Northern Spirit Regional Council is seeking an individual to fill the role of First Third Ministry Animator on a Permanent Part-time basis (17.5 hours per week).

The Regional Councils, part of the wider United Church of Canada, are decision-making bodies responsible to serve and support Communities of Faith, and its leadership within its bounds and provide necessary oversight. Northern Spirit Regional Council is an Affirming Ministry and 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. They support congregations and communities of faith, and numerous other ministries including camps, youth and young adult work, leadership development and new ministry initiatives. They focus on providing services that assist church personnel and maintain good relationships between congregations and personnel. They also provide staff, finances, advice, advocacy, and program resources to ministries to enhance their work, and support the work of General Council.

First Third Ministry is an interregional ministry of Chinook Winds, Northern Spirit and Pacific Mountain Regional Councils of the United Church of Canada, all of which are Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ Affirming ministries. First Third Ministry seeks to equip, connect, and imagine with local United Church of Canada Communities of Faith so that all may know the Way of Jesus Christ and the Love of God.

Position:

The First Third Ministry Animator collaborates with the other First Third Ministry Animators in Chinook Winds Regional Council and Pacific Mountain Regional Council to create opportunities for children, youth, and families to experience excellence in programs and events that engage faith and justice conversations, build safer, welcoming community, and respond to the longings of young people in this current time. They seek to uphold the vision and plans of First Third Ministry. Day-to-day supervision is provided by the First Third Ministry Team Lead.

The current main responsibilities include:

• Program Leadership: Work collaboratively with other First Third Ministry Animators to plan and fulfill events for Children, Youth and Families for Alberta, Northeastern British Columbia and Northwest Territories; Create a NSRC Youth Council that will be part of the inter-regional leadership development programs and support the NSRC in ways that are unique to the needs of young people in the region and plan children and youth and/or intergenerational gatherings at the Northern Spirit regional meeting; and Offer leadership and support at national events that have Northern Spirit participation.

• Support and Advocacy: Develop relationships with communities of faith throughout the region so as to be able to provide support and advocacy for those in ministry and leadership with First Third and Intergenerational Ministry in local communities of faith; Be a conduit for resource sharing and collegial connections, provide support to leaders regarding suitable resources, safe practices, etc., and Enrich the experience and knowledge of the United Church of Canada identity through resources, events, and others.

• Administration and Communication: Work within the budget for programs as approved by the First Third Ministry Team Lead; share stories and plans through email, social media, so that the work of First Third Ministry provides inspiration and hope for leaders and young people; communication and promotion of events and ensure safety protocol is followed, including but not limited to care to ensure leaders at events are screened, supported with clear direction in their roles and emergency plans for events are written and approved by the appropriate supervisor well before the event happens to support changes and additions.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education or equivalent combination of education and life experience with 3-5 years related work experience working with children, youth, and young adults;
• Knowledge of and experience in life and work of The United Church of Canada or experience working in a similar faith community is an asset;
• Experience with and commitment to implementing a Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion approach;
• Knowledge or interest in attaining education, particularly in theology and in first third and intergenerational ministry;
• Experience developing and leading youth groups, programs and/or networks;
• Openness to being mentored and deepening skills in leadership, organization, teaching and group process skills;
• A skilled listener with excellent verbal, written communication skills together with strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills;
• Solid planning and organizational skills completing multiple tasks on time, together with flexibility to deal with changing situations or priorities;
• Strong computer skills in the use of various software applications - Office 365, Dynamics, SharePoint, One Drive, Teams, Zoom, and other social media and online platforms;
• Solid understanding of and ability with communication and social media tools; web design or graphic design ability are assets;
• Experience in planning and fulfilling events, and managing finances/budgets;
• A commitment to maintain confidentiality and appropriate boundaries at all times; and ability to produce resource materials in a collaborative setting.
• Alignment with the Calls and Vision of The United Church of Canada – respect, integrity, passion and diversity.

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 Regional Council office. 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 software, intermittent physical activity including sitting, standing and being on the phone for long periods of time will be required. There will be times in the year when this position will be more hours and other times of the year when it will less hours, advance notice will be given. Some weekend and evening work will be required, and 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.

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $28,011.50 to $31,925.50 with the ability to progress to a maximum of $37,298.50. This is based on category 5 on our salary range, pro-rated at 50% time. 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.

Closing date for applications: October 6, 2025