The Moderator(s) are the Chief Governance Officer(s) of the UUA, chair(s) of the Board of Trustees, and Presiding Officer(s) at General Assemblies. The joys of serving as Moderator(s) include:
- the opportunity to serve our faith in dismantling the white supremacy culture, and implementing the recommendations in the report from the Commission on Institutional Change, Widening the Circle of Concern.
- the opportunity to work with amazing volunteers and staff.
- the privilege of consulting on how we govern ourselves is in keeping with our highest values.
- welcoming new UU congregations and communities.
- recognizing and bestowing milestone/awards.
- re-envisioning General Assembly to make it more inclusive, accessible, and theologically grounded.
- the opportunity to meld our current bylaws and governance models with the need to articulate our theology.
The following attributes are critical for a successful Moderator:
- Knowledge of, love for, and commitment to Unitarian Universalism and our ideals, history, polity, organizations, interest groups, Board of Trustees responsibilities and processes, and especially our Bylaws.
- Strong skill set with countering systems of oppression and cultural marginalization; leading with intercultural fluency and humility. Worked or lived experience with communities of color, indigenous peoples, and other communities affected by systems of oppression is of particular value.
- An understanding of multiple forms of decision making, including consensus and Robert’s Rules of Order, with an awareness of when each is appropriate as well as when to seek counsel from the Parliamentarian. A commitment to examining Robert’s Rules of Order in counter-oppressive ways.
- Experience with similar leadership positions, such as being the chair of the Board of Trustees for a non-profit or large and dynamic congregation, including policy-based governance, modified policy governance, or related systems.
- An understanding of the role of the Board in UUA finance and fundraising
- Leadership skills, including proficiency with agenda planning, presentations, discussion leading and meeting facilitation, communication (including public speaking), articulation of decision-making processes, inclusion of marginalized voices, etc.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to delegate.
- Experience with being in the public eye.
The ideal candidate will possess:
- a firm commitment to anti-racism; actively supporting the work of dismantling white supremacy and an understanding of systems of oppression.
- a strong spiritual life.
- the ability to accept perspectives other than their own and be present to those ideas.
- resilience, humility, the ability to acknowledge mistakes.
- honesty, integrity, and fairness; excellent listening skills.
- a commitment to collaboration and shared leadership.
Demands of the Role: The role can demand 25-30 hours a week average and, of course, General Assembly. The time can be distributed between Co-Moderators, if it is shared position.
Meetings the Moderator(s) will be expected to attend:
- Regular meetings with the Administration (President and staff)
- General Assembly Planning meetings
- Liaisons with board committees may be shared with other Trustees; these vary between in person and length.
- Flexibility to add unplanned meetings as events arise.
Compensation: The Moderator is a volunteer position. However, compensation for lost income is available.