Director of Religious Education
First Parish Church, Fitchburg
First Parish Unitarian Universalist (UU) Church in Fitchburg, MA, seeks a Director of Religious Education (DRE) to support the spiritual growth of children and youth in our urban congregation.
RE program mission
The RE program’s mission is to help children and youth explore and celebrate UU principles and purposes so they learn the true meaning of service, live the values of First Parish Church, and contribute to the greater community — guided by compassion, informed by justice, and empowered by love.
Summary of position
Working in coordination with the Minister and the RE Committee, the DRE will develop, implement, and administer children and youth programs that foster spiritual growth; lead RE activities during Sunday services; and conceive and execute innovative strategies to bring new families into the church community.
The DRE will act in accordance with the Liberal Religious Educators Association (LREDA) Code of Professional Practices at all times. Weekly hours might vary throughout the year, but the DRE is expected to be available Sunday mornings from September through June, as well as Christmas Eve services, weekly office hours, and monthly committee meetings.
Qualifications
Primary job responsibilities
Hours and salary
This is a quarter-time position averaging about 10 hours of work a week for 10 months of the year. The salary is approximately $20 an hour. How to apply Send letter of interest and resume via email to fitchburguu@gmail.com. Planned start date is Sept. 1, 2021
First Parish Church, Fitchburg
First Parish Unitarian Universalist (UU) Church in Fitchburg, MA, seeks a Director of Religious Education (DRE) to support the spiritual growth of children and youth in our urban congregation.
RE program mission
The RE program’s mission is to help children and youth explore and celebrate UU principles and purposes so they learn the true meaning of service, live the values of First Parish Church, and contribute to the greater community — guided by compassion, informed by justice, and empowered by love.
Summary of position
Working in coordination with the Minister and the RE Committee, the DRE will develop, implement, and administer children and youth programs that foster spiritual growth; lead RE activities during Sunday services; and conceive and execute innovative strategies to bring new families into the church community.
The DRE will act in accordance with the Liberal Religious Educators Association (LREDA) Code of Professional Practices at all times. Weekly hours might vary throughout the year, but the DRE is expected to be available Sunday mornings from September through June, as well as Christmas Eve services, weekly office hours, and monthly committee meetings.
Qualifications
- A creative, flexible, and strategic thinker
- Able to foster a safe, nurturing, and fun learning environment
- Relates well to children and adults in a warm, professional, and caring manner
- Knowledge of various learning styles and teaching strategies who can engage children of all ages and abilities
- Experience working with children from broad demographic groups, including underserved populations
- Works collaboratively, but can function independently as well
- Strong ethical character, with a commitment to UU principles and values
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; proficiency with technology
Primary job responsibilities
- Collaborate with the Minister and lay leaders to establish and/or update RE program vision, programming, and policies as needed.
- Review, evaluate, and choose age-appropriate learning materials to develop a cohesive curriculum that enriches and furthers the spiritual development and growth of participants.
- Plan, customize, and adapt weekly RE lessons and activities that teach UU principles and values, based on the number, age, interests, and engagement level of participants.
- Recruit and support nursery staff, volunteer teachers, and assistants for RE classes and Youth Group programming.
- Help youth develop and lead social justice programs and volunteer opportunities within the community.
- Conceive, plan, and lead innovative strategies to bring new families into the church community.
- Coordinate child care for special events that require it.
Hours and salary
This is a quarter-time position averaging about 10 hours of work a week for 10 months of the year. The salary is approximately $20 an hour. How to apply Send letter of interest and resume via email to fitchburguu@gmail.com. Planned start date is Sept. 1, 2021
