JOB DESCRIPTION.

This Role Has Impact.

The School Program & Engagement Specialist plays a key role in Nutrition for Learning’s in-school and community impact. At a time when hunger needs are sharply rising, our school program team works as agents of change to help expand schools expand program capacities and offer truly meaningful, nourishing experiences in the school day for students K-12. School food programs are meaningful, trajectory-shifting programs that can transform equity, opportunity, and feelings of belonging for children and youth.

Job Purpose:

Student nutrition initiatives are growing and shifting across Ontario in response to increased need. In Waterloo Region, we believe our ultimate vision for student nutrition in schools should be equitably accessible nourishing meals for all. Your role plays a key part in helping us make this vision a reality, by ensuring school programs are operating efficiently and that our school partnerships are thriving, reciprocal, and rooted in trust and respect.

You will:

• Work with the program team to ensure school programs are meeting their critical benchmarks, such as: universal and inclusive; student informed; diverse and inclusive.

• You will work with the program team to identify opportunities for expanded program capacity, supporting schools on-site with program upgrades, menu planning, volunteer participation, and more.

• Help ensure schools are on track with budget, providing a balance of produce, proteins, and whole grains in ways that foster engaging, community-building opportunities for students.

• Support student-based activities including fundraising events, campaigns, and in-school events.

• Support the Operational Impact Strategist by ensuring school partners are compliant in meeting reporting, budget, and communication requirements as determined by our provincial partner, the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services.

• Help support the community of school volunteers through training, stewardship, and support initiatives.

• Collaborate with the team on innovative program expansions and pilots.

• Participate in periodic evaluation processes and changes.

• Support school program administrative tasks and duties.

• Support schools in program problem-solving.

• Implements, and monitors program policies as required (e.g., safety, program privacy, etc.)

• Support the fundraising and communications team by gathering impact-stories and testimonials from school staff, families, and students.

• Regularly visits schools for support and stewardship.

• Participate in program advocacy and represent N4L at various events such as school assemblies, service group meetings, and parent council activities.

• Conducts ongoing data collection activities for the program’s evaluation.

• Other tasks as required.

Job Requirements:

• The ability to work in alignment with Nutrition for Learning’s values and beliefs.

• A commitment to learning about the tremendous importance and positive impacts of universally accessible nutrition programs for all young people in Waterloo Region.

• The ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• A proven track record of flexibility and resiliency in a dynamic, ever-changing environment. Student nutrition is always shape-shifting.

• Effective communications and conflict management skills.

• Exceptional organization, project management and administrative skills.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and strong verbal and written communication skills.

• An enthusiastic self-starter with the ability to work independently and as a member of a team.

• Proficiency in use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, Adobe and standard office technology.

• Ability to accept and give feedback.

• Availability to work evenings and weekends as required (rarely).

• Ability and means to travel for meetings; a valid driver’s licence is required.

• Waterloo Region Police Check is required for all employees within school settings.

Qualifications:

• Post-Secondary degree in education, sociology, social work, or related field, or equivalent work experience.

• Direct experience in social service delivery to individuals facing multiple barriers.

• 3+ years of experience working in youth-serving organizations is mandatory.

• Cultural competence working in diverse communities.

• Demonstrated experience managing risk, exercising judgment, and supporting staff and clients in crisis situations in a complex, high needs environment.

• Trauma-informed training awareness, and willingness to participate in ongoing training with the team.

• Knowledge and experience of working within an anti-oppression and anti-racist framework.

• Excellent written and oral English communication skills. French fluency is an asset.

• Experience implementing program data collection and evaluation processes.

• Experience organizing and working with volunteers in a non-profit setting.

• Attention to detail and excellent project management and organization skills.

• Training and experience in conflict resolution and staff resiliency are assets.

• Experience building and facilitating trust-centred partnerships.

• Creative and resourceful team-player with an ability to support multiple projects simultaneously.

• Access to a vehicle

This role offers in-office (Kitchener) and work from home flexibility, and requires some local travel in your own vehicle. This position is salaried commensurate with experience, and offers benefits and mileage reimbursements, an inclusive and progressive working environment, and opportunities to grow and learn.

Application Instructions:

Nutrition for Learning hires based on merit and is committed to equality and diversity, as well as providing a welcoming and inclusive work experience.

• Please send your cover letter and resume in confidence, outlining your qualifications and what interests you in the role to HR@nutritionforlearning.ca by August 15th, 2025.

• Note that resumes without a cover letter will not be reviewed.

• Only qualified respondents will be contacted. Individuals accepted for consideration will be subject to a Vulnerable Sector police check.