CURRENT Opportunities with A Better Life Foundation:

Director of Engagement

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Compensation: $75,000 annually plus performance bonuses
Reports to: Executive Director
Supervises: Engagement / Outreach Coordinator

Company + Culture

A Better Life Foundation is a registered charity devoted to improving the lives of our community using food as a tool of connection to uplift, improve and nourish the people we serve. All of our programs are centered around the belief that food is love and strive to achieve our vision of delicious, nutritious and dignified food for all.

We’re perpetually growing our capacity and impact, as does the need for the work that we do. We have an ambitious strategic plan that calls for deeper, intentional, sustainable – yet urgent growth. Which this role will be instrumental in achieving.

  • Our programs are delivered to well over 100+ organizations and are constantly evolving to meet our communities needs. Our core programs include:
    Our Daily Meal Program – a chef driven meal delivered with continuity, offering a stable platform of support.
  • Recovery Program – rescuing ingredients destined for the waste stream and converting them into delicious, ready to eat hot meals.
  • Indigenous Food Program – focussed on families and youth, reconnecting indigenous peoples to ingredients native to these lands.
  • Plenty of Plates – multiple events per week that bring in volunteers from outside of our community to build connection through restaurant quality service and meals offered to folks in our community facing food insecurity.

This is not easy work but it is a great deal of fun and incredibly rewarding. It requires the dedicated hard work of a team of individuals. We believe that our employees should represent our community and are proud that approximately 75% of our team self-identify as having a barrier to employment. Our team is driven by the conviction that their work makes a tangible difference and their work ethic matches that commitment. We support that commitment by striving for a genuine work life balance, a living wage and overperforming extended benefits. The health and well being of our staff is really, really important to us and that translates beyond our tangible offering and into our culture of support.

Role:

The Director of Engagement builds and sustains the relationships, revenue, and public trust that allow A Better Life Foundation to deliver dignified food access reliably and at scale. Year over year, we’ve been able to achieve incremental growth despite an ever more challenging fundraising environment. The opportunities are abundant and this leadership role is essential to translating those opportunities into impact. This role leads fundraising, donor stewardship, and partnership strategy while ensuring programs like our flagship Plenty of Plates function as both high-impact and high-engagement initiatives introducing more partners to our work and deepening those relationships.

Responsibilities

  1. Fundraising & Revenue Leadership
    1. Lead the organization’s fundraising and engagement strategy in collaboration with the Executive Director.
    2. Grow and steward a diversified revenue base including corporate partners, sponsors, funders, and donors.
    3. Use Plenty of Plates as a flagship revenue and relationship-building platform.
  2. Donor, Partner & Funder Stewardship
    1. Own and maintain continuity in key donor, sponsor, and partner relationships.
    2. Oversee stewardship systems, reporting, and storytelling to ensure partners and funders feel informed, valued, and connected to impact.
    3. Manage and maintain agreements with funders and community partners.
  3. Engagement Programs & Public Presence
    1. Strategic direction for engagement-focused programs and events, owning logistics and execution in collaboration with the Operations team.
    2. Represent ABLF, running and facilitating public facing and program events, with professionalism, warmth, and alignment to values while building relationships with the clients and community.
    3. Ensure engagement activities reinforce dignity, consistency, and trust with communities served.
  4. Team Leadership & Systems
    1. Supervise and mentor the Engagement Coordinator.
    2. Ensure reliable systems for donor data, volunteer engagement, reporting, and handoffs with operations.
    3. Work cross-functionally with Operations and Kitchen leaders to align engagement with delivery realities.
  5. Strategic Contribution
    1. Contribute to organizational planning, prioritization, and sustainability strategies.
    2. Support the organization’s evolution from opportunity-driven to reliable and scalable engagement practices.
    3. Focuses on donor experience, partner relationships, hosting strategy, and revenue outcomes.

Profile & Experience

  • 5+ years leading nonprofit fundraising, engagement, partnerships, events, or fund development.
  • Strong relationship-builder with experience stewarding donors and partners over time.
  • Comfortable leading and delegating while creating clear authority lines and collaboration; values collaboration and shared systems.
  • Experience working alongside operations and program teams in dynamic environments.
  • Alignment with ABLF’s values of dignity, respect, and community-centered work.

Success in This Role Looks Like

  • Revenue and partnerships are structured, predictable, repeatable, and scalable. A strong growth strategy.
  • Donors and partners experience consistent stewardship and clear impact communication.
  • Engagement systems support program and operations teams.

Support & Compensation:

  • Starting salary of $75,000 reviewed annually
  • After 3 month probationary period, we’ll work together to map out a 12 month success plan including incentivization
  • Comprehensive, above industry standard extended benefits
  • 6% (3 weeks) vacation, accruing annually
  • Potential for Professional and Personal Development
  • Hybrid work environment including on location at Save On Meats (43 West Hastings Street)
  • Collaborative and supportive team environment with direct relationship with Leadership, Founder, Board of Directors and a strong network of supportive allies.

