Cobequid Collaborative Food Network Coordinator

About Us:

The Cobequid Food Security Network is a coalition of organizations and individuals committed to advocating for the elimination of food insecurity in our community. Our goal is to create opportunities for dignified access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets the dietary needs and preferences of community members. We also aim to enhance collaboration between local organizations to improve food security services, education, and awareness.

Network members include food service providers (Food banks, Meals on Wheels, Freedom Kitchen, Square Roots, Memory Lane Family Place) and community organizations that assist with navigating local food resources (Halifax Public Library, Schools Plus, Opportunity Place, Cobequid Community Health Board).

As the Cobequid Collaborative Food Network Coordinator, you will be an independent contractor responsible for guiding and supporting the Network members in creating and implementing the foundational plan for the Cobequid Food Security Network. This is a full-time, one-year contract position, ideal for someone with significant experience in contract work and a proven ability to work autonomously. You will work directly with the Network’s partners, driving initiatives, and facilitating collaboration to improve food security in the region.

This position requires a self-motivated, highly organized, and results-oriented individual who can work with minimal supervision and be accountable for achieving goals within established timelines. You will be responsible for managing your own office space, equipment (laptop, printer), and covering your own business expenses, including taxes, CPP, and workers’ compensation.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Coordination: Lead and support the Cobequid Food Security Network members to prioritize opportunities and implement collaborative solutions to improve food security across the community.

Community Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with local organizations, service providers, and community members to facilitate active participation in food security initiatives.

Program Development and Implementation: Oversee the design, execution, and evaluation of food security programs, including volunteer management, food sourcing, distribution, and sustainability efforts. Examples include our Frozen soup project, soup clubs, pop-up markets, and school soup projects.

Volunteer Management: Recruit, train, and manage volunteers to ensure effective program delivery and community involvement.

Communication and Outreach: Develop and implement communication strategies to promote the Network’s work, including website, social media, and community outreach efforts.

Food Safety and Education: Ensure adherence to food safety practices and provide education on nutrition, food handling, and cultural adaptation of food menus. (or know where to access these knowledge/skills)

Operational Support: Support the streamlining of operations to decrease costs, improve efficiency, and enhance food distribution services.

Report Writing: Prepare regular progress reports on the status of projects, funding needs, and other key outcomes as required by stakeholders and funders.

Event Coordination: Coordinate community events and initiatives that align with the Network’s mission, such as food distribution days, food literacy programs, and workshops.

Evaluation: understand and be willing to work with a contractor to develop and implement an evaluation plan

Financial Oversight: Assist with budgeting, grant writing, and managing funds for food security programs and activities.

What You Bring:

Education: Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent.
Experience: Minimum of 2-3 years of relevant experience, ideally in a contract role. Experience may include community outreach, project coordination, food programming, community development and project management.
Skills and Qualifications:
Strong communication and group facilitation skills, including the ability to write reports and present to stakeholders.
Proficient in computer use, including Microsoft Office and basic database management as well as social media, website maintenance and member communication software.
Proven experience in project management, including planning, execution, and evaluation.
Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
Experience managing and supporting volunteers.
Self-motivated and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
Excellent interpersonal skills and a positive, professional image when representing the Network.

Assets:
Knowledge of the Bedford, Sackville, Fall River, Waverley, and Hammonds Plains communities.
A passion for food security, community development, and sustainability.
Experience with multi-stakeholder coordination in a community-based context.
Ability to work with diverse communities and understanding of the cultural and nutritional needs of different populations.

Contractor Expectations:

This is a one year, full-time contract position, and you will be paid on a monthly basis, including travel reimbursement for relevant work-related activities.
You must have your own office space, laptop, and printer to carry out your responsibilities.
As a contractor, you will be responsible for your own taxes, CPP (Canada Pension Plan) contributions, and workers’ compensation.
Independence is a key component of this role; you will be expected to manage your own time, priorities, and work without the need for daily supervision.
Strong preference will be given to candidates with previous experience in contract positions, particularly those with a history of working autonomously to achieve project goals.
You will be required to attend meetings and represent the Network as needed, as well as actively contribute to strategic planning sessions and ongoing program assessments.

What We Offer:

Compensation: Competitive monthly payment, including travel expenses. ($5500/month)
Benefits: You will have the flexibility to structure your workday and work location as appropriate for your productivity.
Support: Access to resources, networking opportunities, and collaboration with a dynamic group of community organizations working to make a difference in food security.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications and relevant experience to cobequidnetwork@gmail.com by April 4th. We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.