CharityVillage

STATEMENT OF INTENTION

At Feed Nova Scotia, we prioritize cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce, understanding its critical role in driving innovation and fostering a sense of belonging. Our commitment extends to creating a work environment that authentically represents the communities we serve. 

We welcome applications from all interested individuals, placing a particular emphasis and priority for candidates from historically excluded groups. We actively encourage submissions from those identifying as African Nova Scotian, Mi’kmaq, Black, racialized, Indigenous/First Nation, a person with disability, 2SLGBTQIA+, and newcomers to Canada. We invite you to share this information in your cover letter or resume, and we invite you to express your pronouns.

Moreover, we collaborate closely with the P4G search team, who are dedicated to creating a safe space for you to openly discuss your experiences, preferences, and any accommodations that may support you. This partnership ensures that your information is handled with sensitivity and respect. 

ABOUT US

Food is not the solution to food insecurity.

People need support today. Knowing this, Feed Nova Scotia collects and distributes approximately three million kilograms of food annually to 140 member food banks, meal programs, and shelters across the province. It also supports its member agencies as they build capacity to serve their communities. 

While Feed Nova Scotia helps Nova Scotians meet a very basic need, it raises awareness of the root causes of food insecurity—things like systemic racism, low wages, inadequate income support, and unaffordable housing. Feed Nova Scotia advocates for sustainable, policy-based solutions that will allow everyone to live a life of dignity and prevent anyone from relying on charitable band-aids to address human rights.

PURPOSE

A province where everyone has the ability to choose and access the food they want and need.

VISION

Achieve food sovereignty and food justice to advance social equity. 

MISSION

We (Feed Nova Scotia) partner to create systemic changes while responding to the immediate need for dignified, secure, and just access to food.

HISTORY

Feed Nova Scotia opened its doors in 1984 as the Metro Food Bank Society, with the mandate to provide emergency food relief within Metro Halifax. The volunteer staff served 12 member food banks and meal programs. In 2002, at the request of our member agencies, Metro Food Bank Society became the umbrella organization for food banks across the province. In 2005, we rebranded as Feed Nova Scotia.

After over 30 years in operation— now supporting 140 member agencies— Feed Nova Scotia recognizes the need is growing, and they can’t feed their way out of it. While Feed Nova Scotia continues to address food insecurity by supplying emergency food support, it is also working to find long-term solutions to hunger and poverty in Nova Scotia.

VALUES

• Building Connection 

• Conscious Collaboration 

• Learning through Curiosity 

• Courage to Make Change

STRATEGIC PILLARS

• Organizational Capacity 

• Ecosystems 

• Innovation and Learning 

• Changing Public Dialogue and Advocacy

THIS MOMENT, THIS POSITION

After 10 years of growth and impact under the leadership of Nick Jennery, our outgoing Executive Director, Feed Nova Scotia is looking for a leader to write the organization’s next chapter, honouring the newly adopted dual mission. 

1.Partnering for systemic change of the food system while, 

2.Responding the immediate need for dignified, secure, and just access to food. 

Inherent to its dual mission, particularly partnering for systemic change of the food system, are the principles of JEDDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Decolonization, and Inclusion), which acknowledge that complex social and historical forces have resulted in a social structure where large numbers of people are dependent on food banks to meet their basic needs. 

Consistent with JEDDI principles, data confirms that many individuals currently experiencing food insecurity identify as members of groups that have been violently oppressed since Europeans settled in North America. Historically, Feed Nova Scotia has focused on responding to the immediate need for dignified, secure, and just access to food and only occasionally touched on matters of complex social policy. The decision to put systemic change in the food system at the forefront is a significant shift for the organization. 

The Executive Director (ED) of Feed Nova Scotia is asked to lead us through the next three to five years, guiding a process of organizational transformation and culture change to align the organization and its network around the new mission statement developed in 2023.

HOW YOU’LL CONTRIBUTE

Below are the key roles and responsibilities of the ED. This list identifies key areas of focus and the expectations of relationships between the ED and the board based on a power-sharing model. However, this list does not adequately reflect the role of the new ED, in partnership with the board, in leading reflection on how to advance the new mission strategically. Not only does Feed Nova Scotia need an internal culture change, but it also needs to redefine its external role in supporting, leading, and advocating for food security and justice at the level of the ecosystem.

This externally facing role includes working with key systems members: 

• Governments (provincial and municipal) 

• The 140 member agencies 

• Partner organizations 

• Equity-deserving communities and those with lived experience of food insecurity

The ED will need skills in building a network through collaboration, bringing JEDDI to life in the organization's work and network, and modelling the organization's values in all interactions internally and externally. A passion for social justice and system change is required. 

The leader can prioritize allocating time and resources toward our missions to ensure the coconstruction of policies and actions that centre food sovereignty and procedures for implementing the food banking model. 

These commitments will be evidenced through the following:

• The delivery of programs 

• Support of the network agency members 

• Community-led/endorsed partnerships 

• Advancement of the Innovation and Learning Lab's work with its First Voice Advisory Committee and many external partners

Against the backdrop of JEDDI, the ED conducts the organization's business affairs in a prudent, sustainable, and ethical manner. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Leadership

• With input from the board and other key constituents, the ED is responsible for leading the development and implementation of the strategic and annual plans; they will nurture and foster Feed Nova Scotia’s brand and good reputation. 

