Position Description Keeper of the Circle of the Sandy Saulteaux Spiritual Centre

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1 Position Description Keeper of the Circle of the Sandy Saulteaux Spiritual Centre Position Title: Keeper of the Circle of the Sandy Saulteaux Spiritual Centre of the United Church of Canada. Purpose: The Keepers of the Vision for the Sandy- Saulteaux Spiritual Centre hold many of the same responsibilities as does a Board in non-aboriginal organizations. The Keeper of the Circle is accountable to the Keepers of the Vision for the practical implementation and coordination of the vision. The Keeper of the Circle position encompasses the responsibilities usually assigned, in non-aboriginal schools, to a Principal in regards to the theological school which is the primary focus of the Centre. The position is also responsible, however, for overseeing the healthy and effective functioning all aspects of the Centre s life and work: educational, spiritual, financial, administrative, staff team development, community relations and partnerships, student recruitment, and facilities management. The leadership of the Keeper of the Circle includes the capacity to offer teaching, instruction, and guidance within both the school s educational programs and in programs offered by educational partners. Context: As a participant in Canada s colonial history that sought to assimilate First Nation s peoples, the United Church of Canada has made an intentional, enduring, commitment to walk in solidarity with First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Peoples as they seek self-determination, reconciliation and right relations. Further information regarding this history and commitment can be found at: The Sandy Saulteaux Spiritual Centre hosts a theological program that is one of the two programs within the United Church of Canada that prepares First Nation, Métis, and Inuit men and women for lay, ordained, and diaconal Christian ministries. The Native Ministries Program within the Vancouver School of Theology is the other such program. The Sandy Saulteaux Spiritual Centre s also one of 7 educational institutions that has been given the right to grant testamur by the United Church of Canada. While its primary focus is on preparing First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students for service within predominantly First Nation, Métis, and Inuit communities, graduates of the diploma programs leading to ordination and commissioning are eligible to serve in any ministry of the United Church of Canada. Further information about the theological schools of the United Church can be found at: In the 1980s, the Dr. Jessie Saulteaux Resource Centre, located near Beausejour, Manitoba, and the Francis Sandy Theological Centre, located near Paris, Ontario were envisioned by the community Elders. The amalgamation of these two historic Aboriginal theological schools was directed by the Executive of General Council in June of The new Centre, to be established in September, 2011, will bring together students from distinct First Nation, Métis, and Inuit cultures. It is hoped that the new school will represent strong stewardship of available resources and enriched educational opportunities.

2 2 The Wabung group (Ojibway for tomorrow ) is currently actively involved in managing the transition period leading up to the creation of the Centre. This process is being coordinated by a group with representatives from Francis Sandy Theological Centre, Dr. Jessie Saulteaux Resource Centre, and General Council staff from the Aboriginal Ministries Circle and the Communities in Ministry Unit. Transitional issues, activities and goals will continue well beyond the official establishment of the new school, however, and the person who is hired as the Keeper of the Circle must have the necessary knowledge and skills to coordinate and lead the continuing process of transition in collaboration with the Keepers of the Vision. This person must also have the personal and professional qualifications to lead the school beyond the initial 3 year transitional period. Key Responsibilities of this Position: The key responsibilities for this position are divided into two phases. In both phases it is vital that the Keeper of the Circle focus upon building strong relationships with the students, elders, staff, Keepers of the Vision, supporting communities, and the Centre s partners. The Keeper of the Circle must lead in a way that deeply honours relationship, respects the circle, is attuned to the counsel of the Elders, and that seeks the best interest of the students. The Centre is also a community which honours the two spiritual paths of historic Christian faith, and traditional Native spiritual practices. The Keeper of the Circle must respect and uphold the value of each spiritual path. He, or she, must also be able to relate effectively to students who live primarily in one spiritual path, or the other, and model for students a deep appreciation of both spiritual traditions. Phase I will last for the first 3 years during which time the Keeper of the Circle will be required to focus on coordinating transitional issues and projects along with a transitional Keepers of the Vision. Of necessity, this will mean that administration in the first year or two of Phase I will be somewhat of a larger focus for the Keeper of the Circle than it will be in subsequent years. The Keeper of the Circle position is largely one of building effective relationships with students, communities and partners, coordinating the overall life of the school, and participating in Learning Circles as a supportive presence and teacher. This is a leadership position in which the Keeper of the Circle coordinates, but is not necessarily responsible for doing all the required work, but for seeing that it is done. That being said, the Keeper of the Circle must also be willing to pitch in and do whatever needs to be done for the sake of the students, and the welfare of the school, when circumstances require it. In Phase I, the Keeper of the Circle will (not in order of priority): Work with the Keepers of the Vision to develop, and implement, an initial strategic plan and purpose that integrates into a coherent and functioning whole the diverse programs, activities, and partnerships that make up the life of the School: the Program for Ministry (educational model, course content, vision keeping) cross-cultural programming (ecumenical guests, sharing circles, Aboriginal culture education) community partnerships (recruitment, All Native Circle Conference, University of Winnipeg, Queen s School of Religion, St. Andrew s College Native organizations, B.C. Native Ministries Consortium, Ontario and