How to apply + process:

Applicants who are excited and enthusiastic about contributing to our purpose driven team are warmly encouraged to apply in writing to info@abetterlifefoundation.ca with the subject line: Director of Engagement and a cover letter explaining your connection to this work and how you’d be effective in the role.

Successful applicants will be given the same series of questions for the first interview to prepare and be asked to provide an example of a project (personal or professional) that they managed that they are most proud of.

A short list of those candidates will be invited to join us for half day trials (paid) on site and given a short assignment designed to showcase organizational skills and capacity. Based on that process, final interviews will be conducted before an official offer is made.

Any questions about our organization, position, hiring process, or anything at all can be delivered to the address above.

This position is open to people of any gender, race or culture and of any physical or mental ability. We recognize that we are operating on the unceded and stolen lands of the (Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) people, we are working towards decolonizing our operations and strongly encourage people of indigenous ancestry to apply. All applications will be considered.

Applications will close on 5pm Friday, April 3, but interviews will begin to be scheduled immediately.

Thanks for your interest and support of our work!

Indigenous Cook, Lead

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Location: Vancouver, BC | Compensation: Cook Lead $20–$25/hr | Hybrid PT/FT

About the Program

A Better Life Foundation (ABLF) is launching a dedicated Indigenous Food Program that celebrates the culinary traditions of Turtle Island and reconnects urban Indigenous youth with cultural foodways. Rooted in the principle of Two-Eyed Seeing (Etuaptmumk), this program weaves Indigenous and Western knowledge systems to foster healing, food sovereignty, and empowerment.

The Indigenous Cook Lead will bring lived experience and familiarity with traditional ingredients, recipes, and methods that celebrate Turtle Island practices. Working primarily with the ABLF kitchen team — who will support with ordering, logistics, and day-to-day cooking operations — this role will focus on producing Indigenous meals, guiding apprentices, and collaborating respectfully with Knowledge Keepers and advisors to honour teachings and create opportunities for intergenerational learning.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the preparation of Indigenous meals (2x per week) for community partners.
  • Mentor apprentice cooks, providing guidance in traditional cooking skills, practices, and values.
  • Collaborate with advisors and Knowledge Keepers to ensure meals are culturally relevant and teachings are honoured.
  • Develop and adapt recipes that highlight seasonal and traditional ingredients of Turtle Island.
  • Support community events and youth-focused learning seminars.
  • Ensure food preparation meets ABLF’s standards of safety, hospitality, and dignity.

Qualifications

  • Lived experience and deep familiarity with Indigenous food traditions, ingredients, and cooking methods.
  • Experience leading in a kitchen — training, teaching, or mentoring others.
  • Strong organizational and communication skills; able to coordinate across a team.
  • Passion for food sovereignty, youth empowerment, and community healing.
  • Food Safe certification (or willingness to obtain).
  • Flexibility to work evenings/weekends for community events as needed.

How to Apply

Send us a short note with your name and how to contact you. A resume is welcome, but not required.

About A Better Life Foundation 

A Better Life Foundation provides critical meals, training, and community support to Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES). Every year, we serve 500,000+ meals, run high-impact employment programs, and create pathways to food justice. Our Indigenous Food Program, developed in collaboration with Indigenous leaders and guided by community knowledge, is grounded in dignity, respect, and inclusivity.

We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous candidates, as well as those with lived experience of poverty, colonization, or marginalization. We also welcome applicants with disabilities and are committed to creating an accessible, supportive, and inclusive workplace.

Indigenous Cook, Apprentice

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About the Program

A Better Life Foundation (ABLF) is launching a dedicated Indigenous Food Program that celebrates the culinary traditions of Turtle Island and reconnects urban Indigenous youth with cultural foodways. Rooted in the principle of Two-Eyed Seeing (Etuaptmumk), this program weaves Indigenous and Western knowledge systems to foster healing, food sovereignty, and empowerment.

The Indigenous Apprentice Cook position is designed for someone who wants to learn, grow, and contribute to the revitalization of Indigenous food traditions. This is an opportunity to work closely with a Cook Lead, Knowledge Keepers, and advisors to prepare meals for community members and youth. Apprentices will gain hands-on kitchen experience while also learning the deeper significance of ingredients, recipes, and methods that connect us to land, culture, and community.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist with the preparation of Indigenous meals (2x per week) for community partners.
  • Learn traditional cooking methods and recipes under the mentorship of the Cook Lead and Knowledge Keepers.
  • Help prepare and support community events, youth workshops, and cultural seminars.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming kitchen environment.
  • Support ingredient sourcing and food recovery efforts in alignment with program values.

Qualifications

  • Interest in learning Indigenous cooking practices and commitment to cultural revitalization.
  • Some experience in food preparation or kitchen work (professional or personal).
  • Strong teamwork and communication skills.
  • Reliability, attention to detail, and willingness to learn.
  • Food Safe certification (or willingness to obtain).
  • Flexibility to work evenings/weekends for community events as needed.

