Role Description: Lead Facilitator

(independent contractor)

At the Front Street Community Oven, we believe that everyone deserves connection and belonging. We  build peace and understanding across diversity through the process of cooking together. 

Our vision is a community where everyone belongs. Our mission is to create a joyful space to cook together, eat together, and share stories. Through the magic of food and fire we re-imagine what it is to connect to each other and the land.

The Front Street Community Oven has operated at Robie Tufts park in the heart of Wolfville since 2019. We host programming where people of all backgrounds connect over the shared activity of cooking and eating together over fire – in a safe, welcoming, intentionally facilitated space. This is more than a community supper. Connecting to each other and the land in this way allows us to address complex social issues in a nourishing and transformative way.

We are guided by core values of Community, Inclusion & Diversity, Accountability, and Lifelong Learning. To learn more about us, please visit www.frontstreetoven.ca 

Job Summary 

Front Street Community Oven is looking for an independent contractor to serve as Lead Facilitator. This role will plan and facilitate weekly Community Cookouts that take place every Thursday during the months of June – September from 4pm – 8 p.m. This is 4-month contract from May 25th – October 2nd 2026, with possibility of extension and renewal. 

Please note: This is a contractor position, not an employment role. The hours associated with this role have been intentionally designed and refined over four years to support both efficiency, creativity, and contractor wellbeing. Even with the breadth of the work, the consistency and repetition of the weekly system, plus the room for creativity and fun, creates a sustainable rhythm.

Responsibilities 

This role requires a stewarding lens: it is focused on creating a well-facilitated container in which volunteers and community members are supported to co-create the cookouts experience. 

Event Facilitation & Participant Engagement 

• In preparation of events:
• Work closely with Operations and Food Planning Coordinator, Summer Event Coordinator, and Food and Facilitation Circle of volunteers to plan & organize flow of event 
• In the event of inclement weather, collaborate with the team to make timely day-of decisions regarding event cancellations and communicate accordingly
• During events (weekly on Thursdays, 4:00–8:00 PM):
• Provide trauma-informed, culturally relevant facilitation and create safer, inclusive spaces
• Welcome, orient and support participants and set the town for a warm, welcoming, inclusive experience where guests feel invited to contribute
• Serve as the central point of coordination  
• MC the event, clearly communicating timing, transitions, and invitations to participate of up to 100+ participants
• Post-events:
• facilitate quick reflections and learnings for continuous improvement with volunteers, fellow staff and care team, integrating learnings into evolving practices

Volunteer Coordination

• Schedule and communicate with volunteers on an ongoing basis
• Send weekly reminders, updates, and role clarity ahead of events
• Manage day-of volunteer check-in and ensure clear orientation to roles
• Coordinate with volunteer Care team, mental health partners, and Art of Listening lead
• Fill gaps (e.g., replacements for volunteer cancellations) and ensure adequate coverage
• Develop more consistent volunteer systems (e.g., multi-week commitments, role continuity)

• Continual updating of systems and SOPS to reduce ad-hoc coordination (templates, checklists, volunteer structures) 

Desired Qualities and Skills

Qualities

• Warm, welcoming presence with the ability to create a sense of belonging for diverse groups
• Adaptable, comfortable adjusting plans in real time

• Proactive, guiding overall flow while adapting in real time to emerging needs 

• Humble, with a service-oriented mindset
• Calm, able to stay centered in a dynamic, fast-paced settings
• Engaged, able to bring positive momentum to group environments
• Clear and decisive communicator who can lead decision-making with care
• Reflective, able to learn from experience and integrate feedback
• Genuine love of people, food, and community-building!

Skills

• Facilitation & event leadership, hosting groups up to 100+ people 
• Event coordination, operations, or program management
• Volunteer coordination and engagement including recruitment and scheduling
• Communication that is clear in verbal and written communications 
• Basic knowledge of food preparation, kitchen flow, or community cooking environments 
• Impact tracking or simple reporting
• Problem solving, able to think on feet and respond to dynamic, fast paced environment holding both big-picture awareness and attention to detail 

Ideal Candidates will have…

• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience 
• Experience in facilitation and/or event management position
• Experience and comfort with hosting and MCing for groups up to 100+ participants 
• A practice of ongoing learning on trauma-informed hosting, DEI, universal design and related concepts
• Experience in volunteer coordination 
• Experience with cooking and/or baking (e.g. as a home cook) 
• Awareness of safety practices in food handling and public events (or willingness to learn)
• A passion for community building 
• A passion for cooking and food 
• Excellent organizational and time management skills 
• Strong communication and ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of people
• Experience with community/social services sector through work or volunteer experience an asset
• Familiarity with grant applications and reporting is an asset 

Work Environment

The Community Oven is situated in Robie Tufts Park and operates during the summer months. Many events happen outdoors so staff must be comfortable being outdoors on cold, hot, and rainy days. We are a small team and you will work directly with the Executive Director, Food and Operations Coordinator, our wonderful volunteers, summer staff, and a few contractors. This role does require physical work (including lifting) and comfort being around fire, as well as computer-based work.

Benefits and Perks

• $40/hour plus HST (average of 8 hours per week) 
• Regular opportunities to connect with the community over shared meals and fun food learning opportunities
• A balanced mix of online and in-person work
• Learning opportunities in Thrivability, Belonging for all, and DEIB learning opportunities. 
• A work environment that prioritizes a culture of relational leadership (ethics, purpose, process orientation, learning, and empowerment)

Interested candidates should send their resume and cover letter quoting “Lead Facilitator” in the subject line to HR@frontstreetoven.ca. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

Statement of Intent

We encourage applications from Black, racialized and Indigenous Peoples, 2SLGBTQ+, newcomers to Canada, and People with Disabilities. If you are a member of a group that has been historically excluded from opportunities, we encourage you to self-identify in your cover letter or resume and to share your pronouns. If you require any accommodations in submitting your application or navigating the process, please reach out to HR@frontstreetoven.ca