The United Church of Canada is seeking an individual to fill the role of Executive Minister, Indigenous Ministries and Justice on a permanent full-time basis (35 hours/week). This position represents a current, active vacancy within our organization.
All applications received through The United Church of Canada’s Applicant Tracking System (ATS) for all 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.
Indigenous Ministries and Justice works with the National Indigenous Council (NIC) and Indigenous communities of faith across The United Church of Canada. In line with the norm, principles, and standards set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada’s Calls to Action, Indigenous Ministries and Justice supports the whole United Church as it strives to animate the Calls to Action and Calls to the Church. This work is done by building on the capacity, already present, in areas of spiritual healing, leadership and youth development, stewardship, and justice and reconciliation.
The Executive Minister, Indigenous Ministries and Justice, serves in a sacred leadership role within the national life of The United Church of Canada. As part of the Staff Leadership group, this position ensures that Indigenous voices, wisdom, and priorities are meaningfully woven into the whole life of the Church even as it helps to enable the self-governing Indigenous church within The United Church of Canada.
Grounded in respect, right relations, and the Calls to the Church, the church’s commitment to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the formation of a self-governing Indigenous church, this role nurtures a culture of collaboration, reciprocity, and accountability. The Executive Minister walks alongside Indigenous communities, Elders, and leadership to support self-determination, healing, reconciliation and justice.
This role supports the National Indigenous Elders Council (NIEC) and the National Indigenous Council (NIC), in implementing its vision and priorities, and providing leadership to the Indigenous Ministries and Justice Circle in ways that honour Indigenous governance, wisdom, spirituality, and community.
Relational Accountability and Governance: The Executive Minister has dual accountabilities both to the General Secretary and to the National Indigenous Council, recognizing the importance of Indigenous leadership and authority within the Church. This role is rooted in relationship - with the National Indigenous Council, National Indigenous Elders Council, Indigenous communities of faith, urban and other off-reserve Indigenous church members, regional councils, and Indigenous theological schools. The Executive Minister actively participates in the Staff Leadership Circle, bringing Indigenous perspectives to shared decision-making spaces.
- Relational and Accountable Leadership: Lead with humility, respect, and right relations while fostering a collaborative, culturally grounded team environment. Ensure the National Indigenous Council’s priorities guide the work, honour the gifts and lived experiences of others, support shared decision-making, and model faithful stewardship of people, resources, and relationships.
- Stewardship of Indigenous Ministries and Justice Work: Support and implement the vision, direction, and priorities of the National Indigenous Council. Help Indigenous church leadership discern future direction, develop governance structures and policies with the NIC and NIEC, communicate NIO and NIEC plans and activities, and lead justice initiatives related to reconciliation, healing, and systemic inequities. Coordinate General Council work so it is collaborative, aligned with Indigenous priorities, and supportive of gatherings and networks that build right relations across the Church.
- People and Community Leadership: Mentor and support staff growth, learning, and well-being while fostering a respectful, inclusive, and purpose-driven workplace. Address challenges with care and integrity, support staff in living the Indigenous Church’s vision and Calls to the Church, ensure relationship-centred performance management, and work with Human Resources on culturally respectful and equitable staffing.
- Advocacy, Partnership, and Right Relations: Walk alongside Indigenous ministries, communities of faith, and partners to amplify Indigenous voices and concerns. Ensure Indigenous perspectives shape spiritual formation, leadership development, and justice initiatives; build relationships that support reconciliation and meaningful partnership; listen to emerging community priorities; and serve as a trusted resource on Indigenous ministry, justice, and reconciliation for the wider Church.
- To request a copy of the full job description, send an e-mail to: [email protected] and put IMJ JD on the subject.
- Graduate theological education or an equivalent combination of formal, cultural, and community-based learning.
- Deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, spiritual traditions, trauma informed practices and ways of knowing.
- Ordination or recognized leadership within a faith community or Indigenous organization is an asset.
- 7-8 years of progressive senior leadership experience providing leadership at a regional or national level; knowledge of The United Church of Canada and its history.
- Strong leadership skills, anchored in a holistic approach, balancing the four elements: spiritual, physical, mental and emotional; with experience in managing people, building and maintaining a cohesive staff unit that is focused on developing the implementation and action plans reflecting Indigenous objectives.
- A spiritually grounded understanding of, and respect for, Indigenous values, faith and traditions with a strong commitment and engagement to the work of Indigenous Ministries with the ability to reflect theologically on issues affecting Indigenous people within the United Church.
- Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous communities, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous governance bodies, with a strong understanding of Indigenous justice, healing, reconciliation, right relations, and the impacts of colonization and residential schools.
- Proven ability to lead collaboratively, support staff, foster a respectful and culturally grounded workplace, and work collegially with volunteers, staff, and diverse communities.
- Strong organizational leadership skills, including strategic planning, coordination, stewardship of financial and human resources, administrative oversight, and change management.
- Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, including effective networking, group facilitation, clear written and verbal communication, and the ability to navigate cross-cultural and emotionally complex situations.
- Sound judgment, initiative, flexibility, discretion, creativity, and the ability to make timely decisions and respond effectively to complex or changing circumstances.
- Solid computer skills, including Office 365, Dynamics, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, Zoom, social media, and other online platforms.
- Indigenous or French Language skills in addition to English are an asset.
The United Church of Canada has adopted a hybrid workplace model, providing flexibility for this position, working both offsite and in the General Council Office, currently located in Toronto, ON. 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. 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 salary range for this position is $120,030 to $160,041. This is based on category 12 on our salary range. Placement on the salary range will be based on factors such as market condition, internal equity, candidate experience skills and qualifications relevant to the role. Pension and group benefit plans coverage and annual vacation round out this compensation package.
