Social Services jobs in Canada

Location: Cold Lake, Alberta
Business Address: 5216 55A St, Cold Lake, AB T9M 1R3

Reports To: Board of Directors

Job Type: Full-time, 40 hrs/week, Permanent
Language of Work: English
Salary: $55,000-$65,000/Annually
Benefits: No

About the Cold Lake Food Bank:The Cold Lake Food Bank is a vital community organization dedicated to alleviating food insecurity for individuals and families in Cold Lake and surrounding areas. Our vision is a community free from food insecurity. We strive to provide a welcoming, safe environment guided by the values of respect, compassion, and honesty. Committed to using resources wisely, we continuously innovate to improve services, value our staff and volunteers, and demonstrate leadership for meaningful social change.

Position Summary:The Executive Director (ED) leads the Cold Lake Food Bank’s overall management, leadership, and administration. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED ensures the organization fulfills its mission to feed the hungry and reduce local food insecurity. As the primary advocate and representative, the ED is responsible for the organization’s sustainability, growth, and impact. This role combines visionary leadership with hands-on operational oversight, ensuring effective programs, streamlined processes, and strong collaboration among staff and volunteers. We seek a dynamic, experienced leader with exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and strategic skills, a passion for community service, and a deep understanding of the unique needs of the Cold Lake community.

Financial Management & Resource Development

• Lead budgeting, financial monitoring, and reporting in collaboration with the Board.
• Oversee grant writing, donor engagement, sponsorships, and fundraising initiatives.
• Cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, and partners, ensuring proper tracking, acknowledgment, and stewardship.
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities to support the organization’s mission.

Operational Management & Program Delivery

• Oversee day-to-day operations, administrative tasks, and correspondence.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, health regulations, and organizational standards.
• Manage inventory, purchasing, and distribution processes to deliver effective food assistance programs.
• Monitor program performance, analyze data, and adapt services to meet evolving community needs.
• Oversee facility maintenance and vendor relationships to ensure safe, functional spaces.

Staff & Volunteer Leadership

• Supervise and support staff and volunteers, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management.
• Foster a positive, collaborative workplace culture with clear communication and conflict resolution.
• Lead volunteer recruitment, training, coordination, and appreciation efforts.

Partnerships & Community Engagement

• Build and maintain partnerships with local churches, businesses, non-profits, government, and regional food banks.
• Lead the Food Recovery Program, collaborating with local retailers and grocers.
• Represent the organization at community events and in public relations activities.

Governance, Compliance & Reporting

• Maintain regular communication with the Board, preparing reports and implementing approved policies.
• Ensure compliance with bylaws, legal requirements, and health and safety standards.
• Develop and maintain risk management, safety, and emergency preparedness plans.

Administration & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain accurate records and databases for clients, volunteers, donors, and inventory.
• Oversee organizational communications, particularly during staff absences.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve operations and services.

Education

Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years of progressive leadership experience in the nonprofit or social services sector, preferably in food security, poverty reduction, or community development.
• Proven success in fundraising, grant writing, and resource development.

Skills

• Executive leadership and strategic team-building abilities, fostering a collaborative, respectful workplace culture.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentations.
• English language proficiency (reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension) is required.
• Effective relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholders, including donors, community partners, volunteers, and government representatives.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); experience with database management software is an asset.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and innovation abilities.

Knowledge

• Solid understanding of nonprofit operations, governance, and financial management, including budgeting and oversight.
• Familiarity with food security issues, food safety protocols, and provincial (Alberta) regulations.
• Awareness of the Cold Lake community’s social and economic landscape and local support services.

Personal Attributes·

• Deep commitment to the mission of eliminating food insecurity.
• Empathetic, compassionate, and culturally sensitive, respecting individual dignity and diversity.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and adaptable to changing community needs.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, effectively engaging community support.
• High integrity, accountability, and professionalism.

Working Conditions:

• The position may require occasional evening and weekend work for food distributions, events, or meetings.
• May involve some physical activity, such as lifting or moving food items (within reasonable limits), adhering to safe handling practices.
• Access to reliable transportation is required for community outreach and operational needs within Cold Lake and potentially surrounding areas.

To Apply: Online application can be submitted at: https://recruiterflow.com/lakelandhr/jobs/500. Please upload your resume and a cover letter, specifically outlining your qualifications and how your experience aligns with the mission and values of the Cold Lake Food Bank. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Cold Lake Food Bank is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply.