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General Secretary Full Time NEW
CONTEXT
Called by God, as disciples of Jesus, The United Church of Canada seeks to be a bold, connected, evolving church of diverse, courageous, hope-filled communities united in deep spirituality, inspiring worship, and daring justice.
Within the United Church, the General Council Office supports the mission and ministry of the communities of faith and regional councils. It is the denominational expression of The United Church of Canada, working ecumenically and in global partnership.
The Office of the Moderator and General Secretary (OMGS) provides coordination, integration and implementation of the purpose and priorities established by the General Council and its Executive. It leads in the articulation of the vision, theology, and polity of the church as determined by the General Council. The Moderator is the presiding officer of the General Council. The General Secretary has responsibility for the coordination and integration of the people and programs of the General Council. The OMGS team is responsible for implementing a program of work that reflects the purpose, priorities and plans of The United Church.
The United Church of Canada is a progressive and inclusive denomination with a longstanding commitment to social justice, equity, and full participation for all. The General Secretary will play a critical role in leading the Church through a period of transformation—deepening its commitment to reconciliation, equity, and belonging while ensuring organizational sustainability and vitality for the future.
POSITION SUMMARY
The General Secretary is the senior staff and administrative leader of the General Council of The United Church of Canada, providing strategic, operational, and theological leadership in support of the Church’s mission, governance, and ministry.
Working in close partnership with the Moderator, the General Secretary helps articulate and advance the vision, theology, and polity of the Church as discerned by the General Council. The role ensures the effective coordination of national programs, governance processes, and relationships across councils, while fostering a culture rooted in faith, justice, inclusion, and accountability.
This role combines the responsibilities of chief administrative officer, organizational leader, and interpreter of church polity, requiring both spiritual depth and executive leadership capacity.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Strategic & Visionary Leadership
• Provide leadership in shaping and implementing the strategic direction of the General Council in alignment with the Church’s mission and values.
• Partner with the Moderator and Executive as a highly effective senior team, to articulate a compelling vision grounded in Christian faith, social justice, and
radical inclusion
• Lead organizational transformation to support sustainability, growth, and renewal in a changing religious and social landscape.
• Partner with the Indigenous Church to deepen relationships and reconciliation work.
Governance, Polity & Council Support
• Serve as secretary of and senior advisor to the General Council and its Executive, ensuring effective governance practices and decision-making.
• Prepare for and support meetings of the General Council, Executive, and Sub-Executive, including agenda development, reporting, and implementation of
decisions.
• Interpret and rule on matters of polity, procedures, and practices, and oversee updates and publication of The Manual.
• Facilitate the work of committees, commissions, and councils across the denomination.
Organizational & Operational Leadership
• Be responsible for the staffing structure of the General Council Office, oversee the coordination and integration of national staff, volunteers, and programs.
• Provide leadership and supervision to senior staff, including Regional Council Executive Ministers/Officers.
• Ensure operational excellence, effective planning, and alignment across all areas of the General Council Office.
• Maintain stewardship of corporate records, legal documents, and the corporate seal.
• Serve as the church’s representative as needed in legal proceedings.
Financial Stewardship & Sustainability
• Lead the development of the annual budget for the General Council and oversee responsible financial management.
• Ensure effective stewardship of resources in alignment with the Church’s values of generosity and accountability.
• Contribute to the governance and strategic direction of the United Church Foundation.
Relationship Management & Representation
• Serve as a key liaison across all councils of the Church, fostering collaboration and cohesion.
• Build and sustain respectful, inclusive relationships with diverse stakeholders, including Indigenous partners, ecumenical bodies, and community organizations.
• Support the Church’s public witness and engagement on issues of social justice, equity, and reconciliation.
People Leadership & Culture
• Foster a healthy, inclusive, and equitable workplace culture aligned with the Church’s commitments to diversity and belonging.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
• Must be a member of The United Church of Canada
Education
• Graduate level education in Theology, Divinity, or a related field from an accredited institution
• Graduate level education in Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, or Business Administration (preferred)
• Formal training in governance, board relations, or executive leadership, and; formal training in Cultural Humility, Conflict Resolution, Mediation or Change
Management
EXPERIENCE
• Demonstrated senior leadership experience in a complex, values-based organization (faith based or similarly mission-driven environment preferred).
• Deep understanding of governance, organizational leadership, and strategic planning.
• Knowledge of or ability to interpret church polity and denominational structures.
• Strong financial and operational management experience.
• Proven ability to lead collaboratively, through change, complexity, and diversity.
• A commitment to the Christian faith and the mission, values, and inclusive theology of The United Church of Canada.
• Experience with the United Church and its practices and polity.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Ability to translate vision, theology, and mission into clear strategic priorities and executable plans, while leading organizational change and long-term
transformation.
• Strong understanding of governance frameworks, with the judgment to interpret and apply church polity, procedures, and key governance documents, including
The Manual.
• Ability to support and advise councils, boards, and committees effectively, balancing advisory influence with respect for governance authority and decision-
making processes.
• Strong project, operational, and financial management skills, including planning, prioritization, budgeting, forecasting, resource allocation, and aligning
decisions with mission and sustainability goals.
• Capacity to anticipate emerging issues, integrate diverse functions and programs, and make sound decisions amid complexity, ambiguity, and shifting priorities.
• Exceptional communication, facilitation, conflict resolution, and relationship-building skills across diverse constituencies, including Indigenous partners,
ecumenical bodies, and community organizations.
• Ability to lead, mentor, and develop senior leaders and teams, while fostering an inclusive, respectful, and high-performing organizational culture grounded in
equity, anti-racism, and reconciliation.
• Experience in performance management and succession planning, with resilience and adaptability in environments of uncertainty and change.
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
• Alignment with the vision and values of The United Church of Canada –respect, integrity, passion and diversity.
• Flexibility with the ability to effectively and positively deal with changing situations or priorities.
• Sensitivity, respect for, and an openness to working creatively, openly, transparently, tactfully and diplomatically with, the diversity, social and cultural realities of
the regional councils.
• Initiative, good judgment, tact, discretion, resourcefulness, and creativity in problem solving.
• A passion for ministry and discipleship.
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. The incumbent will be provided, for work purposes, use of secure devices and must be available by email, phone, virtually during regular office hours Monday to Friday.
The General Secretary will be required to travel throughout Canada including remote areas. International travel will include visits to developing countries, and / or ecumenical and global partners.
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.
CONTACT INFORMATION
This search is being managed by Jane van Alphen, Partner, Executive Search. If you are interested in being considered for this meaningful opportunity, please contact:
Ed Perkovic, Vice President, Search Delivery and Operations
[email protected]
416-640-4311