You are:

- Inspired to create a safer, healthier community for the next generation.
- Passionate about equity and belonging.
- A relationship superstar and natural trust-builder.
- A creative problem-solver.
- A connector and team player.
- A stellar project manager.

If this is you, read on! WHO WE ARE.

Nutrition for Learning offers universally accessible, non-stigmatizing student nutrition programs to schools across the Waterloo Region. These programs positively impact the physical, cognitive, behavioural, social, and academic needs of children and youth in our community. We are a registered charitable organization, established in 1997, that supports nearly 180 student nutrition programs across all four school boards.

OUR VISION.

A Waterloo Region where all students are nourished at school so they can learn, connect,

participate, and thrive.

THE MISSION.

In partnership with youth and educators, we continually strive to elevate the experience of universal food access at schools in ways that promote optimal wellbeing, healthy relationships, and food literacy.

WE BELIEVE.

- When students are nourished, their capacity to imagine, explore, and connect elevates.
- Every student deserves a fair shot by being well-nourished during their school day.
- No young person should feel stigmatized for accessing food at school.
- Food is community. We nurture the idea that food can connect people and places. When students eat nutritious food together, mental, physical, and community health improves.
- The unique perspectives of students are needed on our mission to improve universal
- access to food at schools.

THE COMPASS: OUR VALUES. Student-Centered.

We create opportunities to prioritize the voices and best interests of those we serve. We ensure that students have a seat at the table in creating a healthier future for young people in the Waterloo Region.

Universal & Inclusive.

As a youth-serving organization committed to universally accessible programs, we ensure that diverse voices and views help shape our work.

Learning is Thriving.

We co-create environments that nurture personal and professional expansion. We celebrate wins and challenges together and strive to better ourselves through both.

Trust Leads to Growth.

We foster trust by believing the best in others. We strive to be the kind of people that others have faith in by leading with kindness and authenticity in all interactions.

Stewarding the Future.

With long-term impact as our goal, we honour our donors, partners, and stakeholders by being socially, financially, and environmentally responsible and accountable.

This Role Has Impact.

The School Experience Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring student nutrition programs across Waterloo Region are supported, sustainable, impactful, and meeting the need.



Above all, this individual is values-centered, leading each day with kindness, accountability, and a commitment to supporting students, volunteers, educators, and school communities.

As a key relationship manager for a portfolio of schools, the School Experience Specialist builds strong partnerships with program staff, volunteers, and community partners. This role ensures schools have the resources, support, guidance, and encouragement needed to deliver high-quality student nutrition programs.

The successful candidate enjoys building relationships, solving problems, identifying opportunities for improvement, and helping others succeed. They are energized by community engagement, continuous learning, and creating positive experiences that support student wellbeing.

Job Purpose.

Student nutrition programs rely on strong partnerships, effective communication, and ongoing support to thrive.

The School Experience Specialist has a keen eye for seeing opportunities to elevate excellence. They help support school nutrition programs through relationship management, program improvement, volunteer support, training, and special events. This role helps ensure programs operate in alignment with Nutrition for Learning standards while fostering welcoming, inclusive, and sustainable food environments for students.

Success in this role requires exceptional relationship-building skills, robust organization,

attention to detail, and a genuine passion for supporting school communities.

You Will:

- Build and maintain positive relationships with school administrators, educators, volunteers, and community partners.
- Successfully meet relationship and program-centred benchmarks set with your manager in your role.
- Serve as a key point of contact for assigned schools and provide ongoing program support and guidance.
- Conduct regular school visits to assess program needs, celebrate successes, and identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
- Support schools in their volunteer recruitment, onboarding, training, recognition, and retention efforts.
- Support colleagues in helping coordinate school grant administration, reporting requirements, and program compliance activities.
- Support organizational monitoring of program participation, funding utilization, and operational effectiveness.
- Provide coaching and support to school-based program leads and volunteers.




- Collaborate with internal teams to ensure schools receive food, resources, equipment, and support services as required.
- Support data collection, reporting, and impact measurement activities.
- Identify emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities across school programs and communicate recommendations to leadership.
- Support school engagement initiatives, community events, and special projects.
- Assist in developing resources, tools, training materials, and best practices that strengthen program delivery.
- Maintain accurate records, documentation, and stakeholder communications.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

- Minimum three years of experience in relationship management, community engagement, program coordination, education, volunteer management, or a related field.
- Demonstrated success as a relationship manager, with experience meeting sales-style relationship KPIs and benchmarks.
- Robust interpersonal, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.
- Post-secondary education in Community Development, Education, Business Administration, Public Health, Recreation, or a related field, or equivalent experience areassets.
- Excellent organizational, time-management, and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and database management systems.
- Valid driver's licence and reliable transportation.
- Ability and willingness to travel regularly throughout Waterloo Region.
- Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check.

Assets:

- Experience working within schools, community organizations, or non-profit environments.
- Experience supporting volunteers and community-based programs.
- Familiarity with grant administration and reporting processes.
- Knowledge of food security, student wellbeing, and community development principles.
- Experience using CRM or program management software.

Working Conditions.
- Hybrid work environment with frequent travel to schools throughout Waterloo Region.
- Regular interaction with educators, volunteers, students, community partners, and stakeholders.
- Occasional evening or community events.
- Combination of office-based administrative work, school visits, training, and stakeholder engagement.
- Ability to transport program materials and supplies as required.

Nutrition for Learning welcomes applications from people with disabilities. Accommodation is available upon request throughout the recruitment and selection process. If you require accommodation, please let us know when we contact you about the next step. Vacancy status: We are hiring to fill an existing vacancy for this position.

📌 School Experience Specialist (Kitchener)
🏢 Nutrition for Learning
📍 Kitchener