Director of Religious Education - UU Congregation of Frederick, MD
Posted by Administrator (admin) on Jul 24 2008 at 3:49 PM
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Could YOU see yourself as our Director of Religious Education?
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION OF FREDERICK, MARYLAND (UUCF)

The UU Congregation of Frederick, a growing and thriving mid-sized congregation, is seeking a person committed to learning and theological diversity to be our next Director of Religious Education (DRE). This is a three-quarter-time professional staff position—a flexible 30-hour work week—beginning as soon as possible after September 1, 2008. Applicants of religious and spiritual backgrounds other than Unitarian Universalism are welcome to apply.

Please refer to our website to learn more about UUCF, its mission, and activities.

Interested candidates should respond to dresearch@frederickuu.org with a cover letter and resume, including salary range and availability for interviewing.

WE SEEK A DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (DRE) WHO:

* Is grounded with a strong philosophy of education
* Is comfortable with theological diversity
* Has a college degree related to education or comparable degree/experience in a related field
* Has experience working with children and/or youth in structured settings
* Understands growth and learning as a lifelong activity, both for congregants and for a DRE
* Is willing to pursue further professional education, including credentialing through the Unitarian Universalist Association (http://www.uua.org/leaders/leaderslibrary/religiouseducation/index.shtml)
* Enjoys collaborative leadership
* Exhibits flexibility, creativity, and enthusiasm
* Has strong communication skills and is proficient working with office automation applications (e.g., Microsoft Office)
* Is mature and professional in relationship with staff, leaders, parents, and congregants
* Is committed to providing long-term stability for the UUCF Religious Education program

RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Plan, organize, implement, and evaluate the Religious Education (RE) program for children and youth in collaboration with the RE Committee
* Organize and motivate volunteers on a regular basis
* Work with staff and lay leaders to integrate the RE program into the overall ministry of the church
* Provide guidance and training to RE teachers
* Supervise the nursery care provider(s)
* Publish and maintain consistent office hours at the church
* Maintain resources, supplies, and equipment
* Manage administrative tasks, including the RE budget and attendance records
* Attend UUCF meetings as required (e.g., Board meeting, staff meeting)
* Develop and coordinate special events, including intergenerational events and summer activities
* Communicate with parents, staff, leaders, and the congregation about UUCF’s RE mission, programs, opportunities, and progress
* Participate in continuing education workshops for professional growth, including training provided through the Liberal Religious Educators Association (LREDA) (http://www25.uua.org/lreda/)

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

* A salary and benefits package that meets the “Fair Compensation” guidelines of the Unitarian Universalist Association, in accordance with the candidate’s individual qualifications
* Benefits that are currently 10% of salary
* A separate budget for professional expenses and career development
* One Sunday off per month, 4 weeks of vacation, 2 weeks for training, and sick leave and holiday leave in accordance with LREDA guidelines

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

UUCF recently celebrated the installation of our new settled minister, Rev. Abigail Stockman, bringing to a close a 3-year period of congregational self-assessment and re-evaluation. Our new DRE will enter a stable but vital work environment, and will be part of a team of professional and lay leaders committed to growing our congregation and our RE program.

Our church is a “Welcoming Congregation,” which means that the congregation is committed to including people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in all aspects of congregational life, including the RE program.

Working with the Sugarloaf Congregation of Unitarian Universalists, UUCF will begin offering the Our Whole Lives (OWL) sexuality education curricula to selected age groups this next year.

UUCF has a working and committed Religious Education Committee in place. Currently, DRE functions are being handled by a volunteer from the RE Committee with the support of the Committee. Because of the timing of this search, curriculum and volunteer recruitment for 2008-09 will already be substantially in place.

This past church year, 111 children and youth were registered for our Sunday morning RE program. Average attendance per Sunday was 50 during the fall and winter. Summer attendance is averaging 16. We have a budgeted line item to hire a nursery care provider for Sunday mornings.

Our church has an affiliated Circle of Life Cooperative Preschool, meeting 5 mornings a week for 3- and 4-year-olds. The school has its own Education Director and is currently recruiting a part-time Administrative Director; however, communication and collaboration with our RE program are essential. The exact relationship of our DRE and the preschool will be determined by the skill set of the incoming DRE.

Our Adult Spiritual Enrichment Committee operates independently. Although adult programs will not be a responsibility of our three-quarter-time DRE, we hope to attract someone who values life-span religious education and is interested in communication and collaboration across the programs.

 The DRE reports to our minister, Rev. Abigail Stockman, who is our Chief-of-Staff.