Job Title

Executive Director Food Matters Manitoba Food Matters Manitoba (FMM) is an Indigenous communityled organization addressing the root causes of food insecurity in Manitoba through collaboration to cocreate systemic change. Guided by the imperative to reclaim, revive, and rebuild Indigenous food sovereignty, FMM builds relationships on mutual respect and trust by meeting facetoface, sharing meals, and connecting through ceremony. FMM focuses on longterm strategies that support and prioritize Indigenous selfdetermination and control over household and community food systems. The vision, ideas, and plans for action come from Indigenous Harvesters, Indigenous Youth Harvesters, & other community partners. The staff walk alongside these partners to realize their food system initiatives, enhancing food security through education, training, mentorship, and positive relationships. FMM prioritizes people over projects, mentorship over workshops, and employment over volunteerism, offering both immediate and longterm support to 13 partner communities in Northern Manitoba. The Executive Director (ED) provides overall leadership and management to advance the strategic and operational direction of the organization. The ED leads implementation of Board strategic priorities, establishes and implements policy matters, provides oversight of the staff team, and directs fund development in a manner consistent with the mission, vision, and values of the organization. The ED will be deeply knowledgeable about food systems and the imperative for their transformation, with the ability to lead change that supports Indigenous food sovereignty. Since 2020, FMM has undergone a significant transformation initiated by a new Board strategic plan and theory of change. The next Executive Director will lead the continued development of FMMs work in the North and further the decolonization of the organization from the Board down, providing a vision for how FMM will authentically walk in reconciliation. Education and Experience Requirements The ideal candidate brings at least 510 years of progressive senior leadership experience in complex, multistakeholder organizations, preferably within the nonprofit or social services sector. They have a proven track record in initiating, planning, and evaluating policies and programs, and in leading and developing staff teams. Experience in revenue generation through social enterprise, philanthropy, fundraising, and grant writing is essential, along with strong networking and relationshipbuilding skills. Familiarity with board governance, budgeting, and strategic planning is required, as are exceptional communication abilities. Direct experience working with Indigenous communitiesespecially in northern Manitobaand a deep understanding of food systems, northern environments, and smallscale agriculture are highly valued. The candidate should also demonstrate commitment to cultural safety, reconciliation, and the advancement of Indigenous leadership. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Lived experience with and in Indigenous communities (strongly preferred). Fundamental understanding of current issues and challenges facing northern Manitoba Indigenous communities. Demonstrated ability to build strong interpersonal relationships at all levels of an organization. Strong knowledge and a demonstrated commitment to Indigenous rights and food sovereignty. Knowledge of Indigenous life ways, worldviews, language, culture, and history within Canada. Strong ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with Indigenous peoples and to build relationships with Indigenous communities and organizations. Committed to decolonization and reconciliation, antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and working with a diverse Food Matters Manitoba staff team. Demonstrated knowledge of food systems and understanding why food systems require change. Proven ability to lead transformational change in food systems, with deep understanding of challenges, opportunities, and strategies for creating sustainable, communitydriven solutions. Knowledge of northern environments, and smallscale agriculture in the North. Understanding economic access to food and unique challenges faced by northern communities. Commitment to decolonizing organizational structures and advancing reconciliation. Strong working knowledge of budgeting, business development, and strategic planning. Excellent judgment and decisionmaking abilities. Familiarity with board governance processes and reporting requirements in the nonprofit sector. Exceptional communication skillsoral, written, and presentationwith ability to engage internal and external audiences. Experience working with First Nations, Indigenous peoples, and other equityseeking groups is required. Experience Minimum of 510 years of progressive senior leadership experience within complex, multistakeholder organizations, ideally in the nonprofit or social services sector. Demonstrated success in initiating, planning, implementing, and evaluating organizational policies and programs. Proven ability to lead, manage, and develop staff teams, fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture and highperforming work environment. Track record of generating revenue through social enterprise, philanthropy, fundraising, grant writing, and proposal development. Skilled networker and relationship builder, with experience representing organizations to diverse stakeholders, including government, donors, and community partners. Experience holding relationships with Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers. Experience reporting to or working closely with a volunteer Board of Directors considered an asset. Education A postsecondary degree in landbased education, business administration, nonprofit management, social services, or a related field is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will also be considered. Landbased education through lived experience as a harvester on the land, holder of traditional knowledge, language and ceremony. Equal Opportunity Statement & Indigenous Applicants Food Matters Manitoba strives to be a safe and accessible workplace that celebrates diversity and represents the community in which we live and work. We encourage individuals from equityseeking groups to apply for the position. Our offices are located in a split level building with no mobility lift or r we can accommodate workfromhome, work outside Winnipeg, and virtual participation. This position is designated for Indigenous applicants only. In accordance with Section16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act and aligned with the organization''''s mandate to serve Indigenous communities, only candidates who selfidentify as Indigenous (First Nations status or nonstatus, Mtis, or Inuit) will be considered. Preference will be given to candidates who are Cree and possess an understanding of the Cree language, reflecting Food Matters Manitobas commitment to cultural safety, representation, and Indigenous leadership. #J-18808-Ljbffr