Co-ops & Local Economies Program Manager

Co-ops & Local Economies Program Manager Job Category : Posted : Full-Time We’re Vancity, a member-owned credit union built on the principles of inclusion and social justice. Since 1946, our relentless commitment to these values has helped us challenge the status quo and break down barriers. We’ve made bold commitments to become net-zero by 2040 across all mortgages and loans, and we’re actively pursuing strategies in Indigenous banking and financial resilience for our members. As the largest private sector Living Wage Employer in Canada, we’re proud to be consistently recognized as one of the country’s Top Employers. As a Co-ops & Local Economies Program Manager , you will work closely with senior leadership to advance Vancity’s Co-ops & Local Economies Strategy by creating the conditions for members, businesses, and communities to thrive through stronger local economies, community ownership, and co-operative development. You will build strategic partnerships, generate sector insights, develop innovative initiatives, and identify opportunities that help businesses start, grow, modernize, transition ownership, and keep economic value rooted in community. This role is ideal for a strategic and community-minded professional who is passionate about co-operative development, local economic resilience, partnership building, and creating measurable economic impact. This is a Full-time, Permanent role based at our Vancity head office and will report directly to the Director, Co-Ops and Local Economy . While this position provides a hybrid work arrangement, you will be expected to be on-site for events and business demands. Supporting the development and delivery of programs and initiatives that strengthen co-operatives, small businesses, and local economic ecosystems Developing tools, frameworks, and partnership approaches that help internal teams activate strategy at scale through innovative models and impact capital Building and managing relationships with co-operatives, sector associations, community organizations, economic development partners, and industry stakeholders Identifying and activating partnerships that support co-operative growth, local enterprise, community ownership, and wealth recirculation Connecting internal teams and external partners to advance collaborative initiatives and community-based opportunities Advancing opportunities that connect co-operative development, community ownership, economic resilience, and local enterprise with Vancity products and services Conducting research on co-operative development, local economic trends, community wealth-building models, and inclusive business practices Translating research, stakeholder insights, and market intelligence into practical recommendations, business cases, and financing pathways Developing compelling storytelling, impact reporting, presentations, and communications materials that demonstrate outcomes and strengthen awareness Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Community Development, Public Policy, Commerce, Urban Studies, Social Enterprise, or a related discipline

• 5+ years of experience in program management, community economic development, social finance, co-operative development, partnership management, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience developing and delivering programs, partnerships, or initiatives that create economic or community impact
• Experience building and managing relationships across non-profit organizations, co-operatives, government agencies, financial institutions, and community partners
• Experience developing business cases, presentations, reports, and briefing materials for senior leadership and external stakeholders
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, facilitation, communication, and relationship management skills
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and initiatives simultaneously

Experience working within co-operative sectors, social enterprise ecosystems, or community wealth-building initiatives Knowledge of small business development, ownership transition, community ownership models, or local economic resilience strategies Impact-Oriented – You are motivated by creating lasting economic and community benefits. Strategic – You connect emerging opportunities with broader organizational and community objectives. Curious – You actively seek innovative ideas, insights, and approaches that strengthen local economies and community wealth. The base pay offered may vary depending on factors such as relevant qualifications, skills, previous experience, and internal equity. A career at Vancity is more than just a job, you’re joining a tradition of change-makers who are creating lasting change for our communities. Living Wage Employer : We’re the largest private-sector Living Wage Employer in Canada and consistently ranked among Canada’s Top Employers Permanent employees receive flexible benefit packages that can be tailored annually to meet evolving needs Generous Vacation : New employees start with 3-4 weeks of vacation per year, with additional days earned over time Extra Stat Holidays : In addition to BC’s 11 statutory holidays, we offer 2 extra days, plus care days for personal or family illness Immediate Health Coverage : Health and dental benefits begin on your hire date, with three levels of coverage to choose from Defined Benefit Pension : Our retirement plan provides a guaranteed income for life, recognizing that retirement looks different for everyone Vancity supports an inclusive hiring process for candidates who self-identify as Indigenous, Black, or Trans. Any information you choose to share will be stored securely and used only for recruitment and career development connected to this initiative, in line with the BC Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). This role is an open vacancy, and our hiring process is grounded in fairness, transparency, and inclusion. If you require any accommodations or support at any stage of the recruitment process, including the application stage, we encourage you to let us know.