Overview: Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship seeks a Director of Religious Exploration to provide professional religious leadership for youth programs.

  • Title: Director of Religious Exploration (DRE)
  • Reports to: Minister, or Personnel Committee
  • FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
  • Hours and schedule: Part-time (1/2 time), 20 hours/wk (flexible as to when)
  • Date created or revised: January 12, 2025

About Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship:

  • AUUF Mission Statement: Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is a welcoming and caring community dedicated to challenging the mind, nurturing the spirit, and transforming the world through the pursuit of truth, love, and justice.
  • AUUF Vision: AUUF aspires to build a just community within and beyond our walls. We strive to honor the one and the many; welcome a diversity of thoughts, beliefs, passions, and identities; speak without fear and listen with open hearts; share our burdens and joys; celebrate life and life’s passages; and sustain the interconnected web of existence.
  • AUUF RE Program Vision: The AUUF Religious Exploration program cultivates intergenerational community, cares for the environment, and gives ample opportunity to all for adventure and play.

Responsibilities: With the support of the Religious Exploration Committee, the responsibilities of the DRE are:

  • Coordinates classes and programs for youth that encourage religious and spiritual development, build community, and support youth in developing and acting on their values. 
  • Reviews and selects materials for programing that support the AUUF RE Vision Statement.
  • Works with RE Chair(s) and Committee to develop an RE calendar of classes, events, and activities for the upcoming year.
  • Recruits RE teachers for the September-May RE year.                         
  • Plans and coordinates RE teacher training sessions yearly (more frequently as needed) to familiarize teachers with AUUF policies and RE curriculum options and resources.
  • Works with the RE Committee to implement, promote and support Our Whole Lives (OWL) across the ages covered in the program.
  • Develops a Covenant of Right Relations with the Minister that establishes a working relationship of mutual respect and support.
  • Meets with the Minister, the RE Committee and its Chair(s), and the Board of Trustees to assess and review RE program on a pre-determined, regular basis.
  • Attends Sunday Services and is present during RE class times
  • Coordinates with Minister and Sunday Services Chair/Committee for children and youth to participate regularly in Sunday Services.
  • Coordinates with Minister and Sunday Services Chair/Committee to be a regular/occasional Moment for All Ages presenter selecting stories that support the topic of Sunday’s service and that reflect the mission and values as stated in AUUF documents.
  • Informs playground and nursery care providers of the goals of the RE Program.
  • Supervises and assesses child care providers’ implementation of appropriate child care practices and maintenance of a supportive environment.
  • Join the Liberal Religious Educators Association (LREDA).
  • Adheres to the Code of Professional Practices of the LREDA.

Required Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Job experience in education, counseling, youth or family human service field and/or college degree in education, counseling, youth or family human services. 
  • Experience working with children and the ability to work with youth of all ages.
  • Organize people, funding, materials, and support to accomplish multiple, concurrent goals and activities.
  • Explore own spirituality as well as accept and guide the diverse spiritual paths of others.
  • Keep confidences and adhere to a transparent set of personal and professional values that are congruent with the ministry of the congregation.
  • Able to develop a plan for maintaining and strengthening the existing AUUF RE program.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively with Minister and AUUF Board, volunteers, supervised staff, as well as parents and congregation. Recognize and resolve conflicts effectively, applying principles of active listening, collaboration, and equity.

Desired Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Experience supervising and supporting the work of others
  • Knowledge and/or experience with Unitarian Universalist values and traditions
  • Experience working with children and youth in a group setting

Relationships and Reporting:

Relationships

  • With the Minister: Maintain collegial, collaborative and cooperative relationship as religious professionals. The Minister supervises the DRE and all paid staff.
  • With the Board of Trustees: The Minister interfaces with the Board of Trustees on behalf of the Director of Religious Exploration. The DRE prepares a written report to the Board for each of its monthly meetings. The Minister may request the participation of the DRE at relevant meetings or business of the Board of Trustees.
  • With Other Paid Staff: Maintain collegial, collaborative and cooperative relationships with paid staff as appropriate to their functions and duties. Supervise Nursery and Playground staff.
  • With Volunteers: Recruit capable volunteers and nurture all participants. Provide training and orientation programs for Religious Exploration teachers, helpers and volunteers.
  • With the Congregation: Regularly participate in congregational life to maintain a familiar, respected and visible presence.
  • With the Community: Welcome community members to participate in Religious Exploration activities. Investigate, implement, and cultivate outreach and networking opportunities beyond the congregation and denomination.

Reporting

  • Reports to and meets regularly with the Minister, who also conducts regular evaluations
  • Provide annual Religious Education Development prospectus to Board
  • Prepare a short DRE report for each Board of Trustees meeting. Attend Board meetings as desired and/or at request of Minister under special circumstances
  • Prepare occasional Religious Education reports for the Communications Committee to use in AUUF website and social media
  • Oversight of Religious Education operating budgets and associated accounts in cooperation with RE Committee

Compensation and Benefits

  • Salary within the UUA guidelines for fair compensation: $21,800 (expected to increase next year)
  • Insurance:
    • Health: 40% of UUA sponsored plan’s premium
    • Dental: 50% of UUA dental plan premium
    • Long Term disability, Term life insurance 
  • Retirement: 10% of salary  
  • $2500 for professional expenses
  • Paid vacation: 2 weeks = 40 hours
  • Use of AUUF/DRE computer
  • Office space on-site

Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to the UU Principles of equality and inclusiveness.

To apply please submit a cover letter expressing your interest in this specific employment opportunity and a resume of experiences and qualifications directly related to this position. Email these to amyekaiser@gmail.com. Review of applications will start March 1, 2025.