Director of Religious Education
Job Description
June 2009
A Letter from the Minister | Letter from the Director of Religious Education
PLEASE CONTACT:
Sarah Smith: (978) 741-2376; sarahgregorysmith @ verizon.net (minus the spaces)
REPORTS TO: The Director of Religious Education reports to the Minister and Religious Education Committee.
POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Director of Religious Education (hereafter DRE) is responsible for the children's and youth religious education programming of the church. The DRE will work closely with the Religious Education Committee and the Minister. The DRE works to accomplish the goals of the religious education program:
- Build and implement the Children's and Youth's RE programs.
- Provide opportunities for children to learn about the UU principles and to share in the life of the church.
- Work with the church community to grow the religious education program and the congregation.
- Maintain a close working relationship with the Religious Education Committee and the Minister.
- Include children with learning or behavioral issues in the religious education program and the life of the church.
EDUCATION: A high school degree is required. Bachelor's degree preferred.
EXPERIENCE: Prior experience, as a DRE is preferred. Prior experience working with children with learning or behavioral issues is preferred. Knowledge of and is a member of LREDA (The Liberal Religious Educators Association) and their education opportunities and credentialing process.
HOURS AND COMPENSATION
This is a newly created a part time position (15 hours per week) scheduled on a ten-month basis. The DRE's work hours are divided as follows: (1) Sunday mornings; (2) monthly staff meetings, RE committee meetings and meetings with minister, (3) balance of hours used to meet responsibilities listed below. The DRE may have Three Sundays off per church year with a two week notice to minister and RE committee. The DRE will be paid by the First Universalist Church in Salem (twice monthly in arrears).
The position commences on September 1, 2009 and ends on June 18, 2010.
COMPETENCIES:
- Ability and enthusiasm to develop and implement a growing RE program including structure of classes, curriculum and training of teachers.
- Ability to working with children with learning or behavioral issues.
- Ability to balance and respect differing spiritual beliefs and life styles of our diverse community.
- Skilled in ensuring that the RE program is a safe and supportive place.
- Excellent communication skills with adults and children.
- Highly organized, prompt and productive.
- Ability to recruit and utilize adult volunteers to accomplish goals of program.
- Commitment to seeing religious education as a vital part of the nurturing ministry of the church.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Design religious education programs
- In collaboration with the minister and the RE committee, develop, implement and oversee a growing RE program.
- Recruit, train and support RE teachers to implement an appropriate curriculum.
- Work with the minister and RE committee to promote RE program in community, such as open houses, community services projects, etc.
Sunday Services
- Support teachers during classes, teach when necessary.
- Plan intergenerational services and programming, including talks with the children, during the year along with the Minister.
- Welcome new families and encourage their continued participation with our church.
Administrative duties
- Recruit teachers, nursery care providers and class room aides with the help of the volunteer coordinator.
- Maintain classroom spaces, RE office and supply closet.
- Keep track of student registration and attendance. Maintain RE files for church.
- Keep the congregation informed of what is happening in the program by various means including submission of articles, information, etc. for the newsletter and orders of worship.
- Attend regularly scheduled staff meetings, RE Committee meetings and meetings with the minister. Meet with Board of Trustees as needed. Keep minister and RE Committee informed of RE matters.
- Draft and oversee RE budget. Purchase and distribute supplies.
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