Position Opening:  Director of Religious Education

First Unitarian Society of Schenectady, NY

The First Unitarian Society of Schenectady (FUSS) is seeking an experienced, full-time Director of Religious Education beginning July 1, 2008.  FUSS has a healthy, thriving religious education program for children and youth with strong commitments to integrating spiritual growth and learning with social justice action.  While we are extraordinarily proud of our youth’s commitment to social justice in the wider community, we are also keenly aware that the growth and vibrancy of the community as a whole depends on strong spiritual growth and faith development across the generations, for all ages and stages.  Therefore we seek to transform ourselves into a congregation that fully realizes its goals of lifespan religious education administered through shared ministry.  We seek a dedicated, passionate and professional Director of Religious Education to lead us in this transformation.

Mission for Religious Education at FUSS

Our Religious Education Program seeks to impart our Unitarian Universalist principles and heritage to our children and youth so that they may live responsibly, compassionately and intentionally in a complex world.

FUSS is:

• a 409-member congregation with an RE program that serves over 166 children and youth with an average of 100 supportive and active RE volunteers
• a 101-year-old congregation located in the Capital District next door to Union College; very close to Albany and Troy, New York; one hour from the beautiful Adirondacks; and convenient for travel to New York City and Boston
• a Welcoming Congregation, a Safe Congregation, and working toward becoming a Green Sanctuary Congregation
• ·         a supportive and empowered community just completing a visioning year with Lifespan RE Consultant, Rev. Pat Hoertdoerfer, resulting in strengthened RE structures and new commitment to lifespan religious education and shared ministry.

We are seeking a candidate who:

• has an understanding of and enthusiasm for sharing our Unitarian Universalist faith with people of all ages
• is well versed in Unitarian Universalist curricula and familiar with Spirit Play, Our Whole Lives, and Coming of Age programs
• is a creative, energetic and outgoing leader who will build intergenerational community within the congregation
• has strong communication and interpersonal skills and is comfortable organizing and participating in services for children, youth and adults

First Unitarian Society of Schenectady is a fair compensation congregation and offers salary and benefits commensurate with credentials and experience following UUA and LREDA guidelines.

For more information, please visit www.fussonline.org.  Applicants from within FUSS and from the wider community are welcome.  All are invited to submit a letter, resume, and three references to:  fuss.re.search@gmail.com or by mailing to: FUSS DRE Search Committee, 1221 Wendell Ave., Schenectady, NY 12308.   Applications will be accepted until position is filled.