Democracy and Influencing Manager (Fixed Term 12 Months)

About the job

Do you have demonstrable experience of leading a high performing team? Can you facilitate political debate and support student leaders? Have you got experience of campaigns, research, policy and influencing? Then, we have an exciting new role for you at Arts SU.

We are looking for a Interim Democracy and Influencing Manager who is responsible for developing our democracy and influencing work at UAL, who will build engagement levels, impact, and visibility with a variety of stakeholders.

This is an exciting new role in a busy student-facing team working to support and deliver year-round democracy and campaign activities and events which seeks to engage students on the feedback and issues they want to act on. Key tasks will include coordinating team meetings, facilitating student debate and democracy, delivering training, writing papers, and supporting research.

The role involves significant partnership working with students, our full-time officers, various teams in Arts SU and University of the Arts London. You’ll work closely with teams overseeing Education Quality, Student Communities and Advice.

Who we are looking for?

This role is ideal for anyone with experience of working in Students’ Union’s or Higher Education. You will have demonstratable experience of planning, delivering, and evaluating plans to a successful conclusion with the ability to manage others to deliver to deadlines, within agreed budgets and to a consistently high standard.

You should have an enthusiastic approach to your work with excellent organization and communication skills. You will be keen to collaborate with other teams across Arts SU and UAL to deliver the organization’s strategy and vision.

As a new role you will need initiative to collaboratively develop and adapt to new ways of working. Attention to detail, flexibility and time management will be key as the role requires you to be able to adapt to the needs of various operational needs and student priorities as and when required.

You will be committed to our values of equity, diversity, and inclusion. You will be passionate and dedicated to increasing student engagement, improving the student experience and have a good understanding of the needs of our students.

Check our website for the full Job Description and Person Specification, you will need it for your application! –https://www.arts-su.com/pageassets/union/jobs/careers/INAL-Democracy-and-Influencing-Manager-JD-and-PS.pdf

Benefits and Perks :

In return for your passion and experience, we offer:

• A summer 4-day working week – we have a four day working week during the months of July & August
• Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days holidays per year, increasing at the rate of one day per full year served after the end of your second year of employment up to a maximum of 5 days
• A three-week closure during the festive period incorporating the three UK bank holidays (Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day). This is approximately 12 additional leave days.
• A six-day closure during spring incorporating the two UK bank holidays (Good Friday and Easter Monday). Therefore, closure dates are from Thursday before Good Friday to Tuesday after Bank Holiday Monday. These are 2 additional leave days.
• Birthday Leave
• 2 days of Volunteering Leave
• Religious Festival Leave (up to 2 days)

Recruitment Timeline :

• Application closes : 15th February 2026
• Interview Date : 24th February 2026
• Please Note: To be considered, you must have the right to work in the UK or a valid work permit/visa.