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Opportunities

Executive Director

Food Banks Alberta

Status: Open Location: Leduc, AB

The Organization

Empowering Communities, Ending Hunger

Founded in 1998, Food Banks Alberta was built on the belief that food banks are stronger together. Today, with more than 113 members across the province, the organization brings communities together to address the growing challenges of food insecurity and hunger. Through operational support, advocacy, and innovative programming, Food Banks Alberta equips local food banks with the tools and resources they need so they can focus on what matters most: feeding Albertans in need.

As a central coordinating body, Food Banks Alberta connects and aligns its network around a shared vision of reducing food insecurity and building more self-sufficient communities. It works to strengthen collaboration, amplify impact, and ensure equitable access to healthy food with dignity and minimal barriers guided by the values of a commitment to communication, support, and leadership.

For more information about Food Banks Alberta, please visit their website.

The Opportunity

Reports to:Board of Directors
Direct Reports:(6) Member Services Manager, Office Manager, FBA Projects, Warehouse Lead Hand, Driver, Warehouse & Logistics Manager
Location:Leduc, AB

Mandate

The Executive Director provides steady, values-driven leadership to align the organization around a clear mission, vision, and strategy, while strengthening its position as a trusted, member-focused leader within Alberta’s food banking network. This leader will build strong relationships with member food banks through a listen-first approach, enhance clarity around membership and value, and support continued organizational alignment across board, staff, and members.

The mandate of this role includes providing strong operational and organizational leadership, with a focus on financial stewardship, funding diversification, and governance excellence. Working closely with the Board, the Executive Director will ensure disciplined financial management, strengthen partnerships across government and the sector, and lead a cohesive, high-performing team. Success will be defined by enhancing alignment, strengthening relationships, and positioning the organization for continued impact and sustainability in addressing food security across Alberta.

Key Accountabilities

Strategic Leadership, Governance & Organizational Alignment

  • Provide clear leadership to strengthen alignment around the mission, vision, and purpose across the Board, staff, and members.
  • Develop and execute a clear, member-focused strategy aligned with sector realities.
  • Establish a high-trust, transparent relationship with the Board, ensuring strong communication, role clarity, and effective governance.
  • Provide timely, accurate reporting and support ongoing governance enhancements, including bylaws and board processes.
  • Support continued organizational alignment, accountability, and long-term direction.

Member Engagement, Partnerships & Sector Leadership

  • Build and sustain trusted relationships with member food banks across Alberta.
  • Foster a responsive, member-first culture grounded in service excellence.
  • Strengthen clarity around membership, accreditation, and value proposition, aligned with Food Banks Canada standards.
  • Act as a credible ambassador and elevate the organization’s profile provincially and nationally.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with government, donors, and sector partners.

Financial Stewardship, Funding & Sustainability

  • Oversee financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
  • Ensure strong financial controls, compliance, and alignment with funding requirements.
  • Lead a diversified funding strategy and secure new funding opportunities.
  • Drive long-term financial sustainability through funding model evolution and scenario planning.

Operations, Execution & Organizational Effectiveness

  • Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring consistent, effective delivery of programs and services.
  • Strengthen systems, processes, and resource allocation to support operational excellence.
  • Ensure alignment between strategy and execution, with clear priorities and accountability.

People, Culture & Change Leadership

  • Lead and develop a small, distributed team, fostering clarity, accountability, and engagement.
  • Foster a cohesive, respectful, and member-focused culture.
  • Establish early credibility and support the organization’s continued evolution and growth.

First-Year Deliverables / Measures of Success

Success in the first year will be determined by the candidate’s ability to:

  • Establish a strong, transparent working relationship with the Board, reinforcing confidence through consistent communication, clear reporting, and effective governance practices.
  • Provide steady leadership to strengthen team alignment, foster a cohesive and respectful culture and reinforce a member-focused approach.
  • Lead a process to align board, staff, and members around clear strategic priorities, reinforcing the organization’s role and value.
  • Cultivate relationships with members through a listen-first approach, enhancing clarity around membership, accreditation, and service delivery.
  • Develop and begin executing a diversified funding strategy, strengthening donor relationships while reinforcing government partnerships.
  • Ensure strong financial oversight, disciplined budgeting and reporting, and consistent operational execution to support organizational effectiveness.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will have the following:

Education:

  • Post-secondary education in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Social Sciences, or a related discipline.
  • Equivalent combination of education and directly relevant leadership experience will be considered.

Experience:

  • Senior leadership experience within a nonprofit, association, or member-based organization with full organizational accountability.
  • Proven success working with a Board of Directors, strengthening governance, building trust, and supporting effective decision-making.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead through organizational transition and complexity, restoring alignment, culture, and strategic clarity.
  • Experience in a member-driven environment, with a strong track record of engagement and delivering meaningful member value.
  • Strong background in fund development and revenue diversification, including donor relations and government funding.
  • Experience operating within government and political environments, with proven strength in government relations and navigating funding opportunities
  • Demonstrated financial and operational leadership, including budgeting, planning, and organizational oversight.
  • Proven ability to develop and execute strategy, communicate effectively (internally and externally), and build alignment across diverse stakeholders.

Competencies and Attributes:

  • Relationship-Oriented & Community-Focused – Values connection, builds trust easily, and is deeply committed to supporting members and communities.
  • Strategic & Systems Thinker – Able to see the bigger picture, connect moving parts, and develop forward-looking, sustainable solutions.
  • People-Centered Leader – Leads with empathy, compassion, and respect, while fostering accountability and high standards.
  • Collaborative & Influential – Brings diverse perspectives together, navigates complexity, and aligns groups around shared goals.
  • Effective Communicator – Clear, confident, and adaptable communicator with strong public speaking capability.
  • Courageous & Principled – Comfortable addressing difficult issues directly and respectfully, with integrity and sound judgment.
  • Adaptable & Open-Minded – Approaches challenges with curiosity, flexibility, and a willingness to learn and evolve.
  • Purpose-Driven – Passionate about the mission and motivated by making a meaningful impact in the community.
  • Execution-Focused – Strong sense of ownership, with the ability to prioritize effectively and deliver results in a complex environment.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The Food Banks Alberta is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognizes that a diverse team benefits and is essential to service excellence.  In accordance with provincial legislation, accommodation will be provided by Mullen and Food Banks Alberta throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions

If this opportunity excites you, please send an application package, including your resume and cover letter, to connect@mullenleadership.com. In the subject line of your email, please include the organization’s name and the position title.

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