Organiser jobs in Manchester

About the organisation

Sortition Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation founded in 2017 to build a movement for permanent, powerful citizens’ assemblies. It generates income by delivering professional sortition services to governments, civil society, and organisations like the Global Assembly, using surplus funds to campaign for a democracy fit for the 21st century. We are structured as a workers' co-operative. 

The values that guide our goals are Social Justice and Collective Wisdom and the values that guide our culture are curiosity, care, and courage. We have a small but growing team across the UK, Australia, and the EU.

About the project

The Sortition Foundation, alongside democracy movement allies, is campaigning for a permanent citizens' assembly (CA) in Greater Manchester. Greater Manchester's governance is flawed, with a mayoral authority backed by a small, indirectly elected Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), leaving residents with just one vote every four years. A permanent CA would address this deficit by giving people a voice and holding leaders accountable. A CA would not only benefit greater Manchester but strengthen the Mayor’s decision-making and boost the region’s influence. As metro mayors expand nationwide, this campaign sets a powerful precedent, positioning Greater Manchester as a leader in democratic reform.

About the role

This role supports the delivery of a campaign for a permanent citizens’ assembly in Greater Manchester. Working closely with the Head of Organising and the wider organising and campaigns team, the Organiser will help engage existing supporters, reach new people, and support the practical delivery of organising activities and administration (keeping records and contact lists, etc).

The role is focused on implementation and support, rather than campaign strategy, senior political representation (i.e. this is not a lobbying campaign), or organisational decision-making. The postholder will contribute to base-building and supporter engagement while developing their organising skills within a supportive team environment.

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of organising activity in Greater Manchester, including door-knocking, stalls, meetings, and events.

• Help deliver new supporter briefings, both online and offline, using materials and formats developed by the organising and campaigns team.

• Carry out one-to-one conversations with supporters to build relationships, understand motivations, and encourage involvement.

• Support the organisation and facilitation of local campaign meetings and activities.

• Assist with maintaining contact with supporters and community groups, with responsibility for relationship ownership remaining with senior campaign staff.

• Gather feedback and insights from supporters and share these with the Head of Organising and campaigns team.

• Support campaign actions and moments identified by the organising and campaigns team.

• Assist with administrative and logistical tasks related to campaign delivery, as required.

• Feed into strategic reflection and development as part of a team of equals.

Essential skills, experience and attributes

• Experience of community organising, campaigning, volunteering, or grassroots engagement (paid or unpaid).

• Willingness to use face-to-face organising methods, including door-knocking and public outreach.

• Ability to build rapport with a wide range of people and listen with curiousity and care.

• Clear and confident communicator, able to explain ideas in an accessible way.

• Comfortable working as part of a small team and participating in strategic development, and following agreed strategic direction.

• Reliable and organised, with the ability to manage tasks independently with appropriate support.

• Willingness to work flexible hours as required by the campaign.

• Previous relationship with and/or close knowledge of Greater Manchester and its communities.

• A commitment to Sortition Foundation’s values of social justice and collective wisdom, and its cultural values of courage, curiosity, and care.

Desirable skills, experience and attributes

• Experience supporting or participating in organising or campaigning projects.

• Familiarity with deliberative democracy, citizens’ assemblies, or related ideas.

• Connections to community groups or networks in Greater Manchester or the North West.

• An interest in developing facilitation and organising skills over time.

Working style

This is a hybrid, community-based role, combining flexible home working with regular in-person organising across Greater Manchester. The role is suitable for someone looking to grow their organising experience within a supportive and collaborative team.