-holders and other delivery partners to develop and report against associated monitoring and evaluation frameworks and systems

• Deliver the highest level of good grant-making practices, value for money and a portfolio of grants that meets the Foundation’s risk appetite.

About you

We'd love to hear from you if you have:

• A good understanding of UK housing issues, and, in particular, can demonstrate an understanding of policies that affect vulnerable people in the PRS 

• Experience of achieving impact through funding, campaigning or policy change 

• Experience of developing place-based programmes and working with stakeholders, including local authorities, to deliver 

• Plenty of initiative, creativity and an eagerness to put ideas forward 

• A talent for spotting opportunities and the flair to make them come alive

• A team player who is happy to work independently 

• An analytical thinker with experience of assessing, monitoring and evaluating work including an understanding of social outcomes

• Excellent relationship management skills and personal credibility to influence stakeholders across a variety of sectors, at many levels, to achieve an intended outcome

• Excellent report writing, presentation and communication skills

• Demonstrable commitment to social justice and passion for the Nationwide Foundation’s work and vision 

• Ideally, you’ll have knowledge and understanding of the charitable sector including good grant-making practice

• An understanding of the theory of change would be advantageous

The extras you’ll get

There are all sorts of employee benefits available at Nationwide, including:

• 25 days holiday, pro rata

• From January 2026, all Nationwide colleagues will benefit from private medical insurance

• A highly competitive pension to help you build a strong foundation for retirement

• Access to an annual performance related bonus

• Training and development to help you progress your career

• A great selection of additional benefits through our salary sacrifice scheme

• Life assurance to provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones in the event of your death.
• Wellhub – access to a range of free and paid options for health and wellness

• Up to 2 days of paid volunteering a year

What to do next

If this role is for you, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button. You’ll need to attach your up-to-date CV and answer a few quick questions for us. We’d recommend sharing a cover letter alongside your CV. 

We respond to everyone, so we will be in contact shortly after the closing date to let you know the outcome of your application. We’re planning to interview for this position on the 2^nd and 3^rd December in our London office.