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Mino'Weesini Grocery Program Coordinator
Job Location:
Monthly Salary:
Posted:
10 August 2026 (14 hours ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
7 November 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job Summary
Hours: 35 hours per week; occasional evenings required
Start date: September 28 2026
About Us
Parkdale Food Centre is a vibrant community hub located in Ottawas Hintonburg neighbourhood. All the programming we do is guided by our strong belief that good food is a human right. Good food good mood! We use food as a tool to connect with others and believe these connections strengthen the wellbeing and resilience of our community.
We believe our team is strongest when it reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds identities and lived experiences and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone is treated with dignity respect and belonging.
About this position
Parkdale Food Centre is seeking an organized compassionate Coordinator to support daily operations of our MinoWeesini Grocery Program an innovative food bank model grounded in values of agency dignity and choice. The Coordinator plays a key role in ensuring that this program runs smoothly and effectively while fostering a warm welcoming and positive environment. This hands-on role combines frontline service delivery with behind-the-scenes coordination and requires someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment enjoys creating organized systems and can balance multiple priorities with care and attention to detail.
We know that great candidates dont all follow the same path. If youre excited about this role but dont meet every qualification we still encourage you to apply. We value lived experience curiosity and a commitment to working alongside diverse communities.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Community Engagement
- Ensure welcoming safe and dignified services are offered to Neighbours accessing the program
- Ensure registration of new Neighbours is done respectfully and information is treated confidentially
- Listen to and record feedback from community members and work with Grocery Program team to improve the services provided by the program
- Manage conflict when it arises alongside other staff
- Role model professional behaviour and positive communication through an antiracist/antioppressive approach
- Volunteer Relations
- Train lead and work alongside volunteers
- Working with our Volunteer Coordinator to manage and monitor volunteer shifts
- Support supervise and mentor placement students to learn and develop skills while contributing meaningfully to the organization
- Promote a culture of health and safety within our space
- Program coordination and operational logistics
- Oversee the setting up and closing up the grocery including unloading deliveries of food and stocking fridges shelves and storage areas
- Manage inventory of operational supplies including food; coordinating deliveries and purchases to ensure equitable distribution
- Placing weekly food orders with Ottawa Food Bank local businesses and other suppliers.
- Monitor quality control food handling and storage practices
- Respond to emails/phone calls about our services
- Assist with updating procedure documents and handbooks
- Oversee and manage the use of Point-of-Sale technology for grocery program operations
Qualifications & Skills
- Experience working directly with people experiencing poverty food insecurity or other systemic barriers.
- Minimum 2 years of experience in community-based nonprofit customer service food service or program coordination roles.
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills with the ability to coordinate day-to-day operations maintaining attention to detail and prioritize competing tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience working with volunteers and/or placement students in a leadership capacity
- Strong ability to create a welcoming nonjudgemental environment for individuals from all walks of life ensuring that everyone feels seen and respected.
- Ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion and professionalism.
- Demonstrated commitment to equity inclusion anti-racism anti-oppression and client-centred service.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trusting relationships with people from diverse backgrounds
- Strong conflict resolution and de-escalation skills with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively as part of a team.
- Ability to take initiative make sound decisions and exercise good judgment with minimal supervision.
- Ability to train mentor motivate and support volunteers and placement students.
- Knowledge of safe food handling inventory management and quality control practices.
- Proficiency learning and using technology including point-of-sale systems spreadsheets and digital communication tools.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when handling sensitive information.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities fluctuating service volumes and unexpected situations.
- A positive welcoming and compassionate approach that contributes to an inclusive environment for neighbours volunteers and staff.
Assets
- Experience working in a food bank community food centre grocery warehouse or food service environment.
- Knowledge of Ottawas community resources and social service systems.
- Experience with inventory management or procurement.
- Safe Food Handling certification.
- First Aid/CPR certification.
- Ability to communicate in languages other than English particularly languages commonly spoken within Ottawas diverse communities.
- Lived experience is valued and strengthens our ability to serve diverse communities.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
This role involves regular physical activity in a dynamic community environment. The successful candidate must be able to:
- Stand and walk for extended periods throughout shifts.
- Lift carry move and organise food items and equipment up to approximately 50 lbs.
- Work in a fastpaced hightraffic community environment that may involve noise and interruptions.
Why work for us
- An opportunity to work alongside passionate folks who embody the belief that Good Food is a fundamental human right.
- Comprehensive benefits package including extended health dental life insurance and long-term disability insurance 15 paid vacation days in your first year increasing to 20 paid vacation days in your third year of employment access to an Employee Assistance Program and professional development opportunities.
- A team culture that values mutual support inclusion growth and good food (yeah we feed you!).
- Meaningful work where youll build relationships support neighbours and contribute to a more dignified food system in Ottawa.
To apply please submit your resume and cover letter by clicking Apply above by 4pm on August 24 2026. Please include a paragraph in your cover letter about why this program specifically interests you and why working with Parkdale Food Centre aligns with your values and interests.If you require any accommodations or technical support please email
Parkdale Food Centre does not use artificial intelligence tools to screen assess rank or select candidates. All applications are reviewed by members of our hiring team.
Required Experience:
IC
