Has your faith commitment and organizing experience prepared you or someone you know for this leadership role?
The Canadian Council of Churches is seeking an individual to fill the role of General Secretary on a full-time basis for a 5-year renewable term, beginning September 1, 2026.
The Canadian Council of Churches (the Council) is a broad and inclusive ecumenical body, now representing 26 member churches including Anglican; Eastern and Roman Catholic; Evangelical; Free Church; Eastern and Oriental Orthodox; and Historic Protestant traditions.
The General Secretary is the chief executive officer of the Council responsible to the Governing Board through the Executive Committee for the articulation and implementation of the vision, direction and priorities of the Council, including its peace research institute Project Ploughshares, Commissions, Reference Groups and other working groups and committees.
The General Secretary will facilitate the work of the Council as a forum of the member denominations and offer theologically informed and flexible leadership. They are responsible for strengthening relationships among the member denominations and with other Christian churches and religious bodies in Canada.
Candidates for the position should have:
- Graduate level of theological education, or equivalent, and knowledge of church systems (polity) in Canada;
- Leadership experience in the ecumenical landscape;
- Understanding of and commitment to The Canadian Council of Churches as a forum of churches and to the goals of ecumenism;
- An ability to encourage and articulate vision, and give leadership in the Council in the context of accountability to the Governing Board through the Executive;
- Membership in good standing of a Canadian Council of Churches member denomination;
- Sensitivity to Canadian cultural issues and concerns;
- Well-developed analytical, negotiation, consultative and listening skills;
- Demonstrated communication skills (oral and written) and experience with public and social media;
- Demonstrated financial literacy, financial management skills and fund-raising expertise;
- Ability to lead, develop and coordinate a dispersed staff team, students and volunteers;
- Proficiency in both official languages is preferred;
- Availability to travel as necessary.
>> See the General Secretary Position Description for details.
Compensation: Salary will be based on skills and experience, within the annual salary range of $103,000 – $108,000.
To be considered for the position of General Secretary, please send your letter of application and curriculum vitae to Terry DeForest, Personnel Committee, The Canadian Council of Churches at applications@councilofchurches.ca by March 16, 2026.
The Canadian Council of Churches welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities for all vacancies. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
We regret that only successful interview candidates will receive a response.