Director, Denominational Property Strategy

The United Church of Canada is seeking an individual to fill the role of Director, Denominational Property Strategy on a full-time basis (35 hours/week) for a 2-year contract, with potential for renewal. This position represents a new position within our organization.

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.

The position oversees a Property Resource Group located in the Organizational Development and Strategy (ODS) Unit. The ODS Unit supports the General Council Office in the development, execution, and communication of its vision and strategic priorities. It provides enterprise-wide leadership for the direction, alignment, and execution of the Church's national strategy and programmatic work.

The Unit establishes strategic priorities, sets expectations for outcomes and accountability, and ensures that programmatic initiatives across the Church are aligned, integrated, and effectively resourced. It serves as the central coordinating body for organizational planning and execution, enabling coherence across diverse ministries, regions, and functions.

Partnering with regional councils, a key responsibility of the Unit is the leadership and implementation of a comprehensive denomination-wide property strategy. Together we are striving to ensure that property assets are stewarded in alignment with ministry priorities, financial sustainability, and long-term needs. Property Resource Group within the Unit supports region and and congregations towards integrating property considerations into broader strategic and programmatic planning.

The Director, Denominational Property Strategy provides senior leadership for the development and implementation of a country-wide property strategy, within the polity of The United Church of Canada. While property is a key area of regional oversight, there is also an expectation of developing a more proactive, coordinated and strategic approach to support ministry needs, steward assets and contribute to long-term financial sustainability. This includes aligning property decisions with strategic priorities and helping enhance coordinated approaches across regions. Operating primarily through influence, coordination, and relationship building, the Director works collaboratively with Regional Councils, Kindred Works, Regional Extension Councils, housing societies, congregations, and other key stakeholders to foster alignment, build consensus, and ensure coherence across the denominational property ecosystem

The position is accountable for the development and stewardship of this strategy as well as providing a key coordinating and support function related to implementation of focused priorities, enhanced policy coherence, proactive engagement, and risk mitigation. The strategy implementation, in conjunction with regions, helps resources be aligned with the Church's call and long-term vision.

1. Denominational Property Strategy: Provide leadership in the development of a denomination-wide property strategy in collaboration with Regional Councils, supporting alignment with the Church's Call, Vision, and strategic priorities; Translate strategic priorities; Monitor progress, evaluate outcomes; Support policy development and foster proactive strategic property stewardship.
2. Leadership and Advice: Lead consultation and engagement processes to gather input to inform strategic decision-making; Build organizational capacity; Support and enable Regional Councils in their property oversight role by offering guidance; Support efforts across the church to provide congregational services as communities of faith explore options to make faithful and prudent decisions regarding their buildings. Direct the work of the Property Resource Group.
3. Resources, Data and Systems: Oversee resource development and training strategies to share and support property best practices, including governance capacity building; Promote the development and use of reliable property data, analytics, and reporting to inform strategic decisions; Track and propose possible streams of revenue and sources of funding related to the church property sector.
4. Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with key stakeholders including Communities of Faith, Regional Councils, Kindred Works Inc., Extension Councils and other key stakeholders; Function as a key liaison to relevant church adjacent property entities, including Kindred Works and regional extension councils; Contribute a denominational voice at tables with potential not-for-profit and government partners.

*To request a copy of the full job description, send an e-mail to: [email protected] and put Director, Denominational Property on the subject line

• A graduate degree in Business Administration (MBA), Real Estate, Urban Planning, Finance, Law, project management or a related field is required;
• Professional designations or certificates in real estate, planning or asset management (ie: AACI, CPM, RPA or equivalent) are considered an asset.
• Demonstrated knowledge of governance structures, preferably within a not-for-profit, faith-based, or public sector context.
• An equivalent combination of education and senior-level experience in property strategy, asset management, or organizational leadership may be considered
• 5-7 years of directly related experience including in operational leadership or management in a charity, non-profit or business environment;
• In depth understanding of property, through experience in property management, property evaluation, real estate, particularly the need and opportunities related to church buildings;
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation;
• Demonstrated experience leading strategy planning processes and translating strategy into measurable outcomes and organizational action in a complex environment;
• Knowledge of the polity of The United Church of Canada, particularly as related to the management of property;
• Demonstrated organizational leadership with expertise in strategic planning, governance, complex negotiations, and building consensus across diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to bring ethical or theological perspective and understanding to policy, practices and programs;
• Strong organizational, project and time management skills with multitasking capabilities; developing project plans, coordinating projects, communicating changes and progress, and completing projects on time and within budget;
• Ability to discern appropriate pathways through complex issues, problems or opportunities and the impact or implication of decisions and actions;
• Ability to manage a wide range of administrative responsibilities and duties and to take initiative and act as situations warrant together with experience with conflict and change management;
• Flexibility with the ability to effectively and positively deal with changing situations or priorities;
• Initiative, good judgment, tact, discretion, resourcefulness, and creativity in problem solving;
• Effective written and verbal communication skills - speak clearly in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; explains information in a concise, clear, impartial manner; deals with highly emotional situations and individuals; responds well to questions; demonstrates group presentation skills;
• Ability to make sound and timely decisions; considers all relevant information in making decisions; develops effective solutions to organizational problems. An innovative problem solver. Anticipates obstacles and contingencies; and

• Knowledge of employment equity; respectful of cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; promotes a harassment-free environment; builds a diverse workforce.
• Record of leading high-performing teams, fostering collaboration, innovation, well-being, and professional growth; and
• Skilled in relationship-building and stakeholder engagement, including working effectively with elected bodies, committees, and external partners.
• Good working knowledge of French is an asset.

• Alignment with the vision and values of The United Church of Canada – respect, integrity, passion and diversity;
• Critical thinking approach with exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills and attention to detail; and strong team player with the ability to support staff.

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 target hiring range for this position is $106,896.81 to $121,831.47 with the ability to progress to a maximum of $142,528.61. This is based on category 11 on our salary range. 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.