The Organizational Development and Strategy (ODS) Unit plays a crucial role in supporting the General Council Office by developing, executing, and communicating its vision and strategic priorities. This unit helps shape the public face of the United Church, enhancing the denomination’s principled presence in the public square and strengthening its invitation to church across the country and its ministries.

The unit coordinates research, planning, and evaluation, and assists in nourishing congregations, supporting Regional Councils, advancing national programs, and contributing to the effective administration of the church. It encompasses the GCO's planning function (both strategic and operational), reporting, and evaluation. Furthermore, the unit includes a communications department staffed by subject matter experts who ensure alignment in key messaging, a Growth department dedicated to the church’s overarching priority of growth, and Ministries in French. The Growth department works with the regions to cultivate innovation, strengthen existing congregations toward transformation, and seed and grow new Communities of Faith.

Position Purpose

The Information and Statistics Coordinator plays an important role in supporting the data-informed commitment of The United Church of Canada, contributing to a culture of teamwork, collaboration, and partnership within and across General Council Office units, Regions, Communities of Faith, and Ecumenical partnerships. They lead, and are responsible, for the strategic and practical work involved in financial information planning, gathering, processing, producing, and disseminating the church’s annual Community of Faith (pastoral charge) statistics. The information gathered informs decision making and undergirds the entire financial model of the General Council Office Denominational/Regional Council assessment process. This includes creating and interpreting statistical, personnel, and financial data for more than 1,900 pastoral charges, 2,400 congregations, and 100,000 identifiable individuals in the database. During peak periods, they actively communicate with churches, check statistical data accuracy, troubleshoot, and resolve complex problems that require advanced accounting, diplomacy, and educational skills.

They lead and liaise with the IT, Finance, and Communication units to implement the annual denominational assessment rate update, including calculations and communications, as directed.

Primary Areas of Responsibility

1. Data Management and Maintenance (40%): Coordinate the collection, validation, and dissemination of statistical and congregational data through digital and paper-based systems. Develop and maintain data gathering tools and make sure of integration across key platforms. Provide strategic input on data accuracy, reporting processes and IT improvements. Produce customized statistical reports and support data-driven decision making. Respond to Inquiries and advise congregational treasurers on data ad financial practices.
2. Assessment Management and Deployment (30%): Lead the development of assessment models and scenarios to support financial decision making. Guide pastoral charges through assessment changes related to structural transitions (e.g. closures, amalgamations). Collaborate with IT to ensure proper assessment billing, invoicing and data sync between systems.
3. Yearbook Production (10%): Manage the production of the United Church Yearbook, including content preparation and layout. Ensure timely publication and work with IT to develop relevant statistical reports and indices.
4. ChurchHub Information Management and Maintenance (10%): Oversee updates to ChurchHub regarding structural and name changes of pastoral charges and other regional bodies. Coordinate with General Council and Regional Councils to ensure consistent and timely database updates and system improvements.
5. Administration (10%): Maintain congregation and pastoral charge records from Affirm United and submit annual reports to Affirm United. Manage data requests, mailing lists and supervise staff to ensure efficient workflow in support of ongoing administrative functions.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in a related field (research methodology, data, statistical analysis).
• Recognized Accounting Certification and/or training is an asset.
• 3-5 years of related experience, focusing on measurement, financial management, and reporting.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including proofreading with strong attention to detail;
• Strong administrative, planning, time management and organizational skills together with situational analysis and problem-solving skills to proactively plan work, establish, monitor and adjust priorities to accomplish goals with limited supervision;
• Strong financial knowledge and accounting skills;
• Robust computer skills in the use of various software applications – Microsoft Office 365, MS Dynamics, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Power BI, Outlook, Power Apps, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, Zoom, with the knowledge of and ability to organize and manage significant amounts of data;
• Technical proficiency in using a variety of technological systems employed by The United Church of Canada and understanding the relationship between systems (such as ChurchHub and Narthex). Knowledge of Structured Query Language (SQL) to retrieve data from databases and perform queries would be an asset;
• Familiarity with data privacy regulations and ethical data management practices;
• Project management ability and experience to help enhance planning and execution;
• Solid Customer Service and interpersonal skills, conveying efficiency, understanding, patience, and competence when dealing with the church constituency, the public, and staff.
• Ability to collaborate with staff members, promote customer service, and ensure staff provide responsive and efficient customer-oriented service;
• Solid judgment, tact, discretion, resourcefulness, creativity in problem-solving, and the ability to make independent decisions;
• Ability to work independently, consulting the supervisor only for major problems; and
• Proficiency in French or other languages relevant to the United Church's diverse communities would be an asset.
• Alignment with vision and values of The United Church of Canada – respect, integrity, passion, and diversity;
• Motivated self-starter capable of identifying needs; 
• Initiative, good judgment, tact, discretion, resourcefulness, and creativity in problem solving; and
• Knowledge of The United Church of Canada and the understanding its history, programs, structure, and ethos would be an asset.

Working Conditions

The United Church of Canada has adopted a hybrid workplace model, providing flexibility for this position, working both off-site and in the General Council Office, currently located at 3250 Bloor Street West 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 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.

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $62,107.81 to $68,957.58 with the ability to progress to a maximum of $82,809.94. This is based on category 6 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.

JOB CODE: 1