Director of Faith Development

Position: Director of Faith Development
Salary: Approx $25,000
Hours: 17 hour/week
Benefits: part time employees are not eligible for benefits
Start Date: June 15, 2023
Apply by: May 1, 2023

Second Unitarian Church (656 W. Barry, Chicago IL) is seeking a 17 hour/week Director of Faith Development (DFD) whose primary area of responsibility will be programming for children and youth, including Sunday morning classes and beyond. We seek a person who is interested in both the overarching vision of the ministry of religious education and faith development within the congregation and also the week-to-week management of classrooms, curricula, and volunteers. This position requires someone who works well both independently and collaboratively, with people of all ages. Strong communications (interpersonal, written, and technological) and administrative/organizational skills are essential in this position, as are a minimum of 2-3 years personal and/or professional experience with education/religious education and demonstrated experience with/commitment to Unitarian Universalist values.

Second Unitarian Church is a congregation with a committed faith development volunteer base, a growing community of young families and children, and a commitment to the development and health of the program. Our DFD will work closely with the Minister (who is also the position’s supervisor) and the Lifespan Faith Development Committee in planning curricula, intergenerational worship, and family rites of passage. We see faith development as an integral part of the ministry of the church, and want our DFD to be a partner in that ministry. With effective stewardship of this program, we see potential for future growth and development.

In 17 hours/week, the DFD will:

•   Administer the program, including (but not limited to) the tasks of registration, attendance, teacher training and scheduling, budgeting, classroom preparation, and communication with parents, teachers, and participants as appropriate;

•   Be present to oversee and support the children and youth faith development program on all but one Sunday each month throughout the year, assisting with worship as determined in collaboration with the minister;

•   Help the Lifespan Faith Development Committee maintain and grow the current program, while helping the congregation adapt and envision the future of faith development at 2U to best serve our congregation and wider community;

•   Network with the congregation to inspire, recruit, and support volunteers as well as engage and inform visitors who have children about the program;

•   With the Lifespan Faith Development Committee, encourage and design social activities for each of the major age groups and families at 2U;

•   Research available UU Faith Development curricula and resources for preschool through youth, as well as review and customize all the Religious Education curriculum based on input provided by volunteer teachers, LFD Council, and parents;

•   Coordinate programs—such as Coming of Age and Our Whole Lives—with other Chicago Area churches and publicize & support participation in youth opportunities in the larger UUA;

•   Act as a representative of the congregation when on site, helping visitors and members with their needs to the best of one’s ability;

•   Write a written report each month for the Church Council meeting about the month’s activities and responsibilities;

•   Attend and participate in Lifespan Faith Development (LFD) Committee meetings, normally held once/month;

•   Participate in weekly supervision meetings with the Minister; and

•   Other duties as assigned within the limitations of time and tasks.

Office/on-site hours will be decided on in consultation with the Minister with the expectation that the DFD will maintain office hours at least one day during the work week in addition to the time required on Sunday for leadership of the Children & Youth Faith Development program. The DFD, like all Sunday staff, has one Sunday off per month (used in conjunction with vacation days when taken).

Queries, cover letters, and resumes can be sent to Rev. Jason Lydon at minister@secondunitarian.org.

send cover letter and resume to minister@secondunitarian.org