Eastern Ontario Outaouais Regional Council on a Permanent Full-time basis (35 hours per week) with an anticipated start date of November 15, 2025. Interview will be schedule on July 29 and 30, 2025.

The Eastern Ontario Outaouais Regional Council is composed of all ministry personnel within its geographic bounds, ministers of denominations within mutual recognition agreements while under appointment or call, and lay members elected by the communities of faith, respecting the balance of lay and ministry personnel where possible. It supports congregations and communities of faith, and numerous other ministries including camps, youth and young adult work, leadership development and new ministry initiatives. It focuses on providing services that assist church personnel and maintain good relationships between congregations and personnel. It also provides staff, finances, advice, advocacy, and program resources to ministries to enhance their work, and support the work of General Council.

The Pastoral Relations Minister supports their assigned Regional Council to maintain and develop an effective pastoral relations system, provides support and guidance to communities of faith, and encourages and supports ministry personnel towards health, joy and excellence in ministry in the Regional Council.

• Pastoral Relations: Ensure functional, effective pastoral relations processes for Communities of Faith and the Regional Council are in place, particularly in times of pastoral relations changes, ensuring that processes are congruent with UCC policies; Lead staff support to the Pastoral Relations Commission, Training of congregational Ministry and Personnel committees; Referral of matters of discipline to the Office of Vocation `when appropriate.
• Support of Ministry Personnel: Provide pastoral support and counsel to ministry personnel; Foster support and collegiality for ministry personnel, such as facilitating local gatherings of ministry personnel for mutual learning and collegiality.
• Regional Priorities: In Partnership with the Region, Regional Executive and Executive Minister, lead the implementation of related activity streams in the Regional Council's strategic plan.
• Lay Leadership Connection and Support: Coordinating and overseeing ongoing lay leadership in Communities of Faith which do not have regularly called or appointed ministry personnel.

• University degree, theological degree preferred with 3-5 years of related experience;
• Knowledge of life and work of The United Church of Canada or experience working in a similar faith community is an asset;
• Understanding and ability to articulate theological principles of Christian community and leadership;
• Ability to develop strong working relationships working collaboratively within a diverse intercultural community with cultural sensitivity and awareness;
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate with others in a respectful and sensitive manner and articulate concisely and clearly;
• Good judgement, discernment and analysis skills as responsibilities can be difficult and complex and recommendations can have long-lasting effects;
• Openness to consulting with other supervisor when no clear or practical policy/procedure is available;
• Ability to articulate the link between faith and ministry practice and to reflect theologically and interculturally;
• Basic understanding of human resources and employment law principles;
• Strong administration, time management, planning, organizational, and implementation skills;
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively and collegially with other members of the staff team and with volunteers;
• 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;
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout the Regional Council;
• French language skills in addition to English are considered an asset.
• Alignment with the vision and values of The United Church of Canada – respect, integrity, passion and diversity;
• Genuine interest and appreciation of the various regional contexts, and value for the experience, insights, visions and values of the people who make up the communities of faith.
• Motivated self-starter capable of identifying needs;
• Initiative, tact, discretion, resourcefulness, and creativity in problem solving; and
• Recognition of personal and professional boundaries.

This position works remotely from a home office. Staff are responsible for their own timetable/work schedule and regular full accountability within the staff team is required. Collaboration and partnership with regional council staff will be key. Occasional additional hours, attendance at evening/weekend meetings may be required.

As part of our ongoing commitment to Accessibility, The United Church of Canada will provide assistance to employees who request accommodation throughout their employment with United Church of Canada, unless the position is deemed to be a bona fide occupational requirement and/or to the point of undue hardship considering issues of health, safety and cost.

The target hiring range for this position is $77,441.97 to $88,261.46 with the ability to progress to a maximum of $103,256.40. This is based on category 8 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.