Regional Council Executive Minister
East Central Ontario, Eastern Ontario Outaouais, Nakonha:ka Regional Councils
The United Church of Canada is seeking an individual to fill the role of Regional Executive Minister for East Central Ontario, Eastern Ontario Outaouais and Nakonha:ka Regional Councils 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.
Position Purpose
The Regional Council Executive Minister serves as the chief executive leader of the assigned Regional Council(s), operating with delegated authority from the General Secretary. The RCEM provides strategic, pastoral, fiduciary, and governance leadership, ensuring that Regional Councils fulfill their responsibilities as Denominational Councils under The Manual.
This role balances governance integrity, mission vitality, organizational leadership, and faithful accompaniment of Communities of Faith. The RCEM serves as both a denominational leader and regional pastor, fostering strong relationships among Communities of Faith, Regional Councils, and the General Council.
The successful candidate will provide visionary leadership while ensuring accountability, sound stewardship, and alignment with the mission and priorities of The United Church of Canada.
Primary areas of responsibility:
1. Executive Leadership and Governance
- Provide grounded, collaborative, trust based and visionary leadership to Regional Councils and sustains the strategic direction and momentum of the three Regional Councils.
- Ensure compliance with The Manual, denominational policies, and applicable legislation.
- Support Regional Council governance processes, including agenda planning, decision-making, and policy development.
- Oversee property and pastoral relations processes, ensuring timely approvals, documentation, and compliance.
- Provide leadership in organizational change, restructuring, transitions, and conflict situations.
- Communicate and interpret denominational priorities, strategic directions, and policies across the Region(s).
- Ensure sound governance and fiduciary oversight of Regional Council operations and resources.
2. Financial Leadership and Stewardship
- Oversee the financial health and sustainability of the Region(s).
- Monitor budgets, financial performance, and resource allocation.
- Ensure responsible stewardship of assessments, designated funds, grants, and special project funding.
- Approve major expenditures and monitor financial risks.
- Ensure compliance with charitable, regulatory, and denominational requirements.
- Promote transparency, accountability, and strategic financial planning.
3. People Leadership
- Provide people-centered leadership to the regional staff team by setting clear expectations, maintaining open communication, providing timely and constructive feedback, supporting professional development, and coaching staff to achieve individual and shared goals.
- Oversee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, performance management, and professional development.
- Foster a healthy, collaborative, inclusive, and mission-aligned workplace culture.
- Address employee relations matters in partnership with Human Resources and senior church leadership.
- Ensure staffing structures effectively support regional mission priorities.
4. Relationship Building and Ministry Development
- Support Communities of Faith through all stages of ministry, including formation, growth, transformation, amalgamation, closure, and legacy planning.
- Encourage innovation and the development of new ministry expressions.
- Provide oversight and guidance to incorporated ministries within the Region(s).
- Build and maintain relationships with ecumenical, interfaith, regulatory, and denominational partners.
- Support governance, accountability, and denominational alignment across the Regional Council.
5. Denominational Leadership
- Participate in national leadership forums and denominational initiatives.
- Collaborate with General Council Office teams and Regional Council leaders across the church in animating the church wide 2035 initiative.
- Interpret and communicate decisions of the Denominational Council to Communities of Faith and ministry personnel.
- Represent The United Church of Canada in public, media, and community settings.
- Respond thoughtfully to emerging societal issues affecting Communities of Faith.
*** To request a copy of the full job description, please send an e-mail to Careers@united-church.ca with Regional Executive Minister EOORC on the subject.
Qualifications
- Graduate degree in Theology, Divinity, or a related field (Master of Divinity or equivalent) from an accredited institution.
- Graduate-level education in Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of relevant education and work experience.
- Training or certification in governance, board relations, or executive leadership is considered an asset.
- Advanced verbal communication skills in both French and English is a requirement;
- Intermediate written communication skills in French are considered an asset;
- Training in conflict resolution, mediation, or change management is considered an asset.
- Minimum 5 to 7 years of progressive leadership experience in ministry, senior management, or a comparable role.
- Active member of The United Church of Canada engaged in the life and ministry of the church.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of Quebec culture and the Nakonha:ka region and communities, with the ability to effectively lead within the regions.
- Demonstrated experience in financial management, budget development, and financial oversight.
- Experience leading teams, managing organizational change, and working within complex governance environments.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the doctrine, polity, governance structures, and policies of The United Church of Canada.
- Strong theological understanding and the ability to communicate effectively in worship, public settings, and media environments.
- Excellent leadership, relationship-building, facilitation, and decision-making abilities.
- Demonstrated ability to navigate complex issues with sound judgment, discretion, and integrity.
- Experience in conflict management, organizational development, and strategic planning.
- Commitment to reconciliation, intercultural ministry, equity, diversity, inclusion, and bilingual engagement.
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, Dynamics, Zoom, and other digital collaboration tools.
- A strong commitment to the vision, mission, and values of The United Church of Canada.
- Integrity, authenticity, and a pastoral heart.
- Strategic thinking combined with practical execution.
- Adaptability and resilience in times of change.
- Creativity, initiative, and sound judgment.
- Respect for inclusion and diversity, with strong intercultural competency and the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse communities and perspectives;
- Passion for ministry, discipleship, and faithful leadership.
Working Conditions
The United Church of Canada has adopted a hybrid workplace model, providing flexibility for this position, working both off-site and from the Regional Council Office. 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 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 and travel, with the approval of the supervisor, will be required at times.
Equity, Diversity, and Accessibility
The United Church of Canada is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace. We welcome applications from individuals who reflect the diversity of our church and communities.
In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and applicable human rights legislation, reasonable accommodations will be provided throughout the recruitment and employment process for candidates with disabilities or other human rights-related needs. If you are contacted regarding a job opportunity, please advise us of your accommodation needs at that time.
Compensation
The target hiring range for this position is $123,271 to $140,493. with the ability to progress to a maximum of $164,362. This is based on category 12 on our2027 salary scale. Placement on the salary range will be based on factors such as 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.