Chief Executive Officer Right To Food Canada is facing an unprecedented food insecurity crisis.

Almost 1 in 4 Canadians live in food insecure households, and the pressures of inflation, housing instability, and rising inequality continue to push more families into poverty. Food insecurity is no longer a marginal issue – it is one of the defining social challenges of our time. Right To Food (RTF) exists to change this reality.

Formerly known as Community Food Centres Canada (CFCC), Right To Food is a national organization dedicated to advancing the right to food for all people in Canada. Through innovative community food programming, national partnerships, and policy advocacy, the organization has helped reshape how Canada approaches hunger and food access.

Founded by Nick Saul and Kathryn Scharf, the organization has grown into one of Canada’s most influential voices in the food justice movement. Under Nick Saul’s leadership, RTF has built a vibrant national network of Community Food Centres and partner organizations, pioneered programs that combine food access with dignity and community-building, and mobilized policy change aimed at tackling the root causes of poverty and food insecurity.

After 14 years of visionary leadership, Nick will retire from the CEO role in 2027, marking a significant moment in the organization’s history. The Board of Directors is seeking a new Chief Executive Officer who can build upon Nick’s legacy while guiding the organization into its next chapter. Watson Board Advisors has been engaged to collaborate with RTF in the recruitment of this critical role.

The next CEO will inherit an organization with:

A respected national brand and strong sector credibility

A strong,



collaborative and mission-driven team of approximately 60 staff

A national network of 18 Community Food Centres and more than 450 partner organizations

A newly established hub at 340 Gerrard Street East, providing a vibrant space for the community

Innovative programming models that are recognized across the sector

A strong policy voice advocating for systemic change

An annual operating budget of over $14 million

This leadership transition represents an extraordinary opportunity for a leader with a track record of impact. The next CEO will guide the organization through a pivotal period, with a focus on stabilizing, connecting, and building the institution; strengthening internal systems, aligning priorities, and expanding Right To Food’s impact.

The next CEO must be both an inspirational public-facing leader and an internally grounded collaborator – someone who can embody the abundance mindset and commitment to structural change that animates RTF today while guiding it into its next era. For a leader who believes deeply in equity, community, and systemic change, this is a rare chance to shape the future of food and social justice in Canada.

The Role The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for providing overall leadership and direction for Right To Food, ensuring the organization advances its mission, achieves meaningful programmatic and systems-level impact, and operates with strong governance,



financial stewardship, organizational effectiveness, and long-term sustainability.

Working closely with the Board of Directors and Senior Leadership Team, the CEO will guide Right To Food through an important leadership transition while positioning the organization for its next phase of impact, sustainability, and national influence.

The role requires a leader who is:

Highly relational and emotionally intelligent

A compelling storyteller and public-facing advocate

Experienced in major gift fundraising

Able to transition donor relationships while maintaining trust and revenue

A strong operator and movement builder, with the ability to bring greater rigor to strategy, performance metrics, and execution

Brings a strong understanding of poverty, food insecurity, health, and related social and economic issues, and can apply that understanding to organizational strategy, advocacy, partnerships, and public leadership

Innovative with an entrepreneurial mindset

The CEO will work closely with the Board to develop Right To Food’s next multi-year strategic plan and ensure financial sustainability in a shifting philanthropic and policy environment.

Key Responsibilities Strategic Vision and Execution Lead the development and execution of Right To Food’s long-term strategic direction in collaboration with the Board, Senior Leadership Team, staff, and community partners. Translate the organization’s mission, vision, values and theory of change into clear organizational priorities, measurable outcomes, and accountabilities. Identify and pursue opportunities that deepen Right To Food’s impact, strengthen its sustainability, and expa

📌 Chief Executive Officer, Right To Food (Canada)
🏢 Watson Board Advisors
📍 Canada