Director of Religious Education (DRE)

Help Shape the Spiritual Lives of the Next Generation

Are you passionate about helping children, youth, and families build community, explore spirituality, and grow into lives grounded in compassion and justice? First Unitarian Church of Oakland is seeking a collaborative, creative, and caring leader to help nurture a vibrant, multigenerational ministry in an inclusive and justice-centered UU congregation.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working with engaged families, dedicated volunteers, and supportive staff in a growing and evolving community.

Position Details

• Half-time (20 hours/week), exempt, year-round
• Salary: $34,000–$36,000 depending upon experience
• Benefits: Eligible benefits per Personnel Handbook - $7,200 Non Accountable Reimbursement, retirement contribution, vacation and sick days, paid holidays.
• Sundays required; additional hours flexible

About Us

We are a growing and diverse Unitarian Universalist congregation committed to spiritual growth, justice, and building a multigenerational, multiracial, multicultural, and anti-oppressive community. The Director of Religious Education plays a vital role in nurturing the spiritual lives of children and youth, helping young people develop the values, relationships, and sense of purpose at the heart of Unitarian Universalism, while strengthening the place of children and families within the life of the congregation.

Position Summary

The Director of Children and Family Ministry leads programs for children, youth, and families from nursery through high school. The DCFM collaborates with the Minister, Board, staff, and volunteers to create engaging faith formation and multigenerational programming throughout the church year.

Reports to: Lead Minister, currently Rev. Laurel Liefert

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• 3–5 years of experience in education, youth development, ministry, or nonprofit work
• Strong communication, administrative, and volunteer management skills
• Knowledge of child and youth development
• Familiarity with UU values and principles required
• Comfortable using common office and communication software

Physical Requirements

• Sitting or standing for short periods of time
• Computer use
• Lifting up to 25 pounds
• Hearing and speaking in multi-voice situations

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and lead Sunday children and youth programming (August–June)
• Coordinate summer UU values programming for ages 5–12
• Implement curricula and milestones such as OWL, Coming of Age, Bridging, and Child Dedications
• Recruit, supervise, and support staff and volunteers
• Organize quarterly multigenerational events
• Maintain communication with families, congregation and area UU DRE’s
• Track participation, budgets, and program records
• Attend staff meetings and collaborate regularly with the Minister
• Follow Safe Congregations and professional ethics policies
• Regularly solicit feedback and report monthly to the Board of Trustees

Additional Information

Our Religious Education program is currently under review, and some responsibilities may evolve. Compensation, hours, and benefits will remain unchanged.

vacation, sick time, paid holidays, Non Accountable Reimbursement $7,200, retirement contribution eligibility after 1 year