EXAMPLES OF THE ROLE'S RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
1. Building and maintaining strong relationships with agency partners while supporting their ongoing development and capacity:
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Conducting regular site visits and check-ins.
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Responding to partner concerns, troubleshooting service issues, and providing ongoing guidance and support.
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Designing, coordinating, and facilitating training programs and materials for agency partners.
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Providing technical support for data systems, reporting compliance, and operational procedures.
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Facilitating shared learning opportunities and contributing to scalable solutions across the Network.
2. Coordinating the onboarding and orientation of new agency partners:
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Collaborating with the Capacity Building Specialist on onboarding planning and execution.
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Supporting new partner launch communications.
3. Supporting effective program delivery while collecting and analyzing data to monitor outcomes and inform improvements:
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Addressing food order concerns, changes, and delivery adjustments.
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Providing Primarius support and liaising with the Operations team as needed.
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Supporting data collection, partner feedback, and results analysis.
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Contributing to program and participant evaluation activities.
4. Collaborating on communications and advocacy to elevate partner visibility and engagement:
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Collaborating with the Marketing and Communications team on storytelling initiatives and partner visibility.
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Providing partner insights to inform messaging and advocacy efforts.
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Managing network communications such as newsletters, the Agency Partner Portal, and annual forum planning.
5. Contributing to strategic planning, operational improvements, and organizational initiatives:
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Sharing data-driven insights from service delivery to guide decision-making.
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Identifying operational challenges and communicating partner needs to leadership.
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Participating in pilot programs and seasonal initiatives.
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Providing information and support for budget planning, infrastructure initiatives, and grant-funded projects.
6. Assisting with other tasks as needed to support team and organizational goals.
Specific examples may vary from year to year as priorities of The Food Bank change.
Location and Hours
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The Food Bank of Waterloo Region is located at 50 Alpine Court in Kitchener, Ontario.
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The role is required to be onsite for the work week.
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Hours of work are generally 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. However, to meet the objectives of The Food Bank and commitments to our volunteers, members, and community, some irregular hours may be required. This would include no more than two evenings a week and/or two weekends a month.
Compensation
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The expected starting salary for this role is $64,336.46 per annum.
Reporting Structure and Working Relationships
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The Agency Relations Specialist reports to the Director of Agency and Partner Network Relations.
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This role is an integral part of our Agency Relations team.
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A significant amount of time in this role is spent working with agency partners and other members of The Food Bank's Agency Relations team.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
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Minimum 2 years of experience in relationship building, communications, and/or community development.
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Post-secondary education in social sciences, community development, or a related field.
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Strong understanding of adult education and change management principles.
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Experience with and working knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
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Valid G driver’s license with a clean driver’s abstract.
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Experience working for or with a not-for-profit organization is considered an asset.
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Experience with program evaluation, data analysis, or outcome measurement is an asset.
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Knowledge of the operational realities faced by food banks and agency partners is considered an asset.
An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
Required Work Capacities (Skills and Abilities)
Physical demands:
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Approximately 70% of time spent on desk- or computer-based work, and 30% on standing, walking, or light physical activity.
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Minimal bending, twisting, lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling items, including to/from floor.
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Performing activities requiring near and far vision, speaking, and hearing.
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Working primarily indoors in a shared office space with some exposure to warehouse conditions (temperature changes, dust and dirt, noise, and fumes).
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Local travel within Waterloo region (i.e., to agency partners) is required.
Social, emotional, and cognitive demands:
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Superior attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines efficiently.
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Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to confidently engage interest holders and foster long-term partnerships.
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Highly developed emotional intelligence, diplomacy, and resiliency, maintaining professionalism in sensitive or challenging situations.
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Sound judgment, problem-solving ability, and adaptability with the ability to work with people of varying skills and abilities in an unstructured environment.
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Effective collaboration and teamwork, contributing to team goals and organizational culture while maintaining accountability for individual results.
Why Work for Us?
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We have a passion to live our mission - a Waterloo region where no one experiences hunger - and are committed to helping obtain and distribute emergency food from our neighbours for our neighbours.
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Our employees and volunteers are invested in and passionate about the work we do and are inspired to drive thoughtful innovation and growth.
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We take the work seriously but try not to take ourselves too seriously; we understand the importance of the work we do and teamwork while balancing fun, excitement, and camaraderie in the workplace.
What benefits does The Food Bank offer?
Some benefits and perks provided by The Food Bank of Waterloo Region include*:
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Competitive salaries/wages! We’re a proud certified Living Wage Employer (Ontario Living Wage Network). We believe that all employees should be paid an hourly wage that allows them to meet their basic needs (such as food, shelter, and clothing) while also participating in community life.
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Dental, drug, and supplemental healthcare coverage for individuals, couples, or family.
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A mental health and wellbeing focus with short-term counselling and resources provided by our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and up to $1000 per year in counselling services.
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Vision care coverage.
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An RRSP matching program.
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A Healthcare Spending Account and Lifestyle Spending Account to expand on coverage available to employees.
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A Bring Your Own Device allowance to cover work-related cell phone use ($ depending on role).
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Professional dues and association fee coverage.
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A generous time off package, including paid vacation, sick and family responsibility days, floating days, and a birthday holiday off.
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Hybrid work environment (where applicable).
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Closing early on Fridays in the summer.
- some benefits may depend on employment status, such as full-time permanent employment.
We are an equal opportunity employer. We believe that diverse teams perform better and that fostering an inclusive work environment is a key part of growing a successful team. We welcome people of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
The Food Bank of Waterloo Region is committed to accessibility and to protecting the human rights our job applicants during the recruitment process. Should, at any point throughout the recruitment process, an applicant require accommodation or communication in an alternative format because of a disability, please contact Human Resources at 519-743-5576. We are committed to providing accommodation or alternate formats upon request within a reasonable time in a mutually agreed upon format.
No phone calls please. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. This posting is to fill an existing vacancy. At The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, we use AI-enabled tools to assess applications; however, all recruitment decisions are reviewed by a human.
