Director of Religious Education at Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists (Part time)

Director of Religious Education (DRE)

Position Type: Part-Time (20 hours per week)

Reports To: Minister

Compensation: $26,000 - $30,900 (benefits eligible including health insurance and retirement)

Position Summary

The Director of Religious Education (DRE) will lead the congregation’s religious education programs for children and youth, fostering spiritual growth, ethical development, and community engagement within a Unitarian Universalist (UU) framework. The DRE collaborates with the minister, staff, and volunteers to create engaging, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate programming.

The DRE will report directly to the Minister and will work collaboratively as a member of the staff team. It is expected that the DRE will receive and seek guidance and advice from the Religious Education Committee and, as appropriate, the Board of Directors.

Time Allocation by Key Responsibilities

(Percentages and hours are approximate and may vary based on seasonal needs.)

Responsibility (Hours per Week)

• Program Development & Implementation 40% (8 hours)
• Volunteer Recruitment, Training & Support 20% (4 hours)
• Community Engagement & Communication 15% (3 hours)
• Administrative & Budget Management 15% (3 hours)
• Professional Development & UU Engagement 10% (2 hours)

Key Responsibilities

Program Development & Implementation (40% / 8 hours per week)

• Develop, select, and implement age-appropriate religious education curricula for children and youth, incorporating UU principles and values.
• Coordinate RE programming, ensuring engaging and inclusive learning experiences.
• Support youth engagement through service projects, multigenerational events, and leadership opportunities.
• Provide resources for families to support faith development at home.

Volunteer Recruitment, Training, and Support (20% / 4 hours per week)

• Recruit, train, and support volunteer teachers and facilitators.
• Foster a positive and collaborative team environment among volunteers.
• Ensure volunteers and staff adhere to safe congregation policies and receive necessary training.

Community Engagement & Communication (15% / 3 hours per week)

• Cultivate a welcoming and supportive environment for children, youth, and families.
• Communicate regularly with families, staff, and the broader congregation through newsletters, website updates, social media and announcements
• Collaborate with interfaith and community partners on joint programs and outreach initiatives. ● Support campus ministry efforts in collaboration with the minister by fostering connections with local college students and our recently bridged emerging adults

Administrative & Budget Management (15% / 3 hours per week)

• Maintain attendance records, permissions, and program documentation.
• Support the development and management of the RE budget, allocating resources effectively.
• Ensure compliance with church policies and best practices for child safety and inclusivity.
• Attend and/or provide reports for appropriate WUU committees to include - RE Committee, Program Council, Board, and staff meetings as necessary in coordination with the minister

Professional Development & UU Engagement (10% / 2 hours per week)

• Stay informed about best practices in faith development and UU religious education.
• Participate in professional development opportunities, including UU-sponsored events and training sessions.
• Engage with UU religious educator networks, such as the Liberal Religious Educators Association (LREDA).

Qualifications

Required:

• Passion for Unitarian Universalist values and commitment to liberal religious education.
• Experience in religious education, youth ministry, child development, or a related field.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to recruit, train, and manage volunteers effectively.
• Competence in event planning, program administration, and budget management.
• Proficiency with office software, databases, and social media for communication and record-keeping.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent life experience in Religious Studies, Education, Social Work, or a related field.
• Experience in multigenerational ministry and interfaith collaboration.
• Familiarity with UU curricula and denominational resources.

Work Schedule & Expectations

• 20 hours per week, on campus Sundays and 8 additional hours per week.
• Flexibility for some remote administrative work.
• Must pass a background check and adhere to ethical and legal guidelines for child safety.

Health insurance and retirement eligible.