Community Life Coordinator

Meaningful, mutual relationships are at the core of what makes L’Arche unique. L’Arche Antigonish enables individuals to become connected to others in a way that ensures everyone is welcome and accepted just as they are. L’Arche members experience a sense of purpose and belonging, becoming engaged and feeling valued.

Part of the international network of L’Arche, Antigonish is one of seven communities in the Atlantic region. Over our 40-year history, L’Arche Antigonish has grown from two people sharing life together, to five homes, a supervised apartment, three day programs, and a summer camp. Living with difference and vulnerability is challenging, yet L’Arche is a sign that when all people, including the most marginalized, take their place, society becomes more human - more colourful, welcoming, creative, compassionate and joyful.

The members of L’Arche Antigonish are seeking a full-time Community Life Coordinator. This person would facilitate community life and intentionally focus on nurturing and expressing our shared spirituality. Through commitment to their own journey, the Community Life Coordinator is someone who can inspire us more deeply into community life and our own personal spiritual journeys. They will help community members to discover and appreciate the deeper meaning in our day-to-day life.

A collaborative and inclusive leadership style is ideal for a Community Life Coordinator—helping others to see and develop their gifts and inviting them to contribute to the spiritual and community life of L’Arche Antigonish. They will be a listening and thoughtful presence in community, both for individuals and for community dialogue as we strive to shape a more human society.

The Community Life Coordinator helps us to live our mission by supporting Community members to deepen their understanding of their gifts, the gifts of others, and to reflect on their experience of living and working in an intentional community. The Community Life Coordinator supports the integration of our core values in our everyday lives. They do this by calling Community members to a deeper understanding of these values and our shared spirituality as a L’Arche Community and member of the International Federation of L’Arche.

**Major Duties and Responsibilities**:**
- Chair and be a member of the Spiritual and Community Life Committee - duties which include to:

- Coordinate and support committees for community events
- Coordinate the observance of Ecumenical/Interfaith traditions
- Coordinate regular community events - i.e. prayer and meal
- Organize the annual Community Retreat with the retreat committee
- Support Community members with opportunities for individual retreats
- Create and support inclusive spaces for community members to articulate and share their communal/spiritual journey
- Provide support to facilitate learning and growth for community members in areas of prayer and spirituality and in sharing their spirituality in inclusive and respectful ways
- Provide support and work with others to provide access to personal and spiritual supports during particular times of community change such as bereavements, losses, or times of growth and redevelopment of our services.
- Make and maintain connections with the wider community and with people who have gifts in leading community worship, providing educational opportunities, and facilitating important dialogues.
- Coordinate with others in the Region and Nationally to facilitate the Communal and Spiritual life of L’Arche.
- Leading values based welcome practices to new people joining L’Arche Antigonish - including working with other leaders in the community as part of the onboarding of new people.
- Leading training and formation related to our values as a L’Arche Community - including training for new people joining us and current employees.
- Joining teams as a resource during challenging times to offer support and advice about values-based approaches to problem solving and conflict resolution.

**Person Specification**
- Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility particularly in relation to matters of spirituality and faith
- Ability to integrate organizational values into daily practice and inspire others to do the same.
- Ability to manage a team and delegate effectively
- Ability to create and leverage networks of support both formal and informal in the wider local context.
- Previous experience of working with a variety of faith groups or in a context where people belong to a variety of faiths.
- Ability to plan and execute events both individually, as part of a team, and leading a team.
- Has personal characteristics related to extroversion including being comfortable in large. gatherings, speaking in public, and meeting new people.
- Demonstrates a commitment to their own personal growth through a record of continued professional development.
- Previous experience of belonging to an intentional community either as an employed or