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About the Role 

Montreal Dio is seeking a creative, theologically-grounded, and relationally-skilled person to serve as its first Director of Community-Based Formation, a position created in response to a pivotal moment in the life of the church. Funding exists for this to be up to a full-time position. 

The Director of Community-Based Formation will lead the college’s efforts to develop new models of lay, continuing, and community-based education. We are looking for programming that forms churches and communities of faith as communities, rather than training individuals in isolation. The Director will work alongside college faculty, churches and communities of faith, and regional church staff and leaders to design and implement programming that is accessible to people of all educational backgrounds, rooted in the Christian tradition, and responsive to the challenges, questions, and opportunities churches are navigating today. 

This is not a conventional continuing education role. We are looking for someone who understands that the church is in a moment of significant transition, who is energized rather than daunted by that reality, and who has the imagination and experience to help communities discover what faithful, collaborative Christian ministry and witness can look like in their context. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Evaluate and build on the college’s existing non-residential and lay education programming to identify what is working and where new approaches are needed. 

• Design, develop, and implement new programming available in both French and English that combines in-person and online learning, centered on the formation of communities of faith rather than the credentialing of individuals. 

• Curate existing resources from across the church and work with relevant parties to make them accessible to church congregations. 

• Explore pathways for formal recognition of community formation programming, including certificates, diplomas, and micro-credentials, in conversation with relevant denominational bodies. 

• Assist college faculty in planning and delivering continuing education events, including an annual conference. 

• Develop programming that is accessible to new and emerging communities of faith, and that draws on the knowledge and experience these communities bring to the broader church. 

• Ensure the continued offering of a regular suite of online and distance education programs under the supervision of the college principal. 

Qualifications 

We are more interested in the right person than in a specific credential profile, but we anticipate the successful candidate will bring most of the following: 

• A theological degree of at least the master’s degree level, or equivalent formation. An earned doctoral degree—D.Min., Th.D., Ph.D.—either in progress or complete is desirable but not necessary. 

• The ability to teach in both French and English. 

• Experience in adult education, congregational ministry, or a related field. 

• Familiarity with the United Church of Canada and/or other mainline Protestant traditions in Canada. 

• A collaborative working style and ease building relationships across institutional lines. 

• Skilled at communications and able to not only build a program but also communicate about it, recruit new participants, and expand its reach 

• A willingness to travel within the regions served by the college, including a driver’s license valid in Canada or commitment to obtaining one. 

• The ability to celebrate smallness and not be discouraged by working with small groups of people. 

The Director of Community-Based Formation is expected to be a five-year position as part of Dio’s participation in the Reimagining Theological Education Initiative of the United Church of Canada. While some remote work is permitted, it is anticipated at least half of the work hours will be in the college’s building in downtown Montreal. Funding exists for this program to be full-time but we are also open to a less-than-full-time position for the right candidate, with a commensurate reduction in the responsibilities. Compensation for this position is determined by the candidate’s experience. Candidates must be legally entitled to work in Canada or eligible to obtain authorization.  

Montreal Dio is an ecumenical theological college affiliated with McGill University. Originally founded to serve the Anglican Church of Canada, since 2021 it has offered a United Church Studies program and is recognized as a testamur-granting institution of the United Church of Canada. 

A review of applications will begin on August 19, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. It is our hope that the successful candidate will be able to begin work in fall 2026. Questions and informal queries about the role may be directed to Jesse Zink, Principal, [email protected].