The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Manhattan is a dynamic and inclusive spiritual community. Our aim is to serve as a force for social change while providing safe haven in Kansas. We are a highly participatory justice-oriented religious community which gathers weekly to reflect on our work in the world, remember our passion, and recommit to our values.
Title: Director of Religious Education (DRE)
Reports to: Minister
Hours and schedule: 20 hours per week on average
Salary: $23,255 for mid-range experience
Benefits: Health insurance, Term life and long-term disability insurance, Retirement, Vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, Professional expenses
Date created or revised: April 11, 2025
POSITION PURPOSE
The Director of Religious Education leads UUFM’s educational programming for people of all ages. They facilitate or supervise children’s Sunday morning classes, oversee nursery staff, and coordinate activities for children and adults at other times and places. They also work with the Minister, Staff Team, and Community Team to ensure that the needs of families are centered in the overall operations of the Fellowship. The DRE works closely with the Minister, maintains weekly office hours in-person at the Fellowship building, and communicates throughout the week with volunteers and staff members.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Accessibility: Available and welcoming to people of all ages, both in and out of the fellowship, who wish to participate and learn about the Religious Education (RE) program and its activities.
Organization and Planning: Organizes information and schedules to accomplish the periodic and emerging needs of the RE program. Asks for support as needed.
Trust and Integrity: Is widely trusted to keep confidences, admit errors, and maintain and respect boundaries.
Rooted: Committed to and knowledgeable of the Fellowship’s vision and mission and Unitarian Universalist values and spirituality. This includes our tradition of celebrating the natural world and our commitments to multiculturalism and countering oppressions. If the DRE is new to Unitarian Universalism, they have demonstrated a readiness to learn deeply about the faith tradition.
Collaboration and Relationality: Creates and appreciates opportunities to brainstorm, make decisions, and carry out tasks with others. Throughout, maintains a spirit of curiosity and a sense of play.
Responsiveness and Flexibility: Maintains open channels for feedback, adapting to new information and changing needs, and openly negotiates responsibility. Takes initiative to develop new skills both autonomously and in cooperation with others.
Conflict Management: Recognizes and resolves conflicts effectively, applying principles of active listening, collaboration, and equity. Can practice self-differentiation when faced with strong opinions.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Program development, implementation, and evaluation: Assesses current and potential programs and curricula in order to design and implement what is needed by current and potential future participants in our programs, with a special emphasis on the Our Whole Lives (OWL) curriculum. While the DRE is the primary leader of RE for children and youth, the Minister shares responsibility with them for adult RE.
Coordination: Oversees age-appropriate activities for people of all ages. Serves as the primary point person for families and family programming.
Engagement: Actively seeks and supports volunteer participation and engagement opportunities for intergenerational relationship-building.
Communication: Regularly informs and follows up with teams, program participants, members, staff, and the Minister. Knows and stays in touch with families in the congregation to foster relationships.
Visibility: Active in UUFM communication channels and on Sunday mornings, including frequent participation or leadership of the Time for All Ages segment. Maintains in-person office hours and participates in key congregational meetings.
Unitarian Universalist Professionalism: Exhibits professional curiosity and the drive to enhance knowledge and skills. Seeks resources, participates in relevant training, forms professional connections, and applies new information as appropriate. Maintains membership in the Liberal Religious Educators Association.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and experience:
High school diploma or GED
4 years of related education or experience
Skills and knowledge:
Basics of child development and adult education.
Basics of child and youth safety.
Excellent interpersonal and communications skills, creative problem-solving, and ability to maintain confidential information.
Strong interest in collaborative team environments and professional development.
Availability to work Sundays, some evenings, and some Saturdays.
Proficiency with spreadsheets, Google Drive, and arts and crafts.
Helpful:
First aid and CPR training.
Childcare and/or education background.
Arts background.
Experience in religious or spiritual communities
Experience with volunteer coordination.
We are committed to developing a diverse and talented staff team. If you are excited about this role, but unsure whether you meet 100% of the requirements, we encourage you to inquire and/or apply.
TO APPLY
After reviewing the job description above and the UUFM website, please submit a cover letter and resume. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with an initial review May 5th, 2025. Applications received by this date will be prioritized.