Community Engagement Manager

About the Electoral Commission

The Electoral Commission is the UK’s independent body overseeing elections and regulating political finance. Everything we do is about ensuring trust, participation, and integrity in the democratic process.

As we enter a bold new chapter under our five-year Corporate Plan, we are increasing our workforce and transforming how we plan and deliver core services. This post plays a central role in that journey.

About the role

The Community Engagement Manager will lead the Commission’s community based democratic engagement work across England, building strategic partnerships and delivering programmes that help under registered and underrepresented communities participate in democracy. The role combines strategy, partnership development, programme delivery and team leadership to expand the reach and impact of the Commission’s voter education work

In this role, you will:

• Develop and deliver the Commission’s approach to community based democratic engagement across England.
• Build and manage relationships with community organisations, civil society groups and local authorities to extend the reach of voter engagement and education work.
• Lead a regional team, including recruiting and managing Senior Community Engagement Officers.
• Commission and oversee community partnership programmes that provide impartial democratic information.
• Use community insight to identify barriers to participation and shape programme improvements.
• Ensure all engagement activity is inclusive, accessible and aligned with safeguarding and equality standards

About the team

This is an exciting opportunity to help build a new and growing team that will expand our direct engagement with communities. You will manage the Community Engagement team, which sits within the wider Voter Engagement team. We work across education, community outreach and partnerships to help people of all ages gain the knowledge and confidence to take part in democracy.

The Community Engagement team will:

• Design and deliver targeted outreach in communities across England, working collaboratively with the English Regional Teams.
• Provide localised democratic engagement outreach through trusted networks
• Coordinate rollout of voter engagement materials and resources across England
• Build influential relationships with local councils, civil society, faith groups and grassroots organisations

Our focus is on supporting people who are under‑registered or face barriers to taking part in democracy. Insights from this work will help improve future programmes and inform wider organisational priorities.

As the manager, you will help shape the culture, direction and identity of a new team that is collaborative, impact‑focused and driven by community insight.

Who we’re looking for

This role will suit someone who brings:

• Extensive experience working within and alongside diverse local communities
• A background in community engagement, local government, civil society or the charity sector
• Strong partnership-building skills and the ability to influence senior stakeholders
• Experience delivering programmes or initiatives that support underrepresented or marginalised groups
• A proactive, compassionate and collaborative approach

You will thrive if you are an innovative thinker who can lead others, build trust with communities and partners, and bring clarity and structure to new and developing work areas.