Moderator Search Committee

An election for Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Moderator will be held in June 2025. The UUA Board of Trustees has appointed the Moderator Search Committee (MSC) to bring to the Board well-qualified individuals or teams of individuals for their review and potential nomination. If the Board chooses to nominate more than one individual or team, or if an individual/team runs by petition, a contested election for Moderator will be held at General Assembly 2025.

Learn more about the Moderator Search Committee

Job Description for UUA Moderator

The Moderator Search Committee seeks applicants—teams or individuals—to serve as Moderator of the Association. The UUA Moderator serves a six-year term.

This is a vital role and a crucial time for our Association. As the Chief Governance Officer of the Association, the Moderator works closely with the Board, Executive Staff, and Committees of the UUA. In collaboration with the Board, the Executive Staff of the UUA, and ultimately, our member congregations and covenanting communities, the Moderator helps to shape and hold the vision and mission of the UUA. The Moderator also works to encourage and support leaders, congregations, and covenanting communities in our faith as well as partner organizations in feeling fully heard and represented in our decision-making processes.

The Moderator must have a strong understanding and skill set regarding dismantling oppression and white supremacy toward collective liberation and transformative justice, decision-making, facilitation, policy-based governance and modified policy-based governance, public speaking and presence, and organization and time management. Experience leading governance and a deep grounding and love for our faith are essential. The Moderator must be able to creatively work with and provide appropriate collaborative leadership for individuals, small groups, and very large groups.

The role can demand 15-20 hours during an average week. Approaching and during GA, the weekly average will be higher (25-30 per week). The time can be distributed between Co-Moderators, if it is a shared position. Increased sharing of the work could modify these times, but it remains a time-consuming volunteer task.

The Moderator must be a good listener, have the capacity to track details while focusing on big picture tasks, and be a non-anxious supportive presence as challenges and urgent issues arise. There is also much joy and meaning in the work. The Moderator must travel to Boston and other locations for meetings, celebrations, and events. All expenses are reimbursed, and there is modest reimbursement available for lost wages. Other than a requirement that the nominees be members of a Unitarian Universalist Association member congregation, there are no other restrictions, including age or status as a religious professional, on the ability to apply. People with disabilities, People of Color, Indigenous people, Hispanic/Latinx, and LGBTQAI+ Unitarian Universalists are encouraged to apply. Our UUA is committed to developing a diverse and talented volunteer leadership team. If you are excited about this role but are unsure whether you meet the requirements, we encourage you to inquire with the Moderator Search Committee (ModeratorSearchCommittee@uua.org).

Application for UUA Moderator (2025-2031)

Applications for UUA Moderator must be received by no later than September 15, 2024. Given the tightness of the overall timeline for applying, review, interviews, etc., the sooner you apply the better—and please, let us know that you intend to apply as soon as you can. We will acknowledge receipt of your application and begin the process of review and reference checking.

The application consists of:

  • Informational Questionnaire

  • Personal Statement

  • Resume

  • References

  • Covenant (if applying as a team)

Applications and nominations will be held in the strictest confidence; we ask you to be discreet in your discernment and ask those you consult with to also keep your application in confidence. Under no circumstances should you begin to campaign or make a large public notice.

Applying as a Team

The workload of the Moderator as well as our commitments to anti-oppressive leadership suggests, and our bylaws allow, that a team of people may serve in the role. You may apply to be nominated as a team of Co-Moderators, or as an individual. If you apply as a team, please include in your application your established covenant among all team members, as well as a history of when you have worked together.

Timeline

  • August 1, 2024: Application form is live.
  • August 1—September 15, 2024: The Moderator Search Committee reviews applications, checks references, and conducts interviews (via Zoom) as applications are submitted.
  • September 15, 2024: Application deadline. Remaining reviews, references, and interviews are completed.
  • September 15—October 1, 2024: In-person interviews with candidates, Moderator Search Committee determines finalist candidates.
  • October 1—15, 2024: A UUA background check is conducted on all potential nominees.
  • October 15, 2024: Moderator Search Committee confidentially submits 2 or more qualified applicants to the Board. The Board receives and reviews these applicants in closed session and conducts their own interviews and process.
  • October 21, 2024: October UUA Board Meeting
  • November 15, 2024: The Board announces its nominee(s) by this deadline.
  • February 1, 2025: Final day to file a nomination by petition to the Secretary of the Association
  • June 2025: Election. The Moderator(s) take office immediately after GA.

Questions?

If you have questions, you may reach out to the Moderator Search Committee directly at ModeratorSearchCommittee@uua.org.