Special Projects Assistant

Anticipated start date – May 20, 2026

Who are we?

At Feed Nova Scotia, we have a vision of a province where everyone has the ability to choose and access the food they want and need.

We believe this can be achieved through a variety of methods including immediate and emergency food support, the exploration of innovative solutions to food insecurity, and advocacy for long-term change.

While more food is not the solution to food insecurity, people still need support today. Not only do we collect and distribute more than six million pounds of food each year to a network of over 130 food banks, meal programs, and shelters, but we also support these members as they work the front lines of food insecurity. Together, along with other community organizations, we’re also working to discover new methods of combatting food insecurity and advocating for a better tomorrow.

No one should have to rely on charity to meet their most basic needs. We believe a food secure Nova Scotia, one where all Nova Scotians have just, dignified, and secure access to food, is possible.   

What is a Special Projects Assistant?

The Network Programs and Services team strengthens our provincial network and its collective impact through capacity-building, networking & knowledge exchange, advisory support, and collaborative program delivery. It manages all programs and services, besides day-to-day food distribution, including events, standards, data collection, learning opportunities and resources, and funding programs. Working directly with member organizations, this department helps ensure that member organizations are active and engaged, supported with resources and opportunities, and operating according to high standards, and that our collective response to food insecurity is coordinated, equitable, and grounded in community need. Another key function of this department is to maintain strong knowledge and understanding of the members and the network through consultation and data collection so that we can make informed decisions.

The Special Projects Assistant will be a supportive and adaptable addition to the Network Programs and Services Team. They bring strong learning agility, attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills and contribute to a variety of projects. Working closely with project supervisors, they will provide administrative support, prepare communications and reports, conduct analytics, as well as be an active, engaged, and present advocate in the community on behalf of Feed Nova Scotia.

What does a Special Projects Assistant do?

• Plays a key role in running Food Banks Canada’s After the Bell program for Feed Nova Scotia. They will be responsible for communications to members and Food Banks Canada about the program, including obtaining and providing clear and accurate program information as well as fielding inquiries and collecting program reports. They will also be involved in making product allocation decisions and coordinating timelines with our food distribution team.
• Prepares program reports for Capacity Fund & Holiday Fund programs. The Capacity Fund is a granting program that provides funding to member agencies for projects that improve their spaces and operations and support their programs. The Holiday Fund provides members with funding so they can offer food support or put on food-focused events that celebrate the occasions that are important to their clients and communities. The SPA may also have a role in preparing a share-back report for our Spring Member Meetings.
• Supports the team in preparing for Feed Nova Scotia’s annual Day of Sharing event which is held in September. This event brings together staff and volunteers from member agencies to share about their work and to participate in workshops and learning events. The SPA will have the chance to be part of the organizing committee, gaining experience in event planning and project management and contributing to these efforts through administrative support.Supports Feed Nova Scotia’s network assessment by:
  • Collating information about member participation in various activities for our Engagement Tracking, conducts analysis, and prepares the annual Member Engagement tracking report.
  • Reviewing survey submissions and following detailed assessment processes
  • Reviews information collected through our annual membership renewals process about opening hours, conducts analysis and prepares annual Availability Scores and corresponding report
  • Participates in and contributes to team meetings and weekly 1:1 meeting with their supervisor
  • In collaboration with their supervisor, will establish weekly priorities and workplans
  • Other work that the Special Projects Assistant will be supporting could include, but is not limited to:
  • Developing and compiling content and messaging for a weekly newsletter for member agencies
  • Participate in cross-department planning of events, such as Feed Nova Scotia’s participation in Pride Parade.
  • Development of process documentation
  • Development of project and program proposals
  • Lead a staff lunch’n’learn on a topic of their choice
  • Lead a team “deep dive” presentation or discussion on a topic of their choice
  • Attend meetings and site-visits with the Network Programs and Services team and member agencies

What are we looking for?

• Exemplary communication skills, written and verbal
• Strong learning agility and adaptability
• Attentive to detail, ability to follow processes and procedures
• Ability to use logic, previous experience and knowledge towards decision-making and developing solutions
• Team-work mindset, a willingness to provide support to others and help where needed
• Analytical thinking, data analysis, and research skills
• Proficiency in MS Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel) required.
• Experience with using Excel formulas for basic calculations and analysis
• Previous experience with creating program reports considered an asset
• Previous administrative experience considered an asset
• Previous knowledge and understanding of Non-Profit industry, and/or an NGO/social service setting an asset
• Understanding of the importance of privacy and confidentiality of personal information
• Applies equity, diversity, and inclusion in their work; inclusive and welcoming in nature
• Willingness to learn new things, try new things, and contribute in a variety of ways
• Able to work effectively on independent projects and contribute to collaborative and team efforts
• Dependable and honest
• High degree of self-awareness and emotional intelligence

To be eligible for this position, applicants must be commencing or returning to post-secondary studies in September 2026.

Compensation

Compensation for this position is $22.00 /hr plus 4% in lieu of earned vacation, paid out on a biweekly basis.

Working Conditions

• Location: On-site
• Hours:8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Schedule: Monday to Friday, including a 30-minute lunch break.

Application Instructions

If you are looking for an outstanding opportunity to make an impact in your community, please submit a cover letter and resume that clearly indicate how you meet the requirements of this position, in one PDF document to: recruitment@feednovascotia.ca by 11:59pm on April 14, 2026. Please include Special Projects Assistant in the subject line.

At Feed Nova Scotia, we prioritize cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce, understanding its critical role in driving innovation and fostering a sense of belonging. Our commitment extends to creating a work environment that authentically represents the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all interested individuals, placing a particular emphasis and priority for candidates from historically excluded groups. We actively encourage submissions from those identifying as African Nova Scotian, Mi’kmaq, Black, racialized, Indigenous/First Nation, a person with disability, 2SLGBTQIA+, and newcomers to Canada. We invite you to share this information in your cover letter or resume, and we invite you to express your pronouns.