Democracy & Engagement Lead - Member Influence

Co-op Group; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

28 days holiday

Pension contributions (employer)

Onsite gym discount

Training and development

Cycle-to-work scheme

Virtual healthcare

Job summary

Co-op Group in Manchester is recruiting a Member Democracy Specialist to oversee elections and engage member-owners. The role sits in the Member Influence and Democracy team, with hybrid working between home and the office (two in-office days per week).

You’ll help shape how members influence decisions that affect the Co-op’s future. The role focuses on improving participation in elections and polls, building connections between member-owners and elected representatives, and driving inclusive,

Qualifications

• Experience of running elections end-to-end with a 'voter first' approach
• Previous experience of working with elective representatives and external suppliers
• A passion for continuous improvement and driving new ways to deliver democratic processes
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and a keen eye for detail
• A talent for building positive relationships with a wide variety of people up to senior level

Responsibilities

• Oversee our formal and informal democratic processes, including Board and Council elections
• Develop and deliver plans that increase member participation and support year-round democratic engagement opportunities
• Coordinate outreach to prospective election candidates and lead candidate communications
• Work to increase engagement and turnout across elections, polls and wider democratic activity
• Make sure election and poll results are delivered accurately, on time, and to the highest standards of administration
• Manage relationships with external suppliers, ensuring democratic activities are delivered on budget and on time
• Continuously identify new ways to involve member-owners in democratic processes
• Support the effective functioning of local democracy, helping Council Members build meaningful connections with members

Skills

Election management

Stakeholder engagement

Policy understanding

Communication skills

Job description

Co-op Group in Manchester is recruiting a Member Democracy Specialist to oversee elections and engage member-owners. The role sits in the Member Influence and Democracy team, with hybrid working between home and the office (two in-office days per week).

You’ll help shape how members influence decisions that affect the Co-op’s future. The role focuses on improving participation in elections and polls, building connections between member-owners and elected representatives, and driving inclusive,