Community Capacity Development Coordinator

The United Church of Canada is seeking an individual to fill the role of Community Capacity Development Coordinator (CCDC) on a permanent full-time basis (35 hours/week). This position represents a current, active vacancy within our organization.

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; real property; human resources;

financial/economic prosperity, education, traditional knowledge and spirituality; pastoral care; and healing models.

• 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.

• 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…