Reconciliation and Indigenous Justice Animator

The Indigenous Ministries and Justice Unit is seeking an individual to fill the role of Reconciliation and Indigenous Justice Animator for a 12-month term (35 hours/week). This position represents a current, active vacancy within our organization.

This position represents a current, active vacancy within our organization.

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.

Indigenous Ministries and Justice (IMJ) work 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.

Position Purpose

The Reconciliation and Indigenous Justice Animators share responsibility for enabling and facilitating faith communities and regions of the non-Indigenous church to move towards just and right relationships with the Indigenous church, Indigenous communities and Indigenous peoples through faithful witness rooted in United Church policy and with a theologically based rationale. The focus is on communications, advocacy, education, resource development, project funding, and tending relationships and networks within the United Church.

Primary areas of responsibility:

1. Indigenous Justice & Advocacy Work (60%)

Lead Indigenous justice, reconciliation, advocacy, and education initiatives in alignment with United Church commitments. Develop resources, advise communities of faith and Regions, build relationships with Indigenous and partner organizations, coordinate projects and grants, analyze trends, conduct research, and prepare accountability reports.

2. Staff Resource & Communication (40%)

Provide staff support to the Indigenous Justice Advisory Group and the wider reconciliation network, including work involving sensitive residential and day school experiences. Chair the Justice and Reconciliation Fund Grants Committee, coordinate organizational responses, manage digital and print communications, and develop and deliver worship, presentations, and workshops.

*To request a copy of the full job description, send an e-mail to: View email address on unitedchurch.elevate-ats.com 

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in a field related to Indigenous issues, ministry or community development.
• 3-4 years’ experience, or the equivalent of work and life experience.
• Strong knowledge of Indigenous histories, cultures, policies, and contemporary issues, including the history and continuing impacts of residential schools, and respect for the diverse values, spiritualities, knowledge, and traditions of Indigenous communities.
• Strong written communications skills with the ability to write, edit, produce, update communication materials using various methods of communications, including online communities;
• Solid planning, organizational and time management skills with the ability to proactively plan, establish, monitor and adjust priorities to accomplish goals;
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook), internet and social media applications, and videoconferencing/webinars;
• Experience working on complex issues such as Indian residential institutions, climate change, decolonization;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, comfortable interacting with people collectively and individually, together with a demonstrated capacity for building intercultural relationships;
• A commitment to collaborative working relationships, and awareness of and commitment to conflict resolution processes;
• Familiarity with educational methodologies, including transformational learning together with an understanding of group dynamics and group processes;
• Adult education skills, such as the ability to plan and lead workshops and effective facilitation skills would be an asset;
• Ability to analyze public policy issues to recommend areas for advocacy;
• Ability to analyze plans and budgets provided by grant applicants and overall trends and to make recommendations for improving business processes;
• Willingness and ability to travel within Canada;
• Must possess a secure self-identity and be able to exercise self-awareness, sensitivity and compassion while often working under circumstances of cultural conflict. Personal integrity, maturity, and respect for all others is essential; and
• Alignment with the vision and values of The United Church of Canada – respect, integrity, passion and diversity;

Working Conditions

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.

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $79,455 to $ 90,556 with the ability to progress to a maximum of $105, 941. This is based on category 8 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.

Closing date for applications: September 24, 2026