School Experience Specialist

Collage; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Collage in Kitchener, ON seeks a School Experience Specialist to support Nutrition for Learning programs across Waterloo Region. This role focuses on building relationships with schools, volunteers, staff, and partners to ensure resources, guidance, and encouragement are provided.

The ideal candidate brings strong relationship-building, excellent communication, and organizational skills, and is willing to travel region-wide; hybrid in-office 2-3 days per week, some evenings and weekends required.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of experience in relationship management, community engagement, program coordination, education, volunteer management, or a related field.
• Proven success as a relationship manager, with experience meeting KPIs and benchmarks.
• Strong interpersonal, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.
• Post-secondary education in Community Development, Education, Business Administration, Public Health, Recreation, or related field, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain positive relationships with school administrators, educators, volunteers, and community partners.
• Serve as a key point of contact for assigned schools and provide ongoing program support.
• Conduct regular school visits to assess program needs and growth opportunities.
• Support schools in volunteer recruitment, onboarding, training, and retention.

Skills

Relationship management

Community engagement

Program coordination

Communication

Education

Post-secondary education

Tools

Microsoft Office

Database management

Job description

Operations Full Time Kitchener, ON Hybrid $55,000 - $60,000 CAD per year

Reports to: Director of People and Operations

Permanent Full-Time 37.5 hours weekly with some evening and weekend work required

Location: Hybrid in office (Kitchener) 2-3 days minimum

Local travel with own vehicle required

You are:

Inspired to create a safer, healthier community for the next generation.

Passionate about equity and belonging.

A relationship superstar and natural trust-builder.

A connector and team player.

If this is you, read on!

WHO WE ARE.

Nutrition for Learning offers universally accessible, non-stigmatizing student nutrition

programs to schools across the Waterloo Region. These programs positively impact the

physical, cognitive, behavioural, social, and academic needs of children and youth in our

community. We are a registered charitable organization, established in 1997, that supports

nearly 180 student nutrition programs across all four school boards.

OUR VISION.

A Waterloo Region where all students are nourished at school so they can learn, connect,

participate, and thrive.

THE MISSION.

In partnership with youth and educators, we continually strive to elevate the experience of

universal food access at schools in ways that promote optimal wellbeing, healthy

relationships, and food literacy.

WE BELIEVE.

• When students are nourished, their capacity to imagine, explore, and connect elevates.
• Every student deserves a fair shot by being well-nourished during their school day.
• No young person should feel stigmatized for accessing food at school.
• Food is community. We nurture the idea that food can connect people and places. When students eat nutritious food together, mental, physical, and community health improves.
• The unique perspectives of students are needed on our mission to improve universal
• access to food at schools.

THE COMPASS: OUR VALUES.

Student-Centered.

We create opportunities to prioritize the voices and best interests of those we serve. We ensure that students have a seat at the table in creating a healthier future for young people in the Waterloo Region.

Universal & Inclusive.

As a youth-serving organization committed to universally accessible programs, we ensure that diverse voices and views help shape our work.

Learning is Thriving.

We co-create environments that nurture personal and professional expansion. We celebrate wins and challenges together and strive to better ourselves through both.

Trust Leads to Growth.

We foster trust by believing the best in others. We strive to be the kind of people that others have faith in by leading with kindness and authenticity in all interactions.

Stewarding the Future.

With long-term impact as our goal, we honour our donors, partners, and stakeholders by being socially, financially, and environmentally responsible and accountable.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This Role Has Impact.

The School Experience Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring student nutrition

programs across Waterloo Region are supported, sustainable, impactful, and meeting the

need. Above all, this individual is values-centered, leading each day with kindness, accountability, and a commitment to supporting students, volunteers, educators, and

As a key relationship manager for a portfolio of schools, the School Experience Specialist

builds strong partnerships with program staff, volunteers, and community partners. This

role ensures schools have the resources, support, guidance, and encouragement needed

The successful candidate enjoys building relationships, solving problems, identifying

opportunities for improvement, and helping others succeed. They are energized by

community engagement, continuous learning, and creating positive experiences that

Job Purpose.

Student nutrition programs rely on strong partnerships, effective communication, and

ongoing support to thrive.

The School Experience Specialist has a keen eye for seeing opportunities to elevate

excellence. They help support school nutrition programs through relationship

management, program improvement, volunteer support, training, and special events. This

role helps ensure programs operate in alignment with Nutrition for Learning standards

while fostering welcoming, inclusive, and sustainable food environments for students.

Success in this role requires exceptional relationship-building skills, strong organization,

attention to detail, and a genuine passion for supporting school communities.

You Will:

• Build and maintain positive relationships with school administrators, educators, volunteers, and community partners.
• Successfully meet relationship and program-centred benchmarks set with your manager in your role.
• Serve as a key point of contact for assigned schools and provide ongoing program support and guidance.
• Conduct regular school visits to assess program needs, celebrate successes, and identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Support schools in their volunteer recruitment, onboarding, training, recognition, and retention efforts.
• Support colleagues in helping coordinate school grant administration, reporting requirements, and program compliance activities.
• Support organizational monitoring of program participation, funding utilization, and operational effectiveness.
• Provide coaching and support to school-based program leads and volunteers.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure schools receive food, resources, equipment, and support services as required.
• Support data collection, reporting, and impact measurement activities.
• Identify emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities across school programs and communicate recommendations to leadership.
• Support school engagement initiatives, community events, and special projects.
• Assist in developing resources, tools, training materials, and best practices that strengthen program delivery.
• Maintain accurate records, documentation, and stakeholder communications.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Minimum three years of experience in relationship management, community engagement, program coordination, education, volunteer management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success as a relationship manager, with experience meeting sales-style relationship KPIs and benchmarks.
• Strong interpersonal, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.
• Post-secondary education in Community Development, Education, Business Administration, Public Health, Recreation, or a related field, or equivalent experience areassets.
• Excellent organizational, time-management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and database management systems.
• Valid driver's licence and reliable transportation.
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly throughout Waterloo Region.
• Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check.

Assets:

• Experience working within schools, community organizations, or non-profit environments.
• Experience supporting volunteers and community-based programs.
• Familiarity with grant administration and reporting processes.
• Knowledge of food security, student wellbeing, and community development principles.
• Experience using