Community Development Officer

Indigenous Ministries and Justice works with the National Indigenous Council 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 and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, Indigenous Ministries and Justice supports the whole United Church of Canada 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 Community Capacity Development Coordinator (CCDC) visits and works with Indigenous United Church communities of faith and ministry leaders to support ministry and outreach. They are responsible for supporting the priorities, named by the Indigenous communities of faith, in the development and implementation of work plans that lead toward a sustainable and vibrant ministry: youth leadership development, stewardship; Congregational Development (40%) : Support Indigenous communities of faith in developing and implementing work plans that foster sustainable and vibrant ministry. Collaborate on property and capital planning, compensation strategies, healing initiatives, and youth-focused programming. Provide guidance and facilitate workshops that enhance congregational life, promote faith formation, and encourage community partnerships with Chiefs, Elders, and Regional Councils.

Administration (25%) : Oversee administrative operations related to congregational development and educational programming. Handle project coordination, detailed record keeping, communication with stakeholders, and logistical support for workshops and events. Manage data collection, track project progress and timely documentation and reporting.

Training, Education and Leadership Development (25%) : Develop and implement culturally relevant leadership programs based on community-identified priorities (e.g. youth development, pastoral care, education, real property, justice, environment). Partner with Regional Councils and Indigenous Theological Schools to support leadership training, ministry succession planning, and educational gatherings. Plan and facilitate workshops that build local leadership capacity.

Research and Resource Development (10%) : Contribute to the creation of resources that reflect Indigenous knowledge, culture, and spirituality. Collaborate with staff to identify learning needs and promote relevant tools and materials. Conduct research and stay current on literature related to decolonization, intergenerational trauma, and Indigenous church development.

*ca and reference Community Capacity Development Coordinator

Post-secondary education field related to Indigenous studies, ministry, or community development.

• 3-5 years of experience in a field related to Indigenous studies, ministry, or community development, or equivalent work and life experience.
• An awareness of the impact that Residential Schools and colonization has had on Canada’s Indigenous people and communities, together with familiarity with the United Church’s policies and work with the Residential School Issues and survivors;
• Knowledge of and experience working in Indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) communities, their history, current context and their concerns;
• A spiritually grounded understanding of 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 of Indigenous peoples. Active participation in a spiritual community, at the grassroots level, is essential. Practiced and true protocol understanding of the various Indigenous communities’ practices is essential to having a respected relationship with our communities;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required with the ability to write, edit, produce, update communication materials using various methods of communications, including online communities;
• Solid administrative, planning, time management, organizational and situational analysis skills to prioritize and plan work, meet deadlines, and complete multiple tasks on time with limited supervision, together with flexibility to deal with changing situations and priorities;
• An adult educator with the ability to plan and lead workshops, who possesses effective facilitation skills that lead groups to processes of empowerment and ownership;
• Strong computer skills in the use of various software applications - Office 365, Dynamics, SharePoint, One Drive, Teams, Zoom, video conferencing/webinars, with the knowledge of and ability to use various forms of digital communications and social media platforms; Strong networking, and interpersonal skills; the ability to “bridge” cultures and communities is an asset;
• Ability to work independently and as part of the team staying connected and communicating with Circle colleagues while working remotely;
• Willingness and ability to travel often and widely within the region;
• Fluent in an Indigenous language and/or French would be an asset. For some of our demographics having a strong knowledge of Indigenous languages is highly required and beneficial as Staff for this position; Knowledge of The United Church of Canada’s history, policies, and processes, is an asset.
• Alignment with the vision and values of The United Church of Canada – respect, integrity, passion and diversity.
• 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 and in the General Council Office 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.

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.

January 30, 2026