Director, Social Enterprise

Full Time • Administration

WHO WE ARE

Through the vision to eliminate poverty in our community and guided by a passionate concern for the dignity and well-being of each individual, Bissell Centre’s work is based on building relationships, hope and trust. Our mission is to work with others to empower people to move from poverty to cultural, social, and economic prosperity. We empower people to meet their own basic daily needs, participate in community and have sustainable livelihoods, secure housing, feel hope for the future and make plans for a prosperous life. By joining Bissell Centre, you will become part of a fast-paced and dedicated team that works together to realize our vision.

Are you looking to make an impact in your community? Do you have endless optimism, ready to move and create change in the community? Through the vision to eliminate poverty in our community and guided by a passionate concern for the dignity and well-being of each individual, Bissell Centre’s work is based on building relationships, hope and trust. Our community comes from all walks of life and so do we.

Through our programs we work to empower people from meeting their own basic daily needs to having sustainable livelihoods, secure housing, and feeling hope for the future and make plans for a prosperous life. By joining Bissell Centre, you will become part of a fast-paced and dedicated team that works together to realize our vision.

Currently, Bissell Centre is looking for an individual wanting to join our Administration team. Are you ready to be our Director, Social Enterprise and make an impact in our community?

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Executive Services Officer, the Director, Social Enterprise is a key member of the Leadership Team responsible for driving the strategic and operational success of Bissell Centre’s social enterprises and business initiatives.

This role provides leadership and oversight to multiple departments, ensuring that each operates efficiently, sustainably, and in alignment with Bissell Centre’s mission and strategic priorities. Working collaboratively with the Executive Services Officer, the Director leads the development and execution of growth strategies, oversees departmental financial performance, and ensures measurable outcomes across all social enterprise operations.

The Director builds strong internal and external partnerships to advance business development goals, optimize program impact, and expand the organization’s reach within the community. Through a balance of social purpose and entrepreneurial strategy, this position plays a vital role in ensuring that Bissell Centre’s social enterprises deliver both meaningful impact and sustainable revenue growth.

Portfolio Accountabilities

Food Services (Community Meals)

Partner with the Manager, Food Services, in the continuous improvement of community meal operations, including procurement, menu development, preparation, and service delivery.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, donors, and food rescue partners to ensure a reliable and sustainable supply of nutritious ingredients.
Implement and monitor standards for food safety, sanitation, and public health compliance in accordance with provincial regulations (equivalent to that of a HACCP Program).
Collaborate with internal departments to align community meal services with employment and skill-building opportunities for program participants.
Continuously evaluate program quality, service delivery, and participant satisfaction, using data to inform decision-making and process improvements.
Manage budgets and cost controls to ensure that program costs are offset through food partnerships, contracts, and social enterprise contributions.
Partner with Marketing & Communications to promote the impact of community meals and engage stakeholders in food security initiatives.

Organizational KPIs:

Participant satisfaction and feedback scores
Percentage of meal program costs recovered through contracts or enterprise revenue
Food safety compliance rate
Number of employment and volunteer placements supported through the program

Food Services (Catering & Events)

Partner with the Manager, Food Services, in the development, pricing, and execution of catering and event offerings under the Bissell Harvest brand, ensuring profitability and brand alignment.
Oversee customer acquisition and retention strategies through structured sales and business development processes.
Establish and manage workflows for inquiry management, quoting, order fulfillment, and post-event follow-up within the CRM system.
Ensure adherence to all food handling, sanitation, and occupational health standards across all catering and event activities.
Collaborate with Marketing & Communications to design campaigns and promotional materials that elevate the enterprise’s visibility and community profile.
Monitor key financial metrics including cost of goods sold (COGS), gross margin, and revenue growth.
Provide mentorship and employment opportunities within the enterprise to support participant skill development and workforce reintegration.

Organizational KPIs:

Monthly and annual catering revenue growth
Customer satisfaction and repeat business rate
Profit margin and cost efficiency (COGS %)
Number of participants trained or employed through enterprise operations

Thrift Enterprises (Brick & Mortar)

Partner with the Manager, Retail Operations, in strategic planning and performance management for all thrift retail locations, including store operations, staffing, logistics, and customer experience.
Develop and execute expansion plans for new store openings and donation centers in alignment with strategic growth priorities.
Oversee operational processes including inventory management, pricing strategy, donation intake, fleet logistics, and distribution systems.
Drive continuous improvement in sales performance and operational efficiency through data-driven analysis and KPI tracking.
Collaborate with Marketing & Communications to develop promotional campaigns and community engagement initiatives that enhance brand visibility and increase foot traffic.
Integrate employment training and work experience opportunities into thrift operations, advancing Bissell Centre’s social enterprise model.
Ensure stores are maintained in compliance with workplace safety, accessibility, and customer service standards.