How to Apply

Send us a short note with your name and how to contact you. A resume is welcome, but not required.

About A Better Life Foundation 

A Better Life Foundation provides critical meals, training, and community support to Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES). Every year, we serve 500,000+ meals, run high-impact employment programs, and create pathways to food justice. Our Indigenous Food Program, developed in collaboration with Indigenous leaders and guided by community knowledge, is grounded in dignity, respect, and inclusivity.

We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous candidates, as well as those with lived experience of poverty, colonization, or marginalization. We also welcome applicants with disabilities and are committed to creating an accessible, supportive, and inclusive workplace.

Work Experience Positions, Paid

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Location: Vancouver, BC | Compensation: $20/hr | 200 Hour Placements | Training & Support Provided

A Better Life Foundation (ABLF) is excited to offer temporary, paid work experience placements through the Work Experience Opportunities Grant (WEOG). These roles are designed for people who may be facing barriers to employment and want to gain new skills, confidence, and hands-on experience in a supportive environment.

These placements are temporary and capped at 200 hours. After your placement ends, the program is designed to support you in finding your next opportunity – through training, references & helping connect you with future work to the best of our ability.

Where You’ll Work

  • Save On Meats – 43 West Hastings – Transit Pass will be provided

What You’ll Get

  • $20/hour pay for 200 hours of work (roughly 6-8 weeks, depending on schedule).
  • Potential Training and certifications (FoodSafe, WHMIS, First Aid, as necessary etc.) to build your resume.
  • Transit and equipment costs may be covered.
  • A supportive workplace where you’ll be shown each step and encouraged to learn at your own pace.
  • Real work experience that helps open doors to future jobs.
  • Food! – plenty of delicious meals on site and that you can take home.

Role Options (Choose the one that fits you best)

1. Recovery Kitchen Assistant (typical shift is 8am – 2pm – but flexible)

Help prepare meals for our community while learning kitchen basics.

  • Food preparation, packaging meals, light labour.
  • Sorting rescued food donations and helping reduce waste.
  • Kitchen experience is definitely an asset.
  • Perfect for folks interested in working in kitchens and pursuing a career in cooking
  • Training available
2. Indigenous Food Program Assistant (typical shift is 8am – 2pm – but flexible)

Be part of our Indigenous Food Programming team.

  • Assist with preparing culturally relevant meals.
  • Learn about Indigenous traditions, ingredients, and cooking methods.
  • Support the sharing of food and culture in community.
  • Perfect for folks from indigenous backgrounds and an interest in cooking
  • Training available
3. Plenty of Plates Community Ambassador (flexible hours)

Be the welcoming face of our community dinners.

  • Greet guests and distribute tickets.
  • Help create a warm, respectful, and inclusive atmosphere.
  • Support the team in hosting memorable community meals.
  • Perfect for outgoing personalities who love to help their community and smiling

Who Can Apply

These positions are open to anyone legally able to work in B.C. who is receiving (or eligible for) supports such as:

  • BC Employment Assistance (BCEA), Disability Assistance (PWD), Persons with Persistent Multiple Barriers (PPMB), or Hardship Assistance.
  • Indigenous-administered or federal equivalents.

If you’re not sure whether you qualify, we can help you check.

Accessibility & Inclusion

We welcome applications from all people of all abilities, races, genders, and backgrounds. We aim to make the application process as simple and accessible as possible. If you need support applying, let us know.

We Support You With What You Need

At A Better Life Foundation, we want everyone to feel comfortable and able to do their best work. That means we’ll do our best to provide reasonable accommodations if something would help you succeed.

Here are some examples of what that could look like:

  • Mobility supports – like lighter tasks, help moving items, or tools to reduce strain.
  • Hearing or visual aids – or using training materials in large print, audio, or visual formats.
  • Step-by-step learning – extra time, clear instructions, or working with a buddy at first.
  • Language support – plain language instructions, translation, or interpretation where possible.
  • Ergonomic equipment – like a supportive chair or adjusted workstation.
  • Scheduling flexibility – adjusted hours, shorter shifts, or extra breaks if needed.
  • Sensory accommodations – noise-cancelling headphones, quieter space for breaks, or different lighting.
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) – gloves, masks, or other items suited to your needs.

If there’s something we’ve missed, just let us know – we’ll work with you to find solutions.

How to Apply

Send us a short note with your name and how to contact you. A resume is welcome, but not required.

About A Better Life Foundation

A Better Life Foundation has been serving Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside since 2013, providing over 5 million meals with dignity, love, and care. We believe food is more than nourishment – it’s connection, opportunity, and hope.

As a recognized supportive employer, we create jobs and training for people facing barriers to work, while also running programs that fight food insecurity, recover food waste, and build community. Joining us means being part of a team that believes food is love – and that everyone deserves a seat at the table.

United Way BC Work Experience Grant is funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.