Church & Community Engagement Manager

Karis Disability Services•Waterloo, ON

9h•CA$35 - CA$39•Hybrid

About The Position

At Karis Disability Services, the Church & Community Engagement Manager plays a vital role in strengthening relationships with churches across Canada, leading the Family Camp ministry, and championing belonging for people with disabilities and their families. This new role provides leadership to the organization's faith-based engagement initiatives by developing church partnerships, supporting volunteers and local leaders, coordinating Family Camp and Christian Network activities, and building communities of belonging. The position reports to the Vice President - Engagement & Partnerships and works closely with internal teams, churches, Christian leaders, volunteers, families, and community partners to ensure initiatives are sustainable, relationally strong, and aligned with Karis' mission and Christian identity. The role requires a commitment to the organization's Christian Faith Foundation, ensuring its ethos, Values, Vision, and Mission permeate job responsibilities.

Requirements

Five years of progressively responsible leadership experience.
Experience working with churches, Christian ministries, or faith-based organizations.
Experience leading volunteers, programs, projects, or community initiatives.
Experience promoting disability inclusion and fostering communities of belonging
Degree or diploma in Theology, Ministry, Community Development, Disability Studies, Human Services, Leadership, or a related field.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
Knowledge of Christian ministry, church engagement, disability inclusion, and belonging-centered practices.
Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Frequent travel across Canada, including overnight stays.
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for camps, volunteer gatherings, church engagements, and special events.
Ability to attend and actively participate in Family Camp activities and community events.

Responsibilities

Lead the implementation and ongoing development of Karis' Family Camp strategy.
Support the planning and successful delivery of Family Camp programs across Canada.
Recruit, equip, mentor, and support Family Camp leaders, church champions, volunteers, and planning teams.
Develop tools, resources, and best practices to ensure consistent and effective camp experiences.
Foster meaningful connections between participants, families, churches, and community partners.
Identify and develop relationships with camp facilities that align with accessibility, operational, and faith-based requirements.
Collect and share stories, outcomes, and feedback that demonstrate program impact.
Lead church engagement and Christian Network initiatives nationally and regionally.
Build and strengthen relationships with churches, pastors, denominational leaders, Christian schools, ministries, camps, and faith-based organizations.
Equip staff, volunteers, and church leaders with tools that support disability inclusion and belonging.
Coordinate learning cohorts, communities of practice, and engagement opportunities.
Represent Karis at churches, conferences, ministry events, and community gatherings.
Track partnerships, engagement activities, and opportunities using approved relationship management systems.
Serve as a key connection point between Family Camp initiatives, Christian Network activities, and the broader Engagement & Partnerships team.
Collaborate with Communications & Marketing on storytelling, promotion, and resource development.
Work with Fundraising to support grant applications, donor engagement, sponsorship opportunities, and impact reporting.
Maintain systems for relationship tracking, reporting, and outcome measurement.
Prepare reports, proposals, and strategic updates that demonstrate program impact and effectiveness.
Identify opportunities, challenges, and resource needs and provide recommendations to leadership.
Model and uphold Karis Disability Services' Christian Faith Foundation and Statement of Faith.
Promote disability theology, belonging-focused resources, and faith-based learning opportunities.
Develop and steward strategic partnerships within Christian communities.
Represent Karis with theological awareness, humility, and a commitment to the dignity and gifts of people with disabilities.