First Parish in Brookline, Unitarian Universalist
HOURS: Part-time: 20 hours
COMPENSATION: $31,700-35,200 annually (depending on experience level)
Start Date: September 1, 2024
This position will remain open until filled.
OVERVIEW
First Parish in Brookline, a Unitarian Universalist congregation, seeks a Religious Exploration Coordinator for the upcoming church year. The congregation membership is approximately 150 adults, with 20 children currently enrolled in the RE program. We are looking for a dynamic, energetic, flexible and grounded individual to help develop and implement religious exploration programming and events that serve the needs of the children, youth and families (in their many forms) in the congregation. We seek a detail-oriented, collaborative, motivated, and highly organized person who has experience working with children and youth.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Religious Exploration for Children and Youth (Nursery – Grade 12)
- Collaborate with the Religious Exploration (RE) Committee to plan and manage the overall program, including registration, family and teacher outreach, updating of RE activities on church calendar and program logistics
- Coordinate with Worship Committee on child/youth-specific aspects of Sunday services
- Coordinate with Minister and Pastoral Care to support families in times of need
- Engage with church committees (Climate Justice Action, Racial Justice Action, etc.) to coordinate and amplify events of interest to children and youth
- Develop strategies with committees and stakeholders to sustain and grow membership
- Create opportunities for new RE families to connect with the staff and congregation
- Bridge First Parish with other local communities thru RE-related events by drafting descriptions of upcoming events and providing them to church members to share
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
- Bachelor’s degree or higher, preferably with a focus on education
- At least one year of experience working with children in an educational or spiritual setting. Credentialed Religious Educator or equivalent experience is a plus.
- Familiarity with Unitarian Universalism and its liberal religious theology, values and programs preferred, or an openness and commitment to learn
- Strong organizational skills and ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- Ability to communicate clearly and collaborate effectively with congregants, parents, youth, volunteers, and other staff members
- Strength with email and messaging communications, MS Office and Google Docs, member management software, and online scheduling/coordination systems (mailing lists, calendars). Experience with social media promotion and media production is a plus.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
The CRE will work collaboratively with the Senior Minister and the RE Committee. The position will be supervised, and performance will be evaluated by the Senior Minister, with input from the RE Committee and other stakeholders. The role will also have a small amount of supervision responsibilities over caregivers hired for the nursery or special events.
SCHEDULE AND BENEFITS
This is a Part-time, 12-month position, with benefits, vacation, sick leave and personal time off as outlined in the First Parish in Brookline personnel policy. You can view all of our policies, bylaws, and more at: https://firstparishinbrookline.org/aboutfpb/reports/
- The active church year runs from September through June (summer services are lay led in July and August). The CRE will be expected to be at church on Sundays from September to June. Afternoon, Evening and Weekend-only hours are possible.
- The CRE will also be expected to maintain scheduled office hours, participate in staff meetings, and attend evening or weekend meetings and church events as requested.
- Preparation for the next church year happens during the summer. A flexible summer schedule may be negotiated.
- Continuing education, training and participation in conferences and professional gatherings are important for the professional development of the CRE. Continuing education and study leave time are offered as part of our professional benefits package; such time to be approved by the CRE supervisor.
- Sponsored membership in Liberal Religious Educators Association (LREDA) available
ABOUT FIRST PARISH IN BROOKLINE
Our Mission
Called by Love, Sustained by Community, Committed to Justice
We strive to be a welcoming, diverse, and loving congregation that nurtures spiritual growth for individuals and families, celebrates multicultural community, and works together to demand social justice, dismantle racism, and care for our living Earth.
Employment
All employment decisions at First Parish are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, religion or belief, gender identity, sexual orientation, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations of the state of Massachusetts. First Parish will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. We are committed to building a diverse, representative staff and strongly encourage applications from all faiths, genders, sexualities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and underrepresented groups.
For more information or to apply: send a resume and cover letter to our search team via office@firstparishinbrookline.org