Director of Faith Formation Position Opening

To Apply:

• Review the Position Description below to determine if you would like to apply.
• Our process for selecting a candidate will begin on February 1, 2012, and will conclude (provided that a qualified candidate is found) by the end of April, 2012. 
• First round interviews will be completed by phone.  Second round interviews will be completed via Skype or in person, as possible.
• NOTE: Second round candidates will be asked to submit a 3-year plan that includes their vision for the Religious Education and Faith Formation Ministry at First Universalist.  Details will be provided as appropriate.
• Application Materials (Email only, please):
  • Resume or CV
  • Cover Letter that details why you are interested in the position and why you believe you would be a good fit for both the position and our congregation
  • Any supplemental materials that display your qualifications and experience, or examples of your work in education or religious education
  • Email all to: Rev. Jeannie Shero, Jeannie@firstuniversalist.org
• Application Deadline: March 15, 2012

Position Title:  Director of Faith Formation (Children, Youth, and Family)    

The Director’s qualifications should include:

• Visionary leadership to create excellence in Faith Formation for children, youth and families.
• Knowledge of and respect for the living tradition of Unitarian Universalism.
• A working understanding of (or the willingness to develop) spiritual and faith formation.
• A working understanding of learning theory and curriculum development. 
• Understanding and commitment to religious education and faith formation within Unitarian Universalism, including the development of Unitarian Universalist identity for our children, youth, and families.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with children, youth, and adults.
• Ability to think and work creatively, specifically to build the capacity of this ministry within our growing congregation.
• Ability to multi-task and set priorities with good organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to train and support volunteers, and  to support and supervise staff.
• Demonstrated self-initiative and ability to be collaborative in leadership and shared ministry within the Faith Formation Ministry and among colleagues in other program and ministry areas of the church.
• Willingness to expand role to include Lifespan Faith Formation generally, and Adult Faith Formation and Education specifically.

The principle responsibilities of the Director (in conjunction with the Faith Formation (RE) Ministry Team/Committee and Faith Formation (RE) Staff) are:

Program Development

• Develop a vision and mission for the program, as well as the underlying philosophy and values that are involved, in collaboration with the supervising minister, Faith Formation Staff, and the Faith Formation (Transition) Ministry Team.
• Identify best practices at other congregations and adapt them to the program at First Universalist as appropriate.
• Identify desired outcomes for the each component of the program and develop the goals to achieve those outcomes; and metrics to assess outcomes.
• Evaluate existing curricula for effectiveness. Continually identify and evaluate new curricula to strengthen the ministry.
• Create a welcoming and nurturing learning environment.
• Develop and implement distinct, yet compelling religious education programs for each Faith Formation program offered (e.g., 9:15 am, 11:00 am, summer RE program, etc., e.g., potentially a Tuesday evening Faith Formation program).
• Develop and offer social activities for targeted age groups as well as intergenerational activities to strengthen a sense of community.
  • Determine the needs of families, parents, children and youth and develop ministry programs to address those needs. This includes providing pastoral care as needed.
  • Develop a program to welcome new families and an orientation program to assist parents in evaluating their needs, interests, and expectations related to this ministry.
  • Create an annual calendar for the ministry and its programs that is integrated with the all-church calendar and update as needed to keep information current and to avoid scheduling conflicts.
  • Develop various assessment tools to evaluate the ministry and its programs. Use the results of these assessments to continuously improve the quality and effectiveness of the ministry.

Volunteer Recruitment, Development, and Support

• Continuously identify and recruit volunteers for tasks and positions that are well suited to the gifts/sills/interests of each individual.
• Develop a comprehensive set of teacher training events and workshops to develop the skill set of teachers from novice-level to master-level.
• Provide ongoing support to teachers and other volunteers to maximize their effectiveness and enjoyment.
• Develop and implement a program to recognize and thank volunteers for their contributions to the program.
• Plan an annual retreat or similar event with the Faith Formation (Transition) Ministry Team to build skills for committee members and to develop/refine the vision and mission for the ministry and its program, as well as the underlying philosophy and values involved therein.
• Create task forces and committees as required to involve volunteers in specific activities and projects to further develop the ministry and implement programs.

Communication

• Utilize various media within the church to advocate for the ministry and to maintain high visibility of the program in order to build and sustain support within the church.
• Create information about the program and upcoming events for inclusion in the Sunday bulletin, the Chalice (quarterly newsletter), the website, and any other media developed for the program (e.g. a newsletter for children and youth).
• Develop annual program guides for each program (e.g., 9:15 am and 11:00 am).
• Develop a system to communicate with children and youth who are absent to keep them informed about/connected with the programs related to their age group.
• Develop and maintain e-mail lists to communicate with teachers, parents, youth, etc.
• Attend staff meetings and utilize them for communication and program coordination.
• Provide information about the program for the monthly Executive Report, the Annual Report, and other reports as requested.

Worship and Special Events

• Oversee the flow of children, youth, and volunteers on Sanctuary Sundays (twice a month when the children begin in the service for a wisdom story or children's' homily) and other worship experiences for children and youth.
• Assist with developing and leading intergenerational worship services.
• Assist with the planning of special events to insure that they address the needs and interests of children and youth (e.g. Halloween Festival, winter Holiday party, etc.).
• Write and preach a sermon annually that touches on some aspect of Faith Formation.
• Assist the Senior Minister and Assistant Minister with rites of passage as requested.

Administration

• Develop the annual budget for the ministry and its programs and monitor expenditures against the budget.
• Maintain databases to insure that information regarding registrations, and budget expenditures are current.
• Maintain attendance records and use data to address results against attendance goals for the program.
• Insure that supply levels are adequate.
• Develop and implement appropriate projects for the Annual Vision of Ministry and report on progress quarterly.
• Serve on ad hoc staff task forces as needed to insure that the needs of the program are addressed (e.g. Website Task Force).

Professional Development

• Maintain membership in LREDA (Liberal Religious Educators Association) and adhere to LREDA Code of Professional Practices.
• Attend cluster, district, and national events that will contribute to professional development and collegiality with other religious educators and ministers.
• Enroll in the UUA’s Religious Education Credentialing Program and complete the learning and skill building necessary to achieve credentialing at the Associate and Bachelor’s level (action to complete this requirement is to be discussed after the first year of work).
• Identify best practices at other congregations and adapt them to the program at First Universalist as appropriate.

Reports to:  Associate Minister

Supervises:  Faith Formation (RE) Assistants, Childcare Coordinator, K-5 Coordinator, Youth Ministry Coordinator, and volunteers.

Education:  Bachelors Degree in education or a related field required, Masters Degree welcome.

Experience:  Three to five years’ professional or volunteer experience working with children and youth. A background check is required.

• Compensation: $43,500 plus benefits
• Position Starts: July 1, 2012 (negotiable)
• Other: Director must achieve credentialing as a Credentialed Religious Educator, Credentialed Level within 5 years.

Date: 1/12 (revised by Rev. Jeannie Shero, approved by the Executive Team)