Co-ops & Local Economies Program Manager

Our Story & Purpose:

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. If you’re ready to join our team of 2,700 diverse individuals, access competitive rewards and benefits, and be part of a greater movement.

Your Role in Supporting Our Members:

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.

How You'll Make an Impact:

• 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

• Participating in industry convenings, working groups, and stakeholder forums to identify trends, build relationships, and generate new 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

What You’ll Bring to the Team:

• 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

• Strong research, analytical, and strategic thinking skills with the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable recommendations

• 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

Extra Skills That Set You Apart:

• Experience working within co‑operative sectors, social enterprise ecosystems, or community wealth‑building initiatives

• Experience supporting impact investing, impact capital, economic dev