Food security, Community development

Hiring: Community Food Systems Manager (Parental Leave Coverage)
Organization: Ecosource
Location: Mississauga, GTA, Ontario

Full-time (35 hours per week), 1-year fixed-term contract for parental leave coverage. This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Who we are:

Ecosource is an innovative environmental organization that empowers the community to become more environmentally responsible through creative public education. We specialize in hands-on programming that aims to increase environmental sustainability in Peel Region and beyond. Learn more about our work at ecosource.ca.

The position:

Ecosource is seeking an experienced, self-motivated Community Food Systems Manager to support our work in urban agriculture, food production and distribution, and hands-on gardening and food systems education for diverse audiences. The successful candidate will work in partnership with Ecosource’s leadership team to contribute to the ongoing development of our local food programs, support fundraising activities, and help shape organizational strategy.

This role involves leading high-quality programming, managing partner relationships, supporting resident engagement, overseeing the operation of our flagship urban agriculture site, and collaborating with a growing team of full-time and seasonal staff to advance food access, education, and literacy.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee and guide program activities related to urban agriculture education, using an anti-racism and anti-oppression lens.
• Lead and support a growing team of full-time and seasonal staff delivering urban agriculture and food systems programming across Peel Region.
• Collaborate with Ecosource’s leadership team to develop programs, manage partnerships, support fundraising, build organizational capacity, set strategic priorities, and evaluate impact.
• Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with program stakeholders (e.g., Indigenous communities, local municipalities, school partners, community organizations, corporate groups, and conservation authorities).
• Manage funder relationships, including leading the development of grant proposals and overseeing program reporting.
• Oversee program budgets and evaluation, including tracking expenditures and measuring impact across a portfolio of approximately $775,000.
• Lead the development of new programming to expand and strengthen community food access initiatives.

• Lead and support program delivery, community engagement, and outreach, representing Ecosource’s values in the community.

• Provide strategic support to the Executive Director, including contributing to organizational planning, cross-functional initiatives, and special projects that advance Ecosource’s long-term priorities.

Qualifications:

• 5–7 years of progressive experience in community food systems, urban agriculture, food security, or a related field, including experience in a leadership or management capacity.
• Post-secondary education in a relevant field (e.g., environmental studies, food systems, community development) or equivalent lived and professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading and supporting teams, including supervision of staff, mentorship, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Strong program management skills, with experience designing, implementing, and evaluating community-based programs.
• Experience working with diverse communities, with a demonstrated commitment to anti-racism, anti-oppression, equity, and inclusion in program design and delivery.
• Proven ability to build and maintain partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders (e.g., community organizations, municipalities, funders, and grassroots groups).
• Experience with fundraising and grant writing, including developing proposals and reporting to funders.
• Financial management experience, including developing and managing program budgets.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning skills, with the ability to contribute to organizational development and long-term program growth.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, including experience with community engagement and public representation.
• Knowledge of local food systems and food access issues, particularly within the Peel Region or similar urban contexts, is an asset.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable access to a vehicle for work-related travel is required.

Application Information:

This is a full-time, 1-year fixed-term contract position at 35 hours per week for parental leave coverage. The starting salary is $60,000–$70,000 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position includes access to a comprehensive benefits package, 10 personal days per year, 15 days of paid vacation per year to start, and 17 statutory and non-statutory holidays, including flexible paid holidays to promote an inclusive workplace.

Deadline for application is Wednesday, May 20th, 2026 at 9:00 am.

Ecosource is committed to fostering equity in the workplace. In alignment with our organizational value of inclusivity, it is our aim to have a staff team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/persons of colour, persons with disabilities, women, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, and others. We value and welcome applicants to outline any relevant community involvement and/or lived experiences related to the job responsibilities in their applications.

If you are interested, please send a personalized cover letter (maximum 1 page) and resume (maximum 2 pages) outlining your interest in this position by email to Britt McKee, Executive Director, at

hiring@ecosource.ca with Community Food Systems Manager (Parental Leave Coverage) in the subject line.

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If you require accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Ecosource’s work takes place in Peel Region on the traditional territory and treaty lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. We acknowledge the first inhabitants of these lands and those who continue to live in this region, including the Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee, Huron-Wendat, Ojibway/Chippewa and Metis peoples.