Development Animator

Growth and Stewardship Animator UCC East
The Growth Department within the Organizational Development and Strategy Unit of The United Church of Canada is seeking an individual to fill the role of Growth and Stewardship Animator UCC East , on a permanent full-time basis (35 hours per week).
This position is deployed into UCC East serving the communities of faith of either First Dawn Eastern Edge or Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters .

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
Within the framework of Toward 2035, and the General Council strategic plan, under the direction of the Director of Growth and Ministry Development, 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.
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;  Connect regional and local initiatives to national strategic l initiatives, ensuring coherence across the denomination .

• 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.) 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.) .
• 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;
Demonstrated experience guiding groups in discernment processes, spiritual practice and theological reflections.
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;
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. 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;
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;
Ability to work in French, and/or in languages other than English would be considered an asset.
Alignment with the vision and values of The United Church of Canada: respect, integrity, passion and diversity;
Demonstrated capacity to embrace change, take risks, experiment, reflect, adapt, and cultivate adaptation in others; 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.
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.