Local food, Community development

Position: Executive Director
Organization: Farmers' Markets of Nova Scotia (FMNS)
Location: Nova Scotia (remote with provincial travel)

Salary Range: $65,000–$68,000 annually
Job Type: Full-time (32 hours/week, as per FMNS full-time classification)
Application Deadline: Friday, January 16, 2026 (11:59 pm)

About FMNS

Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia (FMNS) is a cooperative of 40+ markets supporting local food systems, small-scale entrepreneurship, rural economic development, and community vitality across the province. Our work is guided by our values—Buying Local, Economic Development & Incubation, Support & Education, Food Access, and Community .

We are entering a new chapter focused on organizational maturity, stronger systems that support our staff, member markets, and partners. As we complete our 2023–2026 Strategic Plan and prepare for the future, we are seeking a leader who is collaborative, grounded, values-led, and deeply committed to community connection.

Position Summary

FMNS is hiring an Executive Director who is energized by relationship-building, systems development, and cooperative values.

The Executive Director works closely with FMNS’ Board of Directors, staff and team, providing transparent reporting, strategic recommendations, and regular communication to support strong governance.

Key Responsibilities

1. Cooperative Leadership & Team Culture

• Build and maintain a culture of open, honest communication and psychological safety.
• Co-design decisions with staff and support shared leadership practices across the organization.
• Offer coaching, mentorship, and capacity-building to grow internal leadership.

2. Relationship Building & Sector Connections

• Secure multiyear funding for the Nova Scotia Loyal, Nourishing Communities, and Taking Root programs.
• Develop, foster, and strengthen relationships with program partners.
• Strengthen relationships across food systems, entrepreneurial ecosystems, government, member markets, and community organizations.
• Represent FMNS in public settings while uplifting the voices of markets, vendors, and rural communities.
• Lead fund development and partnership-building that supports the long-term financial stability of the cooperative.

3. Systems Building & Operational Clarity

• Implement and strengthen FMNS systems, including workflows, templates, policies, onboarding processes, and shared drive structures.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Support succession planning and operational continuity.

4. Values-Led & Equity-Centred Leadership

• Embed IDEA principles into hiring, partnerships, and internal practices.
• Ensure FMNS’ work reflects both the mission and the diverse communities we serve.
• Uphold and model FMNS core values in daily decision-making.

5. Organizational Stewardship & Financial Oversight

• Collaborate with the Treasurer and Board on budgeting, grant management, financial reporting, and responsible stewardship.
• Maintain compliance with HR policies and employment standards.
• Support annual planning cycles, reporting, and milestone tracking aligned with the Strategic Plan.

6. Facilitation & Staff Empowerment

• Facilitate collaborative discussions internally and externally.
• Support generative conflict in healthy, constructive ways.
• Redistribute leadership roles as appropriate.

7. Change Navigation & Organizational Transition

• Support the Board as they strengthen their governance role and boundaries (Board Job Description expectations).
• Guide FMNS through cultural and structural change with patience, clarity, and transparency.
• Move at the speed that acknowledges the emotional and structural aspects of transition.

8. Practical & Grounded Operational Leadership

• Support staff prioritization, pacing, and realistic timelines.
• Model balance and prevent burnout.
• Ensure commitments are met and systems remain sustainable beyond any one person.

Qualifications & Experience

We welcome applicants with a mix of lived experience, educational background, and professional expertise. Ideal candidates will bring:

Essential Competencies

• Experience with grant writing and funding
• Knowledge of Nova Scotia’s local food sector or cooperative sector.
• Experience in nonprofit, cooperative, community development, or local food/economic ecosystems.
• Strong relationship-building and partnership development skills.
• Demonstrated ability to create systems and follow through on implementation.
• Experience with HR practices, policy development, and team supervision.
• Financial literacy, including budgets and reporting.
• Experience with change management in small organizations.
• A facilitative leadership approach rooted in collaboration and equity.

Nice-to-Have Assets

• Experience in rural community development or small business ecosystems.
• Understanding of IDEA principles and their application in nonprofits and co-ops.
• Comfort working remotely and self-directed time management.

Working Conditions & Benefits

• 32-hour full-time work week.
• Comprehensive benefits program (after probation), including Group Health Plan.
• Wellness days, paid holidays, and paid winter holiday closure.
• Professional development support.
• Flexible work environment within Nova Scotia, with required provincial travel.
• Supportive, community-oriented team and Board.

Compensation

Salary: $65,000–$68,000 annually, based on experience and alignment with FMNS’ compensated classifications and sector comparables.

How to Apply

Please submit:

• A resume
• A cover letter that speaks to your leadership philosophy and your connection to community ecosystems
• (Optional) A brief statement on how you approach leadership or relationship building

Send to: apply@farmersmarketsnovascotia.ca
Subject Line: Executive Director Application – [Your Name]

Please mention you saw this at FoodWork.ca.

FMNS is an equal opportunity employer.

We value diversity and inclusion and encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, disabled, rural, and other equity-deserving candidates. FMNS believes lived experience is valid expertise.