• All board authority is delegated to staff and non-board volunteers through the ED, who, as the organizational leader, maintains all authority and accountability for staff and other volunteers. 

• Innovative and collaborative leadership skills. Track record of change management and a vision for organizational transformation. 

Staff Management

• Advance a positive organizational culture that advances the organization's purpose, aligns with its values, and is committed to JEDDI principles. 

• Inform and educate staff and volunteers about the organization's shifting mission and support them in implementing required changes. 

• Ensure staff and the leadership team are appropriately and fairly compensated, have current job descriptions, have development opportunities, and are provided with annual performance objectives and systematic performance reviews.

• Promote a work atmosphere that supports job satisfaction, fairness, and a sense of belonging and provides adequate training, support, and/or direction to volunteers. Ensure any conflicts are handled constructively and lead to learning and collective commitments to culture change.

External Communications

• Serve as a key spokesperson for Feed Nova Scotia. 

• Implement an external communications strategy and develop meaningful and effective relationships with key constituents, such as network agency members, government, donors, and partners.

Communications and Counsel to the Board

• Make regular reports to the board on financial issues and implementation of strategic and operational plans with enough detailed background information, alternatives, and implications of specific recommendations made to the board to ensure decisions are consistent with the organization’s strategy, mission, and values. Make sure the board is informed on emerging trends that are of significant interest to Feed Nova Scotia.

• Maintain open and trusting two-way communication channels with the Board Chair and the board as a whole. Advise the board if it appears to be out of compliance with its own policies and processes, particularly in cases where behaviors are detrimental to the working relationship between the board and the ED. Report any material issues that might impact the organization's reputation, mission, or health or otherwise result in a potential crisis. 

• Provide input into their annual performance management process, including self evaluation.

• Update the risk matrix as new risks, such as cyber security, are identified. Give the board timely notice of sensitive or potentially negative issues, anticipated adverse media coverage, or other perceived risks. 

• Develop an annual budget to present to the board for approval that upholds their fiduciary responsibility and supports the implementation of the strategic plan. Regularly report on the budget and any deviations from the plan. 

• Invest in and protect the organization's assets to maintain financial health and protect the organization against liability claims and support the development and implementation of financial controls.

Organizational Advocacy

• Advance Food Nova Scotia’s mission and purpose to create food sovereignty and food justice through trusted partnerships. While acting in a non-partisan manner. 

• Frame advocacy in a way that promotes social justice while proactively managing risks that such advocacy might create. 

Fundraising

• Support the long-term financial viability of Feed Nova Scotia through fundraising activities. 

• Cultivate strong donor relationships and shepherd gifts, donations, and bequests according to relevant policies and environmental, social, and ethical considerations, as well as best practices that are context-informed and that draw on the experiences, values, and wise practices of many cultures and traditions. 

Developing and Supporting the Network Agency Members

• Ensure the network agency members are in good standing, well informed, supported, respected, and have an opportunity to provide input into shaping Feed Nova Scotia’s operations and directions. 

• Support the development of network agency members through strategies such as training, accreditation, and information.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience, preferably in non-profit or social enterprises. 

• Experience in developing and executing strategic and annual plans. Ability to prioritize and allocate resources effectively to align with organizational missions, particularly in complex and changing environments. 

• Deep understanding and passion for social justice, food sovereignty, and systemic change. 

• Strong experience in external communications, serving as a spokesperson and building meaningful relationships with key stakeholders, including government entities, partner organizations, and donors.

• Experience working with boards of directors, maintaining open and effective communication channels, and providing strategic counsel to board members. 

• Proven experience in financial planning, budgeting, and reporting. Ability to ensure financial health and stability of the organization, including implementing adequate financial controls and managing assets responsibly. 

• Demonstrated success in fundraising, cultivating donor relationships, and managing gifts and donations in alignment with organizational values and ethical considerations.

• Experience in developing and supporting a network of member agencies or similar entities. Ability to set clear expectations, ensure compliance, and provide development opportunities for network members.

• Ongoing commitment to professional development, particularly in areas related to non-profit leadership, social justice, and organizational change. Relevant certifications in non-profit management, leadership, or related fields are a plus. 

• In-depth knowledge of principles and practices related to food security, social justice, and systemic change. 

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to innovate and adapt to changing circumstances and challenges.

THE PACKAGE

Salary: $135,000 - $155,000

Benefits: 

• Yearly Performance Bonus 

• RRSP Matching 

• Health Benefits

Location: 67 Wright Avenue, Dartmouth Nova Scotia B3B 1H2

WHAT TO EXPECT

• We closely review all applications and read each cover letter (we promise). 

• If you are selected as a top candidate, expect an invitation to chat with a Lead Placemaker from P4G. This is someone who treats the recruitment process non-traditionally. We want to get to know what inspires you. 

• Selected candidates will proceed to a virtual interview with the Lead P4G Placemaker and 2-3 organization representatives. 

• Finalists will participate in a second round interview or skills activity (virtual or in person). 

• P4G will check employment references and assist in presenting an offer to the successful candidate.

APPLICATION DETAILS

Applications will be accepted until 12 p.m. on June 14, 2024.

Please be sure to include a cover letter that speaks to your experience, but we also want to get a glimpse of your personality. 

Don't be generic. Be yourself.