Organizational KPIs:

Total revenue and same-store sales growth
Customer satisfaction rating
Donation volume and processing efficiency
Employment and training opportunities created

Thrift Enterprises (E-Commerce & Digital Retail)

Partner with the Manager, Retail Operations, to develop and manage online sales platforms and digital retail strategies to extend the reach of thrift operations.
Oversee product curation, listing, pricing, and fulfillment workflows to ensure efficiency and high-quality customer experience.
Collaborate with Marketing & Communications to design and execute digital marketing campaigns, SEO strategies, and storytelling that reflect Bissell Centre’s impact.
Evaluate and expand shipping and logistics partnerships for local, regional, and national distribution.
Ensure e-commerce operations integrate seamlessly with physical thrift stores through shared inventory systems and cross-promotion.
Monitor data analytics to assess online performance, customer behavior, and growth opportunities.
Identify emerging trends in secondhand retail, circular economy initiatives, and online marketplaces for strategic expansion.

Organizational KPIs:

Online sales growth and conversion rate
Average order value and fulfillment accuracy
Customer retention and satisfaction rate
Cost per order and net revenue per product category

Early Childhood Development Program (ECDP)

Provide strategic direction and organizational oversight to the Early Childhood Development Program through collaboration with the Level 3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Manager who oversees daily ECDP operations.
Ensure the program meets and exceeds all provincial licensing, accreditation, and safety standards, maintaining alignment with Alberta Child Care Licensing Regulations.
Support the ECE Manager in budget development, staffing, program evaluation, and reporting, ensuring fiscal responsibility and compliance with funder and regulatory requirements.
Oversee alignment between ECD programming and organizational priorities related to family well-being, workforce participation, and community engagement.
Partner with the Executive Services Officer and Finance to identify and pursue funding, partnership, and grant opportunities that strengthen program sustainability and growth.
Support the integration of employment and training pathways within the ECD environment, creating meaningful work experience opportunities for Bissell Centre participants where appropriate.
Ensure regular reporting on program outcomes, quality indicators, and key achievements to the Leadership Team and funders.
Collaborate with Marketing & Communications to highlight program success stories and raise awareness of Bissell Centre’s role in early childhood development.

Organizational KPIs:

Licensing and accreditation compliance rate (%)
Parent and caregiver satisfaction score (%)
Enrollment and utilization rate (% of capacity)
Staff retention and professional development participation
Annual budget adherence and funding diversification
Child development outcomes aligned with ECD quality standards

Key Accountabilities

Departmental Accountabilities

Ensure adherence to agency’s mission, vision, philosophy, values and objectives.

Ensure submission of all monthly, quarterly and annual reports inclusive of outputs, outcomes, program highlights, stories and quality improvement initiatives.

Monitor implementation of the BCCG process and the achievement of outputs and outcomes.

Monitor compliance with legal, regulatory, contractual, standards of care and applicable accreditation requirements.

Ensure service user, stakeholder and community input as required.

Facilitate inter-departmental coordination and collaboration.

Work collaboratively with the managers to ensure overall operational efficiencies and best practices.

Creating/Modifying/Dissolving departmental procedures in line with Bissell Centre policies.

Proposing policy changes in collaboration with Director, People & Culture.

Human Resource Accountabilities

Work collaboratively with the managers and Facilities to ensure proper maintenance and safety of all program areas.

Recruitment, hiring, orientation, training and day-to-day supervision of direct-report staff.

Performance management and progressive discipline of staff team per Human Resources policies and procedures. In consultation with Human Resources, may recommend termination of staff in their portfolio subject to Officer approval.

Facilitate regular communication channels to managers and teams to inspire, plan and direct.

Implement regular meetings with all direct reports to ensure they meet their targeted goals, program delivery and submission of reports within the set timeframe and guideline.

In collaboration with Human Resources, provide guidance and support to managers in areas of recruitment, orientation, training, performance management and employee relations

Approve and monitor staff timesheets, overtime, health maintenance and vacation balances.

Approve vacation and protected leaves.

Complete and/or supervise probationary appraisals of new direct reports.

Complete annual developmental appraisals of direct reports including training, mentorship and professional development opportunities.

Ensure documentation and follow-up (reporting, debriefs, training, etc.) is completed for all Critical Incidents.

Attend Management Team meetings on a rotating quarterly basis to engage with managers, address organizational issues and collaborate on organizational initiatives.

