Executive Director - Food Matters Manitoba

Executive Director – Food Matters Manitoba Food Matters Manitoba (FMM) is an Indigenous community‑led organization addressing the root causes of food insecurity in Manitoba through collaboration to co‑create systemic change. Guided by the imperative to reclaim, revive, and rebuild Indigenous food sovereignty, FMM builds relationships on mutual respect and trust by meeting face‑to‑face, sharing meals, and connecting through ceremony. FMM focuses on long‑term strategies that support and prioritize Indigenous self‑determination 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 long‑term 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 FMM’s 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 5–10 years of progressive senior leadership experience in complex, multi‑stakeholder organizations, preferably within the non‑profit 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 relationship‑building skills. Familiarity with board governance, budgeting, and strategic planning is required, as are exceptional communication abilities. Direct experience working with Indigenous communities—especially in northern Manitoba—and a deep understanding of food systems, northern environments, and small‑scale 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, anti‑racism, 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, community‑driven solutions.

Knowledge of northern environments, and small‑scale 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 decision‑making abilities.

Familiarity with board governance processes and reporting requirements in the non‑profit sector.

Exceptional communication skills—oral, written, and presentation—with ability to engage internal and external audiences.

Experience working with First Nations, Indigenous peoples, and other equity‑seeking groups is required.

Experience

Minimum of 5–10 years of progressive senior leadership experience within complex, multi‑stakeholder organizations, ideally in the non‑profit 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 high‑performing 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 post‑secondary degree in land‑based education, business administration, non‑profit management, social services, or a related field is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will also be considered.

Land‑based 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 equity‑seeking groups to apply for the position. Our offices are located in a split level building with no mobility lift or ramp; we can accommodate work‑from‑home, work outside Winnipeg, and virtual participation.

This position is designated for Indigenous applicants only.

In accordance with Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act and aligned with the organization's mandate to serve Indigenous communities, only candidates who self‑identify as Indigenous (First Nations status or non‑status, Métis, 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 Manitoba’s commitment to cultural safety, representation, and Indigenous leadership.

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