Democracy & Member Engagement Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

28 days holiday

Pension contributions

Onsite gym (Manchester HQ)

Discounts on Co-op products

Stream pay access

Virtual healthcare

Support service

Training & development

Cycle-to-work

Job summary

Co-op is seeking a Member Democracy Specialist to drive participation and influence for 7.5 million member-owners. You will oversee elections and polls, coordinate candidate communications, and collaborate with external suppliers to deliver accurate results with high standards.

The role offers hybrid working in Manchester, with home and office days, evening/weekend flexibility, and a strong focus on strengthening democratic engagement and member connections within the cooperative movement.

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, motions and polls, creating an accessible and engaging experience for member-owners.
• Develop and deliver plans that increase member participation and support year-round democratic engagement opportunities.
• Co-ordinate outreach to prospective election candidates and lead candidate communications, providing professional guidance and support throughout the process.
• Work to increase engagement and turnout across elections, polls and wider democratic activity, using insight and feedback to continuously improve the member experience.
• Make sure election and poll results are delivered accurately, on time, and to the highest standards of administration, in line with Co-op Group rules and FCA guidance.
• Manage relationships with external suppliers, ensuring democratic activities are delivered to the right standard, on budget and to agreed timescales.
• Continuously identify new ways to involve member-owners in democratic processes and engage a broader and more diverse range of members.
• Support the effective functioning of local democracy, helping Council Members build meaningful connections with the members they represent.

Skills

Election management

Stakeholder management

Continuous improvement

Communication skills

Relationship building

Job description

Co-op is seeking a Member Democracy Specialist to drive participation and influence for 7.5 million member-owners. You will oversee elections and polls, coordinate candidate communications, and collaborate with external suppliers to deliver accurate results with high standards.

The role offers hybrid working in Manchester, with home and office days, evening/weekend flexibility, and a strong focus on strengthening democratic engagement and member connections within the cooperative movement.