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Sole Food Street Farms | Cultivate Canada Society

Interim Executive Director
Term: One-year term position to cover a parental leave, mid-January 2026 until February 2027
Location: Vancouver, BC
Compensation: $75,000–$90,000 per annum (commensurate with experience)

About the Role

Sole Food Street Farms is seeking a skilled and compassionate Interim Executive Director to provide steady leadership and organizational continuity during a one-year parental leave.

This is an exciting opportunity to guide a well-established and respected social enterprise employment program through a pivotal year. You’ll work with a dedicated team, engaged board, and strong community partners to sustain the momentum of a mission-driven organization at the intersection of urban agriculture, social enterprise, and community inclusion.

The Interim Executive Director will lead a talented team, provide strategic oversight, financial and administrative management, and fundraising leadership to ensure the continued success of Sole Food’s mission and strategic priorities.

About Sole Food Street Farms

Founded in 2009, Sole Food Street Farms is a community-driven social enterprise that has transformed vacant land into thriving farms providing meaningful employment and training opportunities for residents of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

As one of North America’s largest urban farms, Sole Food has produced over one million pounds of fresh food, paid over two million dollars in wages, and provided training and employment to hundreds of individuals—all in the heart of Vancouver.

Our 3 acre Olympic Village Farm produces fresh, local produce while creating life-changing opportunities for people facing barriers to traditional employment. Through hands-on training and a supportive, healing work environment, our team members not only grow food — they rebuild their lives.

Operating under the charitable umbrella of Cultivate Canada Society, Sole Food demonstrates the vital connection between farming, land stewardship, and community well-being, while modelling the economic and social possibilities of urban agriculture.

🎥 Hear directly from our farmers about how Sole Food has impacted their lives: “Sole Food Saved My Life”

We are grateful to operate on the unceded and traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategy

• Provide steady, values-based leadership aligned with Sole Food’s mission and strategic direction
• Support and motivate staff to deliver high-quality programming and operations
• Represent Sole Food as a publicly and act a community advocate
• Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to maintain good governance and transparency and strategic direction

Fundraising & Development

• Sustain and nurture relationships with funders and donors
• Oversee delivery of current grants and funding commitments
• Lead or support the development of new funding proposals
• Identify and pursue opportunities to diversify and strengthen revenue streams

Financial Management

• Manage and monitor budgets, cash flow, and financial processes
• Oversee bookkeeping, reporting, and accounting
• Support farm sales performance across markets, wholesale, and CSA programs
• Provide accurate financial and operational reports to the Board and staff

Governance & Board Relations

• Serve as liaison between staff and the Cultivate Canada Society Board
• Prepare regular reports and updates on organizational performance and opportunities
• Support ongoing governance development, including recruitment and engagement of new members

Operational Oversight

• Supervise managers and farm teams to ensure smooth operations and program delivery
• Foster an inclusive, supportive, and positive organizational culture
• Maintain HR policies, oversee performance, and manage recruitment as needed
• Ensure compliance with legal, financial, and regulatory requirements

Qualifications and Attributes

Required

• Proven leadership experience in a charitable, nonprofit or social enterprise setting
• Strong financial management and fundraising acumen
• Experience in governance, board relations, and organizational oversight
• Strong interpersonal, written, and public communication skills
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and trauma-informed leadership
• Collaborative, hands-on approach to problem-solving
• Experience working with marginalized or underserved communities
• Familiarity with harm reduction and mental health–informed practices
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders including municipal partners, landowners, and funders
• Well-connected in Vancouver and comfortable leveraging community networks
• Thrives in a fast-paced, grassroots, and highly collaborative environment

Compensation and Work Environment

• Salary: $75,000–$90,000 (commensurate with experience)
• Benefits: 65% employer contribution toward extended health benefits after a 3-month probation period
• Vacation: 4 weeks paid vacation
• Additional: 8 paid personal/sick days per year, 5-day winter closure in December, and access to farm-grown produce

This is a full-time term position (40 hours per week) based in Vancouver, BC. The role includes on-site work at 299 West 1st Ave., particularly during the growing season, with hybrid/remote flexibility in the off-season. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

To Apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and three references as a single PDF to info@solefoodfarms.com with the subject line “Interim Executive Director Application.”

Applications are due by December 1, 2025. While we appreciate all responses, only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

We are committed to equity and diversity in our workplace and strive to reflect the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from women, BIPOC, and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, as well as others with lived experience that aligns with our mission.