General Secretary Selection Committee

Description

General Secretary Selection Committee

The United Church of Canada is embarking on a search process for its next General Secretary. A Selection Committee supported by an executive search professional will recommend the next General Secretary to be appointed by the General Council Executive. 

• Vacancies: 2–3 vacancies (members-at-large)
• Key skills: Deep understanding of the United Church or experience and understanding of the role of the senior executive in other large complex organizations. 
• Meeting expectations: Two to four online meetings per month and at least one in-person meeting anticipated for September or October. First online meeting to occur May 11 or 12. 

Mandate 

The United Church of Canada is committed to ensuring a fair and consistent recruitment and appointment process for the position of General Secretary of The United Church of Canada. The General Secretary is the senior staff and administrative officer of the United Church and is responsible for ensuring that the church’s Call and Vision are advanced. 

The role of the Selection Committee is to present to the Executive a recommendation for appointment as the next General Secretary of The United Church of Canada. In conducting its work, the Selection Committee will reflect on the current needs and future directions of The United Church of Canada and make those priorities in their deliberations. 

The Selection Committee, supported by an executive search professional, will screen candidates, short-list at least two for interviews, and ensure reference checks are conducted. An independent professional assessment may be done with the leading candidate to ensure compatibility with the leadership expectations and culture of The United Church of Canada. 

Membership 

The members of the Selection Committee will be 

• the Moderator (who will act as chair); 
• the chair of the Moderator and General Secretary Accountability Committee; 
• two members of the General Council Executive; 
• one to two members recommended by the National Indigenous Elder’s Council (if so willing); and 
• two to three members-at-large from the United Church, to reach a total of no more than eight members.  

The Selection Committee will include an executive search professional recommended by the Shared Services - Human Resources. The Executive Minister of Shared Services will be available as a resource for the Selection Committee. 

Member Skills and Experience 

The committee will be primarily composed of people with a deep understanding of the United Church, its current context, and the challenges and opportunities before it. The committee membership may also include people who instead have experience and understanding of the role of the senior executive in other large complex organizations. 

Committee members will respect the committee process, be predisposed to collaboration and teamwork, and maintain confidentiality as required.  

Committee members need to be able to participate in online video-conference meetings. 

United Church Relationship: Active participant or full member. 

Expectations and Term 

Serving on the General Secretary Selection Committee is a significant commitment that will require active participation from each member of the committee. Appointments will be made by the General Council Executive on May 8; notifications will be sent that day in anticipation of a first online meeting very soon after.  

• Online meetings: Anticipated to be at least 2–4 times per month, varying according to the stage of the search and selection process. The first meeting is tentatively scheduled to occur sometime on May 11 or 12, 2026.  
• In-person meetings: An in-person meeting will occur in September or October 2026.  
• Expectations between meetings: Review of materials between meetings.  
• Additional appointment possibilities or expectations: None. 
• Appointment term: The term of appointment is May 2026 to February 2027 (to conclude with the anticipated date for the covenanting service with the new General Secretary). The majority of the responsibilities will be concluded by November 2026. 

For more information about this opportunity, please see the complete description, below.

To Express Interest

To apply for the General Secretary Selection Committee, please express interest or nominate someone.

All submissions will be acknowledged by e-mail. If you do not receive acknowledgement, please contact Member Engagement. Incomplete or late submissions cannot be considered.

For further information or assistance in expressing interest or nominating someone, please contact:

Member Engagement
Toll-Free: 1-800-268-3781
E-mail: 

Downloads

• 45-30 General Secretary Selection Committee.pdf (186.1 KB) (PDF)