Ensure adherence to Bissell Centre policies and development and/or revision of departmental procedures to align with policies.

Creating new positions and/or job description changes in collaboration with Finance and Human Resources per departmental needs and budget.

Coverage of Manager job duties as required for vacation, illness and other absence.

Approval of budgeted professional development in accordance with HR policies and employee development appraisal goals.

Strategic Advocacy (External Stakeholder Engagement)

Represent Bissell Centre (and all of its priorities) in person, online and in writing with external stakeholders including, but not limited to:
- Preparing and delivering presentations
- Representing Bissell’s messaging to media
- Engaging the community as a good neighbour and to build buy in
Development of marketing and communications content utilizing Bissell templates in partnership with Marketing & Communications.
Ensure that brand consistency is upheld at Bissell Centre through adherence to standardized templates, key messages, and brand guidelines.
In partnership with Resource Development and in alignment with the organization’s contract and grant management processes:
- Explore new avenues for partnership and funding,
- Participation in negotiation of funding agreements
- Creation and maintenance of funding reporting requirements
Participate in relationship management with key donors, funders, partners and other external stakeholders.
Generate alignment between internal practices, data collection, and external communications.
Seek out, secure, and manage funding streams from diverse sources.

Financial

In collaboration with the Executive Services Officer, managers and Finance, develop, implement and monitor annual program budgets.
In collaboration with managers, Resource Development and Finance, implement strategies for increasing financial stability and sustainability of programs and services.
Monitor, approve and submit receipts for expenditures.
Ensure departments meet their financial targets and plans as laid out in their budget.
Creating/Modifying/Ending memorandums of understanding, funding agreements, reports and budgeted contracts below $5000 and less than 12 months in length.
Signing authority and responsibility for organizational cheques and electronic payments after probationary period and training has been completed.

General and Administrative

Attendance at and participation in organizational events including but not limited to the Annual General Meeting, Bissell Staff Gala, fundraising events (Coldest Night of the Year) as well as portfolio specific events.

Perform other duties as required.

Direct Reports

Manager, Retail Operations

Manager, Food Services

Manager, Early Childhood Development Program

Qualifications

Formal Education and Experience

Minimum of 3 years of progressive leadership experience in business development, social enterprise management, or organizational leadership.

Post-secondary degree in a related field. A combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.

Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, financial management, and business operations, with proven ability to develop and scale sustainable enterprise models.

Experience leading multi-departmental teams and managing diverse stakeholder relationships including funders, partners, and customers.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing business cases, reports, and funding proposals.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behavior and business practices and ensure own behavior is consistent with these standards and aligns with the mission and core values of Bissell Centre.
Build Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization.
Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
Focus on Participant Needs: Anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of participants and the community to meet or exceed their expectations within the organizational parameters.
Foster Teamwork: Foster, sustain and role model productive team management practices, and contribute to a positive team environment. Share expertise and knowledge to support, coach and develop others.
Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions that are timely and in the best interests of the organization.
Organizational Skills: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details/data/information/activities.
Plan: Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement action plans, and evaluate the process and results.
Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.

Leadership and Management Skills: Has strong leadership and management skills; clear ability to think, plan, and act strategically; is a team leader and a team player; leads by example; able to empower employees to achieve their best.
Change Management Skills: Personal capacity to adapt to change, lead competently through change, and make strategic adjustments to address changing needs.

Conditions of Work

On call rotation (role dependent)
Flexibility of the working day is inherent in the position. The workload fluctuates. Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends is required.
Participation in organizational wide Community Safety Walks in the neighbourhood of the home office, daily interactions with participants and community members served.

Screening Requirements

Police Information & Vulnerable Sector Check
Child Welfare Intervention Check
COVID-19 Vaccination confirmation, with exception due to established exemptions
Drivers Abstract

Training Requirements

Conflict Into Calm Training
First Aid Certificate meeting at a minimum CSA Standard Z1210-17 First Aid Certification

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter to: peopleandculture@bissellcentre.org

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.

As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, Bissell Centre continues to take action to protect person served and staff. Strategies related to Bissell Centre’s response to COVID-19 are driven by the guiding principle of taking all reasonable precautions and measures to protect the health and safety of both persons served and staff. In keeping with this intentional purpose, COVID-19 full vaccination is a condition of employment for new hires, except due to legitimate, established exceptions.

Bissell Centre is an equal opportunity employer who is committed to diversity within our community and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, or disability. Bissell Centre is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees, in accordance with provincially and federally legislated protected grounds.

Application Deadline: November 10th, 2025

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