The United Church of Canada is a community of hope, a vibrant and vital church with both purpose and vision. We act for peace, justice, care for creation, and God’s mission of healing the whole world in cooperation with others who share our vision. The Call and Vision is commended to regional councils, communities of faith and United Church incorporated ministries for engagement and discernment for their ministry. It is shared with the broader community as a pledge of identity and hope. These statements provide purpose and direction within the Strategic Plan of the General Council Office.
Within the United Church the regional councils are a decision-making body responsible to serve, support and oversee Communities of Faith within their bounds, recognize ministry leaders, support the joy, health and excellence in ministry practice and healthy pastoral relationships, oversee the administration of property, and encourage and engage witness to the gospel. Some regional councils are part of the same staffing region and have some shared staff that serve the two or three regional councils.
The Regional Council Executive Minister will be guided by a Memorandum of Understanding between/ amongst the regional councils being served and the General Secretary of the General Council.
The Regional Council Executive Minister will provide leadership, support and counsel to the two or three regional councils they serve. They provide leadership, counsel and support for the governance, administration, and strategic priorities of the regional council and supervise staff of the regional council. They will engage in supporting the priorities of the United Church’s strategic plan approved by the General Council Executive. The General Council deployed staff of the Office of Vocation and the Philanthropy Unit will work in parallel relationships with the regional councils.
The main areas of focus are:
Governance and Leadership
- Resource the decision making of the regional councils and their Executives; provide leadership, support and counsel to the region’s governance bodies and oversight of the work of the regional council. Will assist the church in deepening its understanding of becoming an intercultural church.
Staff Management & Development
- Supervise staff members, develop annual goals, plan continuing education, be available to consult on specific matters, provide a pastoral presence and support in difficult times and work with Staff Support Committee (or equivalent).
Financial Management & Stewardship
- Work with the Treasurers to plan budgets and financial strategies and work with the Investment Team in each regional council and the Investment Advisor to manage investments according to the policy set by each Executive.
General Council Support and Responsibilities
- Assist the General Council office, as directed by the General Secretary, in fulfilling the policy directions of the Executive of General Council and communicate and interpret the decisions of the Denominational Council and its Executive to the regional councils, their communities of faith and, as necessary, to individuals.
Relationship Management and Development
- Work with Incorporated Ministries to identify gaps in compliance with Category 1 United Church corporations and address those gaps, and create and communicate a clear and inclusive vision of the church’s global advocacy work to internal and external stakeholders
*To request a copy of the full position description, please email: [email protected]
Qualifications
- MDiv and/or an advanced degree or equivalency in biblical studies, church history and/or Christian Theology or demonstrated capacities to articulate the Christian faith and practice;
- Advanced degree and/or equivalency in Administration;
- 5-7 years of related experience in ministry and/or senior level management;
- Is an active member of the United Church of Canada and is involved in the church’s life at different levels;
- Thorough knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the doctrine, polity and policies of The United Church of Canada, and ability to share this knowledge clearly within the conciliar system that has evolved in the regional council;
- Experience in fiscal management and planning, and an ability to develop and monitor budgets, read and understand financial statements;
- Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written) with the ability to communicate competently and effectively from an informed theological perspective and express ideas clearly, in worship, in public and with the media;
- Excellent analytical skills and judgment in dealing with critical issues is required as is a high respect for confidentiality;
- Ability to help the church community make informed decisions, and to articulate the denomination’s position on a wide range of issues;
- Commitment to support the church’s work of reconciliation, and its desire to be intercultural and bilingual;
- Demonstrated facilitation, administrative, supervisory skills, and a collegial consultative leadership style with a commitment to a coordinated team approach with staff and volunteers;
- An awareness of organizational development concepts together with a willingness to explore new initiatives, new learnings and the flexibility to respond to the changing needs of the church;
- Ability to discern appropriate pathways through complex issues, problems or opportunities and the impact or implication of decisions and actions;
- Ability to manage a wide range of administrative responsibilities and duties and to take initiative and act as situations warrant together with experience with conflict and change management;
- Ability to effectively use a variety of electronic communications and technology tools (i.e., various software applications - Office 365, Dynamics, SharePoint, One Drive, Teams, Zoom)
- Alignment with the vision and values of The United Church of Canada – respect, integrity, passion and diversity;
- Flexibility with the ability to effectively and positively deal with changing situations or priorities;
- Sensitivity, respect for, and an openness to working creatively, openly, transparently, tactfully and diplomatically with, the diversity, social and cultural realities of the regional council;
- Initiative, good judgment, tact, discretion, resourcefulness, and creativity in problem solving.
- A passion for ministry and discipleship.
The United Church of Canada is committed to inclusion and diversity and encourages applications from all candidates including but not limited to: all religions and ethnicities, LGBTQ2SIA+, Indigenous and racialized peoples, and persons with disabilities.
Working Conditions
The United Church of Canada has adopted a hybrid workplace model, providing flexibility for this position, working both offsite and in a regional council office, if applicable. The incumbent will be provided, for work purposes, use of secure devices and must be available by email, phone, teams or zoom during regular office hours Monday to Friday.
Sitting and viewing a computer screen for long periods, keyboarding/using voice recognition software, intermittent physical activity including sitting, standing and being on the phone for long periods of time will be required. Attendance at occasional evening and weekend meetings may be required. Considerable travel within the regional councils with some travel within Canada is required.
As part of our ongoing commitment to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, The United Church of Canada will aid employees who request accommodation throughout their employment with us, unless the position is deemed to be a bona fide occupational requirement and/or to the point of undue hardship considering issues of health, safety and cost.
Compensation
Salary will be based on skills and experience, within category 12 on the salary range of $111,897 to $149,196. Defined benefit pension and group benefit plans coverage, annual vacation and study leave provisions and sabbatical round out this compensation package.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are invited to submit their cover letter and resume to Human Resources at [email protected]. Please quote job ID 23-55 in your application.
A copy of the full job description is available upon request.
Job Types: Permanent, Full-time
Salary: $111,897.00-$149,196.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Work from home
Schedule:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Etobicoke, ON M8X 2Y4
Application deadline: 2023-10-17
