Program Manager – Food Initiatives –

Join Our Team at the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre

We are currently seeking to hire for the following position:

• JOB TITLE
• • Program Manager – Food Initiatives
• EMPLOYMENT STATUS
• • 35 hours weekly – permanent position
• STARTING DATE
• • Immediately
• LOCATION
• • Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre
• SUPERVISOR
• • Program Pillar Lead, Poverty Reduction

ABOUT US

Founded in 1982, community is at the heart of the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre (RRCRC). Located in Ottawa’s Ward13, we build and promote a healthy and resilient community through the delivery of quality, diverse and innovative services in a safe and inclusive space. We provide a range of social supports interventions that enable the empowerment of residents, community resilience, and the inclusion of all. This includes food bank services, crisis intervention, community development services, children and youth programming, the operation of several food related social enterprises, as well as a community social innovation hub.

Our diverse team of employees, supported by a strong core of volunteers and our Board of Directors develops, implements, and executes our wide range of programs and services within our ward and beyond. Recognized for its innovative and dynamic leadership, the RRCRC helps its community thrive towards a promising future, transforming our community in the years to come.

THE ROLE

Are you passionate about food security, social innovation, and community impact?

Reporting to the Program Pillar Lead – Poverty Reduction and under the leadership of the Executive Director, the Program Manager – Food Initiatives leads the vision, delivery, and growth of RRCRC’s dynamic food programs—including the Emergency Food Bank, Social Harvest Urban Farm, Chez-13 Community Kitchen, and the Good Food Box. This role blends strategic thinking with hands-on program management, driving innovation, operational excellence, and social enterprise development.

As a core member of RRCRC’s leadership team, the Program Manager guides a passionate, multidisciplinary team of staff and volunteers while strengthening partnerships, fostering collaboration, and ensuring services are inclusive, responsive, and aligned with the Centre’s mission. With a focus on continuous improvement and measurable impact, the Program Manager also supports budgeting, data-informed planning, and advocacy efforts—making this a unique opportunity to shape a more just, resilient, and sustainable local food system.

FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES

1. Program Oversight & Development

• Lead the delivery, growth, and evaluation of food-related programs.
• Ensure programs are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to community needs.
• Monitor program impact and identify opportunities for improvement.

2. Team Leadership

• Supervise and support a multidisciplinary team, including staff and volunteers.
• Guide recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing training.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture.

3. Strategic Alignment & Collaboration

• Align food initiatives with RRCRC’s strategic plan.
• Build and maintain partnerships with funders, community groups, and advocacy networks.
• Represent RRCRC in coalitions and on food security issues at various levels.

4. Operational Management

• Support budgeting, reporting, and grant submissions related to food programs.
• Use data and analytics to inform planning and enhance program outcomes.
• Promote innovation and efficiency in food program operations.

5. Social Enterprise and Food Security Innovation

• Support the growth, integration and sustainability of RRCRC’s food-related social enterprises.
• Champion initiatives that increase community impact through sustainable food systems and advocacy.

• Social Impact & Business Growth: Lead the development of initiatives that enhance the community impact and operational reach of food-related programs, with a focus on sustainability, inclusion, and innovation.

QUALIFICATIONS

Academic and Professional Requirements

• Post-secondary education in Nutritional Sciences, Business, Economics, Social Work, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in program delivery in a leadership capacity.
• Experience in developing and maintaining high-performing, mission-driven teams.
• Proven understanding of the populations served, particularly within a socio-economically and ethno-culturally diverse community.
• A demonstrated can-do attitude, entrepreneurial mindset, and a hunger to build, grow, and improve services in fast-paced, community-driven environments.
• Language Requirements
• • Bilingualism in English and French is preferred (oral and written); additional languages are an asset and valued.

Technical Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Advanced spreadsheet and data analysis skills (e.g. pivot tables, formulas, visualization tools).
• Experience using cloud-based collaboration tools (e.g. OneDrive, SharePoint, Google Drive).
• Comfortable with project management tools (e.g. Microsoft Project, Trello, Asana).

Competencies and Skills

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to build, motivate, and support diverse teams.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, including active listening, empathy, and clarity.
• Ability to work independently while embracing a collaborative, team-based approach.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and a non-judgmental attitude toward diverse communities.
• Proven problem-solving ability, critical thinking, and adaptability in evolving situations.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated initiative and curiosity—a growth mindset and drive to constantly improve and innovate.

Key Qualities we Value

• • Collegiality: Respectful, team-oriented, and supportive.
  • Initiative: Takes ownership and follows through consistently.
  • Efficiency: Manages time and resources well, always looking for smarter ways to work.
  • Coaching Ability: Open to feedback, growth-oriented, and driven by continuous learning.

Other Requirements

• Ability to work in an office environment & home office but the purpose of the project may sometimes take them to non-standard workplaces.
• Work a standard work week but may be required to work some evenings and weekends to meet project milestones.
• Satisfactory Criminal Records Check
• Valid “G” driver’s license or equivalent and/or must have access to a vehicle.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Become part of a growing, dynamic team engaged in truly meaningful and rewarding work.
• 15 days of annual vacation (20 days after 1 year of employment) & holiday closure & personal / sick days.
• Flexible schedule.
• Group health benefits including family coverage
• RRSP contribution opportunity
• Free parking, refreshments, and a hybrid work environment.

HOW TO APPLY

If you think you are a good fit for this position, we look forward to receiving your application through this platform and getting to know you.

We understand the effort involved in a job application and, unfortunately, can only provide feedback to shortlisted candidates. We thank all candidates for their interest.

The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre (RRCRC) is committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of our community. We encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, and individuals with intersectional identities. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. Please contact us in advance to discuss how we can meet your individual needs.