Acting Director of Religious Education

First Unitarian Church of Rochester, NY

The First Unitarian Church of Rochester New York is accepting applications for the position of Acting Director of Religious Education (DRE) for the 2023-24 church season.  This 9-month position will afford the ideal candidate an opportunity to lead a thriving, eclectic, and imaginative RE program, assisted by a band of experienced and committed lay volunteers and with the support of a strongly mission driven professional staff and clergy.     

First Unitarian is a progressive, inclusive, and engaged congregation.  Everything we do is driven by our congregation’s mission and values.  We strive to listen deeply to others and ourselves, to remain open to wonder and transformation, and to serve together with love and humility.  The DRE position will embody our commitment to cherish and respect our children and youth, supporting their spiritual journey and preparing them to live a life aligned with our Unitarian Universalist principles.

Benefits and Pay Range

  • Annual equivalent of $66-73k The salary range for this full-time 9-month position is $50-55k, depending on experience and qualifications. 
  • Benefits include generous paid time off, health insurance, short-term disability, life insurance, and access to group dental. 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Supervise and support established Religious Education programs and curricula across all children and youth stages, including Babes and Tots (6m-2), Preschool (2-4), Workshop Adventure (5-11), Spiritual Survivor (12-13), Coming of Age (14-15), Youth Group (14-18), OWL Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education, and Jubilee Anti-Racism.  
  • Support family programming and weekly parent support and education offerings.
  • Supervise, recruit, and empower part-time support staff and parent/congregational volunteers, whose presence and facilitation makes our weekly RE programs possible. 
  • Foster special RE programs that cross generations and build community.
  • Effectively communicate the RE goals, activities, and events to families and to the congregation.
  • Provide pastoral support to children, youth, and families, making referrals when appropriate.
  • Coordinate with the Lead Minister, staff team, and lay leaders on calendaring, intergenerational worship planning, holiday services, and community-wide events. 
  • Other duties as assigned by the Lead Minister.

Core Competencies and Qualifications

  • Demonstrate leadership and initiative in creating programs, assembling resources, troubleshooting, and incorporating feedback. Be organized and able to multitask, prioritize, and delegate. 
  • Know, affirm, and model UU Principles and Values.
  • Embrace people from diverse social backgrounds and invest in interpersonal relationships and community diversity. 
  • Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills with adults and children, maintaining appropriate confidentiality and referrals, seeking consult from minister.  
  • Be energetic in promoting First Unitarian’s mission, programs, and social justice activities.
  • Bring creativity, energy, and flexibility to a team environment. 
  • Communicate effectively and clearly using multiple modes and emerging technology.
  • Understand child development. Experience and education preferred.
  • Consistently apply lens of anti-racism and anti-oppression to our work together.
  • Prior experience in development of religious education and programs for youth preferred.
  • BA/BS in Religion, Education or equivalent; MS/MA preferred, UU Credentialing preferred.
  • Preferred Volunteer recruitment & management experience. 
  • Preferred Understanding of Unitarian Universalism & experience with congregational life.
  • Must pass our standard background check. 
  • Membership in LREDA www.lreda.org and adherence to the LREDA Code of Professional Practice  is required upon hire.
  • Mental & Physical Demands / Essential Functions Seeing, sitting, typing – some repetitive motion, hearing, ability to lift 30 pounds.  

Start Date: ASAP

Reports to: Lead Minister

Applications are considered on a rolling basis. Please email your cover letter and resume to [email protected]. 

People with disabilities, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ candidates are encouraged to apply. First Unitarian Church is committed to developing a diverse and talented staff team. If you are excited about this role but are unsure whether you meet 100% of the requirements, we encourage you to apply and/or inquire.