About Food Banks Canada

At Food Banks Canada, our commitment stretches across the nation, tirelessly supporting and enhancing the work of over 5,500 food banks and community organizations. We invest in, advocate for, and bolster their critical efforts. Through diligent research, we delve into the root causes of food insecurity, devising actionable solutions informed by our findings as we work to create a Canada where no one goes hungry.

In 2024, Waterstone Human Capital recognized our workplace for embodying one of Canada’s Most Admired™ Corporate Cultures of the year. This distinction highlights best-in-class Canadian organizations with cultures that have helped them enhance performance. For us, performance means advancing our mission and achieving organizational goals collaboratively with a team that is happy, healthy and engaged.

Our efforts and impact are expanding, and we're opening doors for passionate, teamwork-driven professionals in search of a career that's both meaningful and captivating. Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset for all our roles at Food Banks Canada as we support Canadians across the country.

About the Role

Join our mission to reduce hunger and poverty across Canada as the VP, Advocacy & Research. In this impactful leadership role, you’ll guide a talented team of researchers and advocates to drive policy change at the federal and provincial levels, shape public discourse, and build deep relationships with government stakeholders. Reporting to the Chief Network and Government Relations Officer, you'll oversee national advocacy strategies, lead the development of key reports and recommendations, and collaborate across departments and the food bank network to address the root causes of food insecurity. With a focus on innovation, inclusion, and measurable impact, you’ll play a central role in transforming how Canada responds to hunger—now and in the future. As successful candidate in this role is a strong strategic leader with a passion for social justice and a proven track record of shaping policy and mobilizing change.

While this position is home-based, it does require frequent travel in Ottawa and so the successful candidate needs to be located in the Ottawa/Gatineau region.

What You Will Be Doing

• In collaboration with the Chief Network and Government Relations Officer, expand and nurture deep relationships with all parties on Parliament Hill and across legislatures, where necessary
• Oversee the strategic direction of the development of federal and provincial policy recommendations related to food bank operations in coordination with senior leadership
• Collaborate with the Chief Network and Government Relations Officer and other senior leaders to align advocacy and research strategies with broader organizational goals and priorities
• Develop and oversee the departmental expense budget with input from the Manager of Government Relations and Advocacy, the Director of Research, and others as needed
• In collaboration with the Manager of Government Relations and Advocacy, identify opportunities to improve and expand national advocacy efforts that address the root causes of food bank use and support the food banking network
• Collaborate with the Director of Research on all research projects, identifying new areas to explore for maximum network impact and alignment with our government relations and advocacy goals
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including board members, elected officials at all levels, and food bank leaders and organizations 

What You Will Need

• Completion of an undergraduate degree or equivalent with a minimum of 8 years’ experience in a senior political or policy advancing role
• Bilingualism (French/English) is a strong asset
• Demonstrated experience in developing and managing budgets, with strong financial acumen.
• Experience leading, coaching, mentoring, and motivating a professional, cross-functional team to achieve common goals and objectives
• Innovative and creative thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset and with proven success in building and nurturing strong and lasting strategic partnerships
• Highly organized with the ability to effectively manage multiple projects, deadlines and priorities
• Exceptional strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information, identify trends and opportunities, and develop data-driven strategies and recommendations
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build trust, influence stakeholders, and navigate complex relationships across organizational boundaries 

Working Conditions

• Full-time, flexible work schedule to meet the demands of senior management, including some evenings and weekends
• This position is home-based and must be located in the greater Ottawa/Gatineau region
• Occasional travel within Canada may be required

Food Banks Canada believes that diversity is the cornerstone of excellence within our team and mirrors the community we serve. We warmly invite candidates of all genders, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and abilities to apply. Committed to an accessible recruitment journey, Food Banks Canada ensures a barrier-free experience. Should you be approached for a job opportunity, please reach out to if you require accommodations.

We thank all those who apply but only those applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted.