UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF SILVER SPRING INTERIM DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Job Description

Reports to:  Senior Minister or Interim Minister

Supervises: RE Administrative Assistant, Nursery Staff Lead, Nursery Staff & Summer RE Coordinator

Hours:  The position is full-time and year-round. Vacation and study leave are offered commensurate with UU best practices. 

Summary:  The Interim Director of Religious Education (IDRE) serves as the senior staff person responsible for the implementation of the religious education program for children and youth. In partnership with the Interim Minister (in year 1), Settled Minister (in year 2), and congregational leaders, the Interim DRE will guide the congregation as they explore interim work as relates to lifespan faith development. 

Salary: In keeping with fair compensation guidelines for a Midsize I congregation in Geo Index 5, the salary range is $49,350-$56,950, depending on the level of UUA credentialing achieved. 

Duties:   The duties of the IDRE are as follows: 

Provide leadership for interim work in the realm of lifespan faith development.

In partnership with the Interim/Senior Minister and the congregation, the IDRE works to fulfill an agreed-upon interim process. The IDRE, Interim Minister, Board and/or Transition Team will design this process during the first six months of the interim period. The process includes (but is not limited to) helping the congregation: 

  1. Heritage: Come to Terms with Congregation’s Religious Education Program History 
  2. Mission: Evolve a Unique Religious Education Program Identity 
  3. Leadership: Address Leadership Changes During the Interim Period 
  4. Connection: Renew Associational and Community Linkages 
  5. Future: Commit to the Future of Religious Education Program’s Vitality

Leads the implementation of the religious education program for children and youth.

  1. Works with the Children and Youth Religious Education Committee (CYREC) and other leaders to examine and formulate the goals for the congregation’s faith development programs, with special attention to programs for children and youth. 
  2. Directs the Sunday morning children and youth RE Program.
  3. Oversees the coordination of Our Whole Lives (OWL) programming; delegates the leadership of the parent component to an experienced volunteer. 
  4. Works with the Senior Minister and other church leaders to ensure that 
    1. Faith development ministries for children and youth give some attention to the congregation’s monthly theme-based ministry, and
    2. Meaningful opportunities are available for multigenerational relationships and programs. 
  5. Supports parents in assuming a role as religious educators of their children.

Supervises children and youth RE staff, currently including the RE Administrative Assistant (10 hours/week), RE Summer Coordinator (5 hours/week) and Nursery/Toddler Room Staff.

  1. Works with CYREC, VP for Personnel, and Minister to hire RE staff.
  2. Trains and supervises RE staff.
  3. Works with the VP for Personnel and Minister to create and maintain current job descriptions for RE staff. 
  4. Establishes an annual work plan.
  5. Prepares and conducts performance evaluations for RE staff.
  6. Coordinates with the VP for Personnel, Minister and others as appropriate regarding performance and compensation of RE staff.

Promotes and facilitates communication within the church and with the larger community

  1. Communicates goals and activities of children and youth religious education programs to the congregation through regular newsletter reports, supplying information for visitor and new member orientation, a teacher handbook, and/or other means.
  2. Attends meetings with the CYREC, Program Council, and church staff.
  3. Confers regularly with the Senior/Interim Minister.
  4. Is available by appointment for meetings with congregants.
  5. Acts as UUCSS liaison to religious educators in local, district and national religious groups.

Leads conversations about adult religious education and adult faith development

  1. With the assistance of the Transition Team, plans events and frames exploration of the role of adult religious education in the life of the congregation, and of the best structure for leading adult faith development programs
  2. Encourages and communicates with volunteers engaged in leading adult religious education classes
  3. Consults with staff and volunteers who are launching small group ministries

Participates in continuing education workshops and organizations for professional growth

  1. Devises and pursues a program leading to professional growth as a religious educator.
  2. Participate in religious education organizations such as the Liberal Religious Educators Association (LREDA) and list serves such as REACH.
  3. Participate in local professional activities such as Greater Washington Association Religious Education Council (GWAREC).
  4. As funding permits, attends national conferences, including LREDA and/or the General Assembly.
  5. Keeps abreast of current curriculum materials, learning theories, teaching techniques, and group process skills.

Provides leadership for children’s and intergenerational worship

  1. Develops as-needed children’s worship services and other children and youth worship opportunities with a volunteer worship team.
  2. Works with the Senior/Interim Minister to create and co-lead at least five intergenerational services each year.
  3. Works with YRUU, COA (Coming of Age) youth and Senior Minister to create the Youth Service, COA Ceremony, and Bridging Ceremony.

Cover letter and resumes should be sent to InterimDREsearch@uucss.org by August 31, 2019. (The deadline was extended.)

See Job Announcement