The Growth and Stewardship Unit is seeking an individual to fill the role of Growth and Stewardship Animator deployed within Antler River Watershed Regional Council on a permanent full-time basis (35 hours/week).
This position is deployed into Antler River Watershed region providing support to communities of faith.
For all applications received through The United Church of Canada’s Applicant Tracking System (ATS) for publicly advertised positions, AI might be used to support certain applicant evaluations however, all applications are manually reviewed by our hiring team to ensure a fair and thorough evaluation of all candidates. All decisions are made solely by the hiring team. Please note that this posting is not tied to a current vacancy.
The Growth and Stewardship Unit provides focused, coordinated leadership for the renewal, sustainability, and future vitality of the Church. This reflects a recognition that renewing existing communities of faith, creating new communities of faith and strengthening invitation and stewardship across the denomination—requires intentional strategy, dedicated leadership, and sustained investment. They bring together the church’s work in ministry development, innovation, and stewardship to support communities of faith in discerning where they are called to be and how they are invited to participate in God’s ministry in their local contexts. It creates a cohesive approach to nurturing existing ministries, fostering new and emerging communities of faith, and embedding a culture of generosity and shared responsibility across denomination. On the work of strengthening invitation, the unit collaborates closely with the Communications department within Organizational Development and Strategy. The unit works collaboratively across the General Council Office, Regional Councils, Indigenous communities, and diverse networks to identify opportunities for deepened discipleship, renewal, and innovation. It supports experimentation, pilot initiatives, and learning, enabling the Church to respond faithfully to changing social, cultural, and spiritual landscapes.
Within the framework of Toward 2035, and the General Council strategic plan, under the direction of the Executive Minister for Growth and Stewardship, and working directly with Regional Council Staff and Volunteers, Growth and Stewardship Animators support the life of the church; strengthening current and emerging communities of disciples in a contextual life of invitation as they seek to continue the story of Jesus in their own time and place.
1. Advance Toward 2035 as a data-informed Whole Church Strategy (20%): Make the Whole Church emphasis of Toward 2035 legible in the area being served; Assist in the discernment, development, and articulation of regional and sub-regional strategies under the overall vision and direction of Toward 2035; Connect regional and local initiatives to national strategic l initiatives, ensuring coherence across the denomination.
2. Support Existing CoF to grow in diversity, inspiration and resilience (70%): Maintain knowledge of and ongoing relationships with the communities of faith (congregations and other United Church ministries camps, outreach, etc.) in their region; Support and accompany communities of faith, including with resources to articulate good news, deepen understanding and relationship with neighbours and neighbourhoods, planning, developing an invitational culture and practices, living intercultural ministry, multigenerational ministry, and outreach (i.e. Neighbourhood Profiles, Invitation Planning, etc.).
3. Support the Development of New Communities of Faith (10%): Work with relevant regional bodies to spark imagination and discern opportunities for new or emerging communities of faith that both serve geographic areas in new ways and engage demographics and communities currently connected with the United Church of Canada.
- Post-secondary education in theology, ministry, social services, community development, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and lived experience;
- At least four years of experience in innovative congregational leadership, outreach or overseas ministry or education and community development with demonstrated skills in stewardship development, programming, fundraising, and project management;
- Formation and grounding consistent with the theology, polity and ethos of the United Church of Canada;
- Experience supporting leaders and volunteer bodies through discernment, planning and implementation of ministry initiatives;
- Experience supporting or participating in innovative, experimental, or emerging ministry of expressions is an asset;
- Experience using qualitative and quantitative data to inform planning, evaluate outcomes and support continuous learning is an asset;
- Experience supporting or participating in rural ministry settings, with insight into the challenges, blessings, and opportunities present in rural communities; and
- Demonstrated experience guiding groups in discernment processes, spiritual practice and theological reflections.
- Knowledge of the life and work of The United Church of Canada or another denomination, if the latter, a willingness to develop United Church knowledge and skills; Membership would be considered a key asset;
- Ability to communicate Christian Discipleship as a life of invitation and generosity, relating policies and programs to faith, and reflecting theologically;
- Ability to articulate Evangelism and Stewardship in ways that stretch and challenge, but resonate to United Church of Canada sensibilities;
- Strong planning, organizational, project/time management, administrative and analytical skills, with strong follow-through;
- Excellent relational and inter-personal communication skills, (both verbal and written) and presentation skills, together with respect for and experience working in culturally diverse contexts. Must be comfortable interacting with people collectively and individually;
- Solid computer skills in the use of various software applications - Office 365, Dynamics, SharePoint, One Drive, Teams, Zoom, and other social media and online platforms and evidence of adaptive use of new technologies;
- Be aware of Canada Revenue Agency guidelines pertaining to charitable giving and “best practices” in ethical fundraising practice;
- Flexibility to switch easily from one task to another, effectively juggling multiple tasks at the same time as situations and priorities change;
- Sensitivity to and skills in nurturing relationships, including with donors, with a high degree of tact, diplomacy, good judgment and discretion in dealing with confidential or sensitive matters;
- A creative, motivated self-starter capable of identifying the need for and taking collaborative or independent action, as appropriate, who works well within a team environment;
- Willingness and ability to travel within the assigned area;
- Alignment with the vision and values of The United Church of Canada: respect, integrity, passion and diversity;
- Ability to work in French, and/or in languages other than English would be considered an asset;
- Demonstrated capacity to embrace change, take risks, experiment, reflect, adapt, and cultivate adaptation in others; and
- Recognition of personal and professional boundaries.
The United Church of Canada has adopted a hybrid workplace model, providing flexibility for this position, working both off-site within the region and in a Regional Council or General Council Office. Collaboration and partnership with unit staff is key. Evening and weekend meetings and travel within the assigned region will be required. They are responsible for their own timetable/work schedule and regular full accountability within the Unit staff team is required. 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 assistive devices or technologies, intermittent physical activity including sitting, standing and being on a call for long periods of time will be required. Occasional additional hours may be required.
As part of our ongoing commitment to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Human Rights Code, The United Church of Canada will provide reasonable accommodations to employees with human-rights related needs.
The target hiring range for this position is $71,004.12 to $80,924.18 with the ability to progress to a maximum of $94,672.13. This is based on category 7 on our salary range. Placement on the salary range will depend on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and the candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role. Pension and group benefit plans coverage and annual vacation round out this compensation package.
