Founded in 1984, the Ottawa Food Bank is the city’s central food distribution organization and a cornerstone of Ottawa’s social services ecosystem. Working in partnership with a network of nearly 100 community food programs, the Ottawa Food Bank supports emergency food banks, meal programs, schools and community‑based nutrition initiatives serving hundreds of thousands of residents each year. Through this collaborative model, the Ottawa Food Bank plays a critical role in ensuring consistent, dignified access to healthy food for individuals and families across the National Capital Region

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ottawa Food Bank provides strategic and values‑driven leadership to one of the city’s most vital community organizations. At a time of rising food insecurity and increasing complexity across the social services landscape, the CEO leads a highly respected organization with a strong public profile, a dedicated workforce, and deep community partnerships. The role offers a meaningful opportunity to lead an organization central to Ottawa’s social infrastructure and to influence lasting change in the lives of individuals and families across the region.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned, mission‑driven executive with a strong record of leading complex, values‑based organizations and delivering results in dynamic environments. They bring sound strategic judgment, financial and operational acumen, and demonstrated experience working effectively with engaged Boards of Directors and diverse stakeholders, including in unionized settings. A persuasive communicator and relationship builder, they are highly effective in advocacy, government relations, and public communications, and are comfortable serving as the organization’s primary spokesperson and ambassador. The successful candidate has proven fundraising leadership, with the ability to engage donors, partners, and community leaders in support of organizational sustainability and growth. Collaborative and inclusive in their leadership style, they inspire high‑performing teams, foster a strong internal culture, and demonstrate a deep commitment to equity, compassion, and advancing food security through both direct service and systemic change. Bilingualism in English and French is considered an asset, reflecting the bilingual context in which the Ottawa Food Bank operates.

This is a publicly advertised job posting for an existing vacancy. Expected compensation range is $153,700 - $210,000 CAD. Odgers does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants for a position.

To Apply

To fill this position, the Ottawa Food Bank has partnered with leadership advisory firm Odgers. Applications are encouraged immediately and should be submitted online. We would like to thank all applicants but regret that we are only able to personally contact those individuals whose backgrounds best match the requirements for the role.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Ottawa Food Bank is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the Accessible Canada Act, 2019 and all applicable provincial accessibility standards, upon request, accommodation will be provided by both Odgers and the Ottawa Food Bank throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.

Odgers is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all the work that we do. As part of our efforts to better understand our ability to reach as broad a pool of candidates as possible for our searches, our DEI team would like to encourage you to take a moment and access our Self-Declaration Form.