Director of Religious Education, half-time

DESCRIPTION:

Unitarian Society of Hartford is seeking to fill a half-time Director of Religious Education position to begin June 2024.

The Director of Religious Education (DRE), in collaboration with the Minister and the Religious Education Sub-Council, directs and administers the Religious Education program for Children and Youth for our small and growing group of nursery to high school aged children.

Unitarian Society of Hartford is a religiously and culturally diverse, freethinking, Unitarian Universalist congregation of 133 members, located in the northwestern corner of Hartford. The Congregation was founded in 1830, and we are bringing Unitarian Universalism and the liberal religious tradition into the 21st century. We welcome creative approaches to supporting, encouraging, and providing a safe and inspiring space in which young people can – in the words of our mission – nourish their spirit, build community, and work for justice.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS;

1. Provide on-site administration of the Religious Education program on Sundays starting at 9:00 am, including support of teachers, orienting new families, and monitoring classrooms. Assist the Religious Education Sub-Council in recruiting and training all teachers for Religious Education Programs and to develop an annual budget.
2. Recruit, hire, train and supervise staff and volunteers for all age levels.
3. Plan, with the Minister, children and youth participation in Sunday Services, and coordinate church calendar and themes with the Minister.
4. Welcome new families and help integrate them into the life of the congregation. Maintain open communication with parents, teachers and others and provide opportunities for feedback.
5. Attend Religious Education Sub-Council meetings, Staff meetings, and appropriate Board meetings.
6. Help to plan and facilitate special family activities and events at other times during the week, including very occasional weekday evenings.
7. Maintain up-to-date files and records containing contact information for students and teachers, class participation and course offerings. Coordinate registration of families and monitor attendance.
8. Submit relevant information to the E-newsletter editor.
9. Monitor and ensure adequate supplies for classrooms within the constraints of the Religious Education budget.
10. Develop, with the Youth Advisor and Minister, plans for assisting members of the Youth Group in the transition to Young Adult Programs.
11. Update annually and as needed all written communications and publications, including the Religious Education program brochure. Ensure that this printed information is available to all parents of enrolled students and to visitors.
12. Attend District Meetings and occasional continuing education events pertinent to Religious Education.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Experience working with children and youth.
• General Leadership skills, independent work, delegation of tasks, time management and organization, clear and concise communication.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups across our principal constituencies: children, youth, families, congregants, board and staff. Familiarity and comfort recruiting and managing staff and volunteers Facility with modern office technology.
• Strong Interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrates facilitation skills for meetings, parent gatherings, and classes as needed.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to conduct of programs for youth and children.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working with children and youth.
• Ability to pass a background check.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Experience supervising volunteers and/or staff.
• Demonstrated experience working with and inspiring volunteers to increasing levels of leadership.
• Teaching Experience.

COMPENSATION:
Competitive compensation based on UUA recommended salary guidelines. REPORTS TO: Minister
Job Type: Part-time
Expected hours: 20 per week
Schedule: Half-time, including Sundays and flexible hours during the week.