Director of Religious Education for Children and Youth   

The Sierra Foothills Unitarian Universalists (SFUU) located in Auburn, California is seeking a Director of Religious Education (DRE) for our Children and Youth Religious Education (CYRE) Program. This part-time position involves a maximum of 65 hours per month.

SFUU is a liberal religious community dedicated to nurturing spiritual growth and working for social justice. We promote anti-racism and multiculturalism and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. Our congregation has approximately 120 members with 20 children and youth.  Typical weekly attendance ranges from 4 to 12 children. We serve families with diverse theological perspectives and a variety of family compositions.  We are searching for a DRE who will foster moral and spiritual development grounded in Unitarian Universalist (UU) principles.

Our ideal candidate will be a supportive, nurturing, and energetic leader. They will engage children and youth in a program that fosters spiritual development, builds UU identity, and inspires the individual search for truth and meaning, We encourage and support professional development through religious education training, district and area religious education conferences, and workshops.

Job Summary: Administer a comprehensive and forward-thinking program for children and youth that supports UU principals, with a minimum of 45 Sundays per year on-site. Coordinate with the SFUU Minister and CYRE Team.  This exempt position requires from 45 to 65 hours per month, with a guaranteed payment for 65 hours per month.

Reports to / Supervision Received: Reports to Minister(s), CYRE Committee, SFUU Board.  Directly supervised by the Minister(s). 

 Essential Functions:

●       Recruit, schedule, and support SFUU members who volunteer to lead or assist with Sunday morning lessons and activities for children and youth.

●       Schedule and support paid childcare providers (for infants and toddlers).

●       Lead volunteer training sessions at least once per year.

●       Provide curricula and supplies for lessons.

●       Maintain religious education resources, library, supplies, and equipment.

●       Research and review developmentally appropriate curricula,

●       Work with stakeholders including the CYRE Team, parents, and youth to select curricula.

●       Maintain records within SFUU’s Google Drive that include attendance, lesson plans, volunteer schedules, and administrative forms.

●       Participate in monthly CYRE Team meetings and other administrative meetings as needed.

●       Maintain regular communication with the SFUU minister(s).

●       Promote the CYRE Program and activities within SFUU and beyond, as appropriate.

●       Plan an average of three intergenerational services per year in collaboration with the CYRE Team and Worship Team.

●       Plan and potentially lead special activities, field trips, and retreats that may include evenings and overnights, in collaboration with the minister(s) and CYRE Team.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

●       Minimum Experience required: Two years of relevant experience working with children 0-18 years old in a group setting.

●       Minimum Education recommended: Background in early childhood education or human development or comparable credentials. (Related education and experience considered.)

●       Skills Required: Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills; ability to prioritize and handle a wide variety of tasks efficiently; ability to work independently and in collaboration with staff and volunteers. Familiarity with different styles of learning, teaching strategies, and developmental stages of children and youth; ability to recognize and respond to participants’ and volunteers’ needs, computer skills including word processing, email, social media, and spreadsheets.

●       The preferred candidate will have a familiarity with UU principles and values; and is a warm, inviting, individual with whom families and children can easily engage.

Financial Responsibility and Authority:

●       Equipment: Ordering classroom supplies and curricula as needed.

●       Fiscal: Responsible for RE budget.

●       Internal and External Business Contacts: Works with other Religious Education Professionals, especially those serving in the Pacific Central District of UU. 

●       Supervisory: Supervises RE volunteers and paid nursery-age childcare providers.

Typical Working Conditions:

The church buildings include stairs, navigating children’s furniture and adult furniture, and interfacing with children and adults in the downstairs Religious Education rooms.

Equipment Used:

Desktop with internet, and copier available in the office, phone required (not provided).

Essential Physical Tasks:

Walking, moving up and down flights of stairs, sitting with children and youth.

Other Requirements:

Must be able to pass a criminal/child abuse screening through national and local databases.

Application:

Please send your resume and cover letter to search@mysfuu.org