The Theology and Ministry Leadership Unit is seeking an individual to fill the role of First Five Coordinator on a Half-time Term Contract basis (17.5 hours per week). This is a position that can be filled from any location in Canada.
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 all 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.
This is a five-year project that concludes December 31, 2030. This is a contract position for the length of the Reimagining Theological Education Project. An extension may be granted at that time to the end of the academic year.
The “Reimagining Theological Education: Next Generation of Pastoral Leadership for the United Church of Canada” initiative has been funded by a Lilly Endowment Pathways for Tomorrow grant for collaboration between The United Church of Canada and its theological schools in offering theological education in communities of faith to build and sustain ongoing discipleship, formation, and service under inspired pastoral leadership. Over the period of the grant, the schools and church aim to strengthen the ecosystem of theological education in The United Church of Canada through deepening integration as schools and connecting them more deeply to other parts of the church involved in ministerial formation.
Position Purpose:
The First Five Coordinator supports the design, implementation, and ongoing coordination of the First Five program, a multi-year initiative focused on supporting ministers in their first five years of independent ministry. The role works in collaboration with theological schools, regional bodies, and internal partners to implement and direct cohort based continuing education, and to oversee assessment and follow-up activities. They play a central role in holding the program together operationally while contributing to learning design, partner relationships, and ongoing program improvement.
Primary Areas of Responsibility
1. Program Design and Set‑Up (Year 1)
- Actively facilitate consultation and listening processes with theological schools, regional councils, and the Office of Vocation to identify continuing education needs of ministers in their first five years of ministry;
- Synthesize input, research, and learnings (including from pilot projects and alumni data) into proposed program themes, cohort models, and implementation approaches;
- Prepare program design proposals, work plans, and supporting materials and Coordinate preparatory activities to support the launch of First Five cohorts in subsequent years;
- Serve as a central point of coordination during the program development phase, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met.
2. Program Implementation and Cohort Coordination (Years 2–5)
- Coordinate the implementation and ongoing operation of First Five cohorts, engaging directly with participants and partner organizations;
- Support the planning, scheduling, and logistical coordination of cohort‑based learning activities delivered online and in person, nationally and regionally;
- Provide ongoing coordination and support for facilitators and partners involved in delivering First Five programming;
- Act as a consistent point of contact for cohort participants, supporting communication, participation, and follow‑up and monitor program activities and milestones to ensure continuity and alignment with program goals.
3. Partnership Coordination
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Maintain regular communication with theological schools, regional bodies, and the Office of Vocation; and support light monitoring and accountability processes related to funded programming, in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
4. Assessment, Evaluation and Program Learning
- Administer assessment instruments used to gather information on clergy satisfaction, effectiveness, and early‑career experience within First Five cohorts;
- Coordinate annual check‑ins and follow‑up activities with cohort participants;
- Track, organize, and maintain program data to support longitudinal learning and evaluation; and support the preparation of summaries and documentation related to program outcomes; contribute to analysis as capacity and experience allow.
5. Administrative and Project Coordination
- Serve as the central administrative hub for the First Five program, coordinating timelines, work plans, and documentation;
- Prepare meeting materials, summaries, and records related to program planning and implementation;
- Coordinate internal and external meetings related to the program and support follow‑up on action items; and support reporting and accountability requirements related to the program as needed.
- Graduate level theological degree or equivalent educational experience;
- At least five years of work experience coordinating and implementing programs, initiatives, or projects in a complex organizational environment and experience supporting the delivery of multi‑year or multi‑phase programs, including managing timelines, processes, and follow‑through;
- Experience working across institutions or systems, supporting collaboration with multiple partners or stakeholders, experience coordinating program activities that involve learning, formation, or professional development; and experience providing administrative and project coordination support for programs involving multiple contributors or delivery partners;
- Solid project and program coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple work streams, timelines, and partnerships effectively; a Project Management certification is an asset;
- Strong facilitation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage participants and partners across institutions and regions and the ability to hold and integrate diverse perspectives and translate input into clear next steps, plans, and documentation;
- Strong organizational and administrative skills, with attention to detail and consistent follow‑through and strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear summaries, proposals, and program materials;
- Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with internal colleagues and external partners;
- Comfort working with tracking tools, documentation systems, and program data to support coordination and learning;
- Professional judgment and discretion in working with ministers, institutional partners, and sensitive program information and proactive problem-solving skills;
- Proficiency with digital communications and office tools, including Office 365, Dynamics, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, Zoom, and other social media and online platforms;
- Alignment with the vision and values of The United Church of Canada – respect, integrity, passion and diversity;
- Understanding of The United Church of Canada’s ministry structure and context; an understanding of The United Church of Canada’s priorities and programs is an asset;
- Demonstrated capacity to embrace change, take risks, experiment, reflect, and adapt; motivation, initiative, and the ability to identify needs;
- Good judgment, tact, discretion, resourcefulness, and creativity in problem-solving; and recognition of personal and professional limitations.
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, currently located at 50 Wynford Road in North York, 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.
The salary range for this position is $35,502 to $47,336. This is based on category 7 (pro-rated at 50% time) 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.
