Representation & Democracy Manager

University of Portsmouth Students' Union; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent student organization in Portsmouth seeks a Representation and Democracy Manager to oversee the Union's representation activities. This role involves managing day-to-day operations, supporting coordinators, and guiding student initiatives. Exceptional leadership, communication, and project management skills are essential. You will work to enhance student services while promoting a supportive environment for underrepresented groups. This is an exciting opportunity for those passionate about student representation and democratic systems.

Benefits

Strong team mentality

Regular training opportunities

38 days holiday

Flexible working

Enhanced sick pay

Discounted gym membership

Qualifications

• Experience in leading and managing projects.
• Ability to support, motivate, and train staff.
• Understanding of issues faced by students in Higher Education.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Union's Representation function.
• Oversee the Course Rep system and democratic processes.
• Support the Union's strategic development.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication skills

Research and data analysis

Ability to handle competing priorities

Job description

The Representation and Democracy Manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Union’s Representation function including physical and digital delivery. The post holder will oversee and support the management of two coordinators to deliver the Union’s core representation and democratic activity. This includes responsibility for the delivery of the Course Rep system (in partnership with the institution), democratic processes including the Have Your Say democracy platform, the Union’s AGM processes, supporting the Union’s Elections process, and supporting elected representatives.

The postholder will drive the Union's Quality Assurance and Higher Education policy work supporting student reps and Elected Officers to highlight key issues at University of Portsmouth and across the sector. The postholder will also help shape the future of the Union's Representation work and be part of the organisation's strategic development.

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic, inspirational individual who is passionate about delivering an excellent student centred service. The post-holder will have experience of leading and managing projects and supporting, motivating and training people. Line management experience is preferred, however we welcome applications from those who have transferable experience from managing volunteers or ad‑hoc staff. The postholder will have experience of developing and increasing participation and will demonstrate the skills necessary to develop new initiatives. In addition, the post-holder will have excellent communication skills, an understanding of best practice in supporting Union representatives, the skills to undertake and present research, analyse data and have the ability to handle competing priorities. An understanding of the complex issues faced by students in a Higher Education setting is essential, and an understanding of representative and democratic systems is desirable.

What we offer

• Strong team mentality, supportive and sociable workplace
• Regular training opportunities and team development days
• 38 days holiday (30 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays) and additional Christmas leave (University shutdown)
• Flexible working (e.g. flexitime, career break, paid time off for volunteering)
• 35 hour week
• Enhanced sick pay, maternity, paternity or adoption leave
• Access to University staff benefits: discounted gym membership, free library membership, bike safe
• Employee Assistance Programme

For more information about this role and how to apply, please visit www.upsu.net/careers/ For an informal conversation about this opportunity, please contact George Baldwin, Senior Student Voice Manager on [e-mail] or 02392 843669

Closing date for applications: midday, 12th January 2026

Interviews will be held on date: 20th January 2026

We kindly ask that candidates do not send CVs or cover letters as these will not be considered. You can find an application form on our website.

Anonymous shortlisting will be carried out for this role to ensure a fair and consistent approach to recruitment. We will not disclose any personal details to the shortlisting panel. Any documents or links with identifying information will not be used during shortlisting, but can be submitted if you are selected for an interview.

We are strongly dedicated to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within our community and we are passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment which supports everyone from recruitment through to appointment, regardless of your background. We welcome applications from all talented people and as part of this commitment, we are working to improve the diversity of our workforce to ensure that it is as relevant and representative of our student community as possible and are actively encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.

The Union is a MINDFUL EMPLOYER® and we are committed to creating a supportive and open culture and actively support the mental wellbeing of all staff.

Due to the high number of applicants, if you have not heard from UPSU by the interview date you should assume you have been unsuccessful in your application.