We are Hiring a Coordinator of Religious Exploration!

Job Description

The Coordinator of Religious Exploration (CRE) for the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Bozeman (UUFB) works closely with and receives significant support from the minister, church staff, part-time Religious Exploration staff, and committed volunteers, including the Lifetime Religious Exploration Committee, to select, design, plan and implement age- and developmentally appropriate programs for children and youth.

The CRE will be provided with professional development funds separate from compensation to cover such costs as attendance at professional conferences, continuing education programs, workshops and retreats, membership in appropriate professional organizations, and/or resources/materials to further professional development.

The CRE provides support, referrals, and/or resources to families who are interested in programs which are not currently offered by UUFB.

The CRE supervises part-time staff for Children’s Religious Exploration and childcare (not currently being offered).

The CRE will:

• In conjunction with the Lifespan Religious Exploration (LRE) Committee and Minister, formulate philosophy, policy, and goals for the religious exploration programs (toddlers, children, and youth);
• Design and/or select curricula with assistance from the LRE Committee and Minister while being open to input from parents and Fellowship members.
• Coordinate and oversee all RE programs for nursery through youth. Currently this includes Sunday School, monthly intergenerational after-service events, and the occasional childcare during special events (not more than a handful of times/yearly).

Core Duties:

• Recruit, train, schedule, encourage, assist, and support teachers, assistants, and volunteers working with the RE programs.
• Organize classes, select curriculum, order classroom supplies and teach RE classes as appropriate.
• Works with the minister to select a weekly Story for All Ages.
• Communicate with parents of children and endeavor to stimulate their interest and participation in the children’s Religious Exploration program.
• In conjunction with the LRE Committee, compose a monthly column and/or news items for the UUFB newsletter. Post RE events on UUFB calendar, listserv, e-news, and Social Hall bulletin board.
• Coordinate multigenerational services with the Minister and the Sunday Service Committee (not more than a handful of services/year).
• Maintain a roster of enrolled students and approved classroom substitutes. Keep attendance and registration records; review annually.
• Give the LRE Chair relevant agenda items for LRE Committee meetings. The CRE will be an ex-officio member of the LRE Committee without a vote.
• In cooperation with the Minister, prepare an annual budget proposal for presentation and adoption by the UUFB Board. Track expenses, reporting quarterly to the LRE committee.
• Attempt to attend at least one training module or district development meeting yearly.
• Assess effectiveness of RE programs at least once each year.
• Conduct background checks on staff and volunteers as appropriate and ensure compliance with UUFB Safe Congregation Policies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Sunday morning duties (including time before, during and after Services):

• Greet the teachers, children and their parents each Sunday as they arrive.
• Ensure that teachers and volunteers have what is needed for lessons in a timely manner.
• Introduce new families to the RE program and obtain registrations from these families.
• With teachers and volunteers, ensure setup and cleanup of classrooms.

Potential Additional Duties as Interest Arises and Time Permits

• Coordinate and oversee Youth Group
• Coordinate and oversee Our Whole Lives (OWL) Sexuality Education
• Co Facilitate Adult Religious Education classes designed for parents as needs arise.

Qualifications: (Required)

• Minimum of an Associate’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum age requirement 21.
• Experience with programs for youth and/or children.
• Skilled at recruiting, training and supervising volunteers.
• Must be able to pass a background check.
• Must support the Principles and Values of Unitarian Universalism.
• Must have excellent communication, organizational, and computer skills.

Qualifications: (Preferred)

• Ability to work without supervision.
• Ability to set priorities.
• Flexibility and comfort with unexpected circumstances (.eg fluctuating attendance).
• Ability to work with a team.
• Mandatory Reporting Training (will be required).

How to Apply:

To apply please email a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to Rev. Margo Rinehart at uufbwork@uufbozeman.org. Please title the email “CRE Position Application.” The application deadline is December 6th, 2024.

Unitarian Universalism is a progressive and historic religious denomination. While it is not generally required or expected that an applicant/employee identify as a Unitarian Universalist, all UUFB staff members are expected to perform their job duties in accordance with UU values, principles and mission. In particular, the following points, drawn from the Seven UU Principles, are of particular importance for the UUFB work environment and staff culture:

• The inherent worth and dignity of every human being: We affirm the need for a human-centered workplace that allows our diverse staff to flourish. We also understand that our wider culture and society oppresses and denies human dignity, and we seek to counter the effects of that oppression in our hiring and workplace culture so that each person feels whole and valued.
• Justice, equity and compassion in human relations, and the goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all: We speak openly and publicly of our support for social and political issues, including LGBTQ equity, racial justice, climate justice, gender equity, and reproductive justice.
• The interdependent web of existence: We recognize that the liberation of all people is interwoven, and we work to counter patriarchy, white supremacy, colonialism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, environmental exploitation, and other interrelated systems of marginalization.

(Credit to UUA for EEO statement)

Job Type: Part-time, 14 hours per week

The CRE schedule is generally flexible, though they will be expected to work most Sunday mornings. The CRE has one Sunday off per month. Other Sundays off are possible with the approval of the supervisor and if CRE has arranged coverage.

Pay: $20.00 per hour