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Job Description
Director of Religious Education (DRE)
Overview: The DRE oversees, guides, supervises and implements all aspects of the religious education
program for children and youth at the First Unitarian Society of Schenectady (FUSS).
The DRE works with the Religious Education (RE) Council, the Adult Programs
Council, the Social Action Council, The Board of Trustees, the Minister, and
the entire First Unitarian Society of Schenectady community to realize the FUSS
Religious Education Mission. The DRE is
accountable to the Minister and collaborates on a day to day basis with the
chair of the RE Council and the Minister and on an as needed basis with the
chairs of other councils.
Specific
Responsibilities:
Program:
- Working with the RE Council, implements and
oversees all aspects of Religious Education programs from nursery through youth
programming, including but not limited to the Spirit Play curriculum for grades K-4, the Neighboring Faiths Program, the Our
Whole Lives (OWL) program, and
the Coming of Age program.
- Working with the Youth Advisors, oversees youth
programming, including developing and setting goals for the youth program
- Actively researches and assesses available
curricula for our children and youth. Works collaboratively with the Minister and the RE Council to assure
that the best and most appropriate curricula are selected. Integrates program content in creative and
flexible ways.
- Working in partnership with the Minister and the
RE Council to design and present short inspirational programming for children
as part of both Sunday services and 3 to 4 special intergenerational services.
- Together with the Minister, the RE Council and
other councils as needed, helps to develop and plan several special
intergenerational events and social action initiatives throughout the year such
as The All Church Sleepover.
Relationships:
- With RE Council: Assists in recruitment of
council members; provides support to Chair; promotes exchange of ideas,
assistance, and resources as needed for RE children’s and youth programs.
- With RE volunteer Faculty
and Staff: Works with Council in recruitment and nurturing of volunteer faculty
and staff. Works with Council to provide
training and orientation programs for faculty and staff.
- With Congregation: Serves as an ambassador for
children and youth in all contexts of congregational life. Advocates for Lifespan Religious Education by
working with leaders and existing structures to better integrate
intergenerational programming.
- With Youth Advisors: Assists in development and
implementation of curriculum and policy.
- With Minister and staff: Works in a team setting
as we move toward a goal of inclusive and intergenerational Beloved Community.
- With FUSS Community: Welcomes community members
to participate in religious education.
- With FUSS Community: Implements Safe Congregation Policy and Procedures
Administrative:
- Supervises all aspects of religious education
classes
- Supervises and implements volunteer teacher and
mentor recruitment, orientation and training, and oversees formal UUA training
as needed for, but not limited to, Spirit
Play, OWL, and Coming of Age teachers; and together
with the Religious Education Council helps to develop lay leadership in
religious education.
- Oversees Senior Youth Program
- Partners with the RE Council and Building and
Grounds Committee to oversee the safety, function, and aesthetics of the
Religious Education facilities, supplies, and equipment.
- Prepares annual Religious Education prospectus
- Attends RE Council meetings, and APC, SAC and Board
meetings as necessary
- Meets with the Minister weekly and with Minister
and staff as scheduled
- Maintains and updates registration of children
and youth
- Holds weekly office hours
- Monitors the RE budget
Professional:
Pursues personal and professional development through district, LREDA, denominational and other educational opportunities
as a UU Religious Educator. Attends workshops and meetings with other area, District, and regional
DREs to provide professional support and cultivates relationships with other RE
professionals and programs. |