3 3 Quebec Native Ministry congregations, the other 12 Conferences within the United Church, and the General Council Office). spiritual & seasonal ceremonies retreat rentals (individuals, congregations, agencies & organizations) a property and facilities renewal plan. Work in conjunction with the Staff Committee of the Keepers of the Vision to develop a staffing plan that responds to the variety of needs and programs at the centre, write position descriptions, conduct searches, hire a team of staff, and develop a policy for regular review and evaluation of all staff. Work with the Keepers of the Vision to ensure that a detailed annual budget is established that will sustain the vision, and financial procedures are in place to ensure accuracy and accountability; be responsible to the Keepers of the Vision for an accurate accounting of the budget and financial situation. Work with the Learning Circle Keepers to ensure that the educational needs of registered students are met by the program and the staff. Work collaboratively with the Keepers of the Vision, honour and respect the visions of Francis Sandy and Dr. Jessie Saulteaux Centres, and follow through with the commitments made by the Wabung group. Participate in Learning Circles as a supportive presence, and teacher (as required). Visit the home communities and churches of students to build relationship and become familiar with realities as they are being lived. Be the team leader in building the identity and morale of the staff team. Work with the Keepers of the Vision to develop necessary by-laws, policies, and procedures as the school s identity and programs evolve. Participate in annual performance reviews of their work and, as the end of year 3 approaches, cooperate in the creation of a new position description to meet the needs of Phase II and participate in an in-depth discernment of whether or not to continue as the Keeper of the Circle. Phase II will follow in year 4, and beyond, when the Keeper of the Circle will work to deepen established efforts to develop relationships with the communities, recruit students, enrich the educational program, establish further partnerships, improve the facilities etc.

4 4 Qualifications: Education/ Experience/ and Competencies: Education: An undergraduate university degree in a field related to the portfolio, plus an M.Div. or an equivalent degree in theology. Further post-graduate studies would also be an asset. Experience: In-depth experience of living in a First Nation, Métis, or Inuit community. Experience of both Christian and traditional spiritualities. Demonstrated experience in offering leadership in a First Nation, Métis, or Inuit educational environment as either a teacher or administrator. Experience in organizational management, Human Resources, exercising supervision, and financial administration. Experience in a community-based, learning circle model of education. Experience in ministry, and solid knowledge of the history and polity of the United Church of Canada. Professional and Personal Competencies: Leadership Able to communicate in English, in written and spoken forms, in a clear and respectful fashion. Ability to speak a First Nation, Métis or Inuit language would be an asset. Able to effectively lead, and develop, an organization through an extended period of transition. Able to effectively lead a team of colleagues, and to help individual staff members fulfill their potential. Able to nurture personal and institutional relationships in an intercultural context. Able to see the big picture, take action, and address barriers in the way of the school s goals, while delegating and encouraging others to assume added responsibility, authority, and accountability. Able to respectfully participate in, and lead, both Christian and traditional spiritual practices. Able to offer sensitive spiritual leadership of discerning where each person is in their spiritual growth and when the community, or an individual, requires the spiritual nurture of prayer, smudge, Holy Communion, or other ceremony. Able to work with a Keepers of the Vision in a cooperative and collaborative fashion.

5 5 Knowledge and Skills Able to teach effectively using traditional Indigenous wisdom-based perspectives, and de-colonized educational methods. Able to bring theological perspective and understanding to policy, practices, and programs. A demonstrated understanding of issues of racism, sexism, post-colonialism, and diversity. Able to coordinate an effective educational program that uses a variety of methods suitable to students with varying learning styles, and levels of formal education. Able to think strategically and work collaboratively to reach the school s goals. Has a knowledge of, and ability to network with, the North American, and global network of Indigenous theological schools, other relevant organizations, and of the lively issues currently being discussed. Able to work well within an ecumenical and interfaith context. Able to resolve conflict in a constructive manner. Able to recognize abuse in its diverse forms and provide a safe place for students, staff, and guests. Computer competency, and an ability to network using social media and other internetbased forms of communication and community-building. Administration Able to effectively oversee the administration of an organization, including the safe and orderly management of records. Able to effectively oversee and manage an annual budget of approximately $650,000. An ability to draft, seek appropriate approval for, and implement policies and procedures. Able to manage time effectively, work to a deadline and follow through with commitments. Able to supportively supervise and evaluate staff, to speak difficult truths in a spirit of love, and to recommend the termination of ineffective staff when necessary. An ability to write grant proposals, and coordinate promotional and fundraising efforts.

6 6 Personal Able to speak openly, and positively, of their personal Christian faith and of their walk in the way of traditional spiritual traditions. Able to take to heart the Seven Sacred Teachings, and the counsel of the Elders, and act accordingly. Able to be inter-personally sensitive, hospitable, and welcoming. Able to work effectively and respectfully within highly ambiguous situations. A predisposition to listen, hear, and model openness to other ideas. Able to be a self-starter in their work, and a self-directed learner in their own development. Able to be constructively self-critical and to be held appropriately accountable for their actions. Able to exercise appropriate, wholistic self-care. Able to maintain appropriate personal and professional boundaries, and to insist that staff, students, and guests of the school do so, as well. Able to travel in order to fulfill work responsibilities. Compensation: Salary The Keeper of the Circle will be paid at the level of step 1 of Category 10 according to the Salary Schedule of the General Council Office. This is the same level as the Executive Secretaries/Speaker of the Conferences, and the Principal of the Centre for Christian Studies, who have a level of responsibility similar to the Keeper of the Circle of the Aboriginal Theological School: Order of Ministry Rate: $62, Lay Equivalency Rate: $70, *NB. The reason for the difference between the two rates is that members of the Order of Ministry (ordained and diaconal) can claim a portion of their income as non-taxable housing allowance, while lay persons cannot. Pensions and Benefits Through participation in the Pension and Benefit Plan of the United Church of Canada. Continuing Education & Book Allowance: $1,500 per year Travel Allowance: as per the annual rate, and policies, set by General Council. 41 cents per kilometer in 2011 (does not apply to travel between work and home).