The First Parish in Portland, Maine, Unitarian Universalist

Director of Religious Education

Job Description

December 2008

For full descriptions, click on the section titles.

OVERVIEW

The First Parish in Portland Unitarian Universalist Church is seeking a Director of Religious Education (DRE). This position is 24 hours per week for 10 months (August 15 – June 15) and includes Sunday mornings and some evenings. Some hours may be worked in a home office setting with the Minister’s approval.

The DRE is the leader of a comprehensive, year-round lifespan religious education program that includes worship, education, social action, leadership development, and community building. The DRE works with the Minister, Religious Education (RE) Committee, lay leaders, and staff to foster multi-generational learning and experience in our religious community through programs, classes, religious services, and family activities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The DRE, in collaboration with the RE Committee, is responsible for the design, implementation, and administration of the lifespan religious education program, which includes Sunday morning children and youth programs, social justice projects, and adult religious education course offerings. The DRE reports to the Minister and collaborates with the RE and Life Long Learning Committees.

Children (Preschool to Grade 5) and Youth (Grade 6 to Grade 12) Religious Education Program

Assists with the review, acquisition, distribution, evaluation, and storage of religious education curricula and resource materials
Recommends curricula to the RE Committee
Assists in choosing and implementing social action projects and events in collaboration with the Faith in Action Committee
Coordinates and oversees any nursery and childcare programs offered during RE time
Coordinates the OWL program
Develops and implements the Coming of Age program in collaboration with the RE Committee and the Minister
Develops and implements youth programming
Coordinates registration, transportation, and sponsorship of youth to local, district, and national youth conferences
Arranges and oversees fire drill safety, following building evacuation procedures

Adult Enrichment Program

Assists with the review, acquisition , distribution, evaluation, and storage of religious education programs and resource materials for adults
Schedules and coordinates adult education programs in collaboration with the Life Long Learning Committee

Ministry to Families with Children

Nurtures a welcoming environment for members and visiting families by greeting members and families on Sunday mornings
Orients new families to the church and tracks visiting families
Collaborates with the Membership Committee to integrate families into the church community and guides them on their journey into church membership and their spiritual development
Serves as a religious educational resource for parents, children, and youth

Volunteer Staff

Recruits, trains, supervises, supports, and recognizes all RE volunteers
Checks volunteer references and obtains necessary background information

Administrative

Maintains RE program records including registration, enrollment, curricula, finances
Organizes curricula, resource materials, supplies, and equipment
Develops annual RE budget with RE Committee and submits to Governing Board
Purchases supplies and equipment

Worship Services

Recommends and collaborates with the Minister and Worship Committee for the weekly Lesson for All Ages
Recommends and collaborates with the Minister, Worship Committee, and RE Committee for Intergenerational Services
Recommends and collaborates with the Minister, Worship Committee, and RE Committee for children and youth participation in services

Communications and Publicity

Establishes and maintains contact and open communication with Church staff, RE program staff, parents and children including the following: letters and cards, phone calls, e-mail, discussions with new families, personal contacts, and regular contact and rapport with children and youth
Maintains appropriate levels of confidentiality which safeguard the privacy of individuals while complying with applicable Federal and State laws
Publicizes RE offerings and events within the church and as appropriate, in the larger community including the following: Order of Service, RE pamphlets, bulletin boards, emails, Stone Soup Newsletter
Provides accurate and up-to-date information about RE programs to the church web administrator
Writes a monthly article for Stone Soup Newsletter
Submits a monthly report to Governing Board
Coordinates with the Administrator regarding facility use and publications
Collaborates with the Sexton regarding the physical plant for RE programming
Consults with the Treasurer regarding RE budget needs
Submits an annual report to Governing Board

Meetings and District Involvement

Attends weekly meeting with the Minister to coordinate worship and programming
Attends church staff meetings
Attends monthly RE Committee meeting
Participates in district RE activities
Participates in other committees, task forces, or work groups relevant to RE

Professional Development

Engages in professional development opportunities within the Liberal Religious Educators Association (LREDA) , Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), Northeast District (NED), and other appropriate educational organizations when available and appropriate
Attends Renaissance Modules and other training programs, classes, and conferences when available and appropriate
Reads UUA materials and other sources to keep informed of current and new developments in areas relevant to religious education programs

QUALIFICATIONS

Ideal candidate will have a BA/BS, prior paid experience as a religious educator, and be or be in the process of becoming credentialed by the UUA
Must have at a minimum, a BA/BS with experience or degree in a field related to education, human services, program management, and/or volunteer management
Must pass a background check
Possess a strong belief in Unitarian Universalist principles, Unitarian Universalist religious education philosophy, and a desire to bring this ministry to our children, youth, and adults
Proven interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups of people, receive feedback from multiple sources, and facilitate groups successfully
Demonstrated success with children and youth programs and as an intergenerational community builder
Ability and enthusiasm to recruit, train, and empower volunteers
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Demonstrated computer skills including word processing and database management
Self-directed and demonstrated ability to work independently with moderate supervision

OTHER

The DRE will be supported by an advisory committee, separate from the RE Committee.
Evaluations are based on mutually established goals and will be conducted after three months of hire and yearly thereafter by the Minister and the Personnel Committee.