Acting Director of Lifelong Learning (Part-time, average of 25 hours/week), Marlborough, MA
Position begins immediately and ending June 30, 2015
The Unitarian Church of Marlborough & Hudson, www.ucmh.org
Send Resume and References to: Barbara Nunes <barbara.nunes@ucmh.org>
Deadline: Until Filled
A Unique Opportunity: We are a small but mighty congregation with 46 members and 11 children and youth that is actively involved in “beyond congregational thinking” and “experilearning” as we seek to adapt our structures to meet the needs of today’s world. Lifespan faith formation has been an integral part of our efforts to bring our vision of growth and transformation into being. We are strongly committed to our Sunday morning faith formation for children and teens and we are especially proud of our Spiritual Growth Center, now finishing its 7th year of operation, which has offered hundreds of programs to thousands of attendees with the goal of “growing spirits – changing the world.” We seek an individual who is passionate about creating intergenerational community with rich opportunities for faith formation at all ages to serve as our Director of Lifelong Learning.
Job Description: Promote intergenerational community and oversee our faith formation programs for all ages, including the Spiritual Growth Center and our Sunday morning programs. Responsibilities will include:
- Work with the Spiritual Growth Center Team to evaluate programs, identify areas of need & interest within the congregation & community, and select programs that reflect the mission/vision of UCMH and promote holistic spiritual growth
- Work with Children’s Faith Formation Team to select & implement curricula for children & teens, adapting curricula for our use as needed
- Regular communication with other staff, program leaders, teachers, parents, and participants regarding programs
- Develop teen program
- Implementation of safe congregation policies
- Coordination of the schedule and structure of all programs
- Providing support to teachers and program leaders as needed, including provision of supplies
- Tracking attendance and maintaining files
- Overseeing production of the Spiritual Growth Center 2015/2016 Winter/Spring brochure
- Leading or hosting select programs
- Provide direction & supervision for church administrator & communications assistant in their work as it relates to faith formation
- Leading Time for Children Old & Young section of the worship service a minimum of 2x per month
- Creating opportunities for children and youth to participate in worship services or to engage in classroom rituals
- Co-leading intergenerational worship services with minister, including special services such as Christmas Eve
- Attendance at e-board meetings as ex-officio member
- Participation in staff meetings, including weekly meeting with the minister
- Preparation of budget requests and tracking spending and other finances
- Hire and supervise nursery care givers and teacher assistants
Accountability: Reports to and is supervised by minister. Works collaboratively with and is accountable to Spiritual Growth Center Team and Children’s Faith Formation Team.
Qualifications: We are looking for a visionary person who loves this work and is eager to be part of our experilearning, outreach and growth. Minimum education: Associate’s degree, preferably in educational or religious field. Credentialed religious educator preferred. Essential skills include:
- Creativity in vision and ideas
- Administrative & organizational skills: attention to details, ability to bring a concept through all phases of development, ability to oversee both short-term and long-term projects
- Welcoming & respectful orientation to all people regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, economic status, or ethnicity
- Strong written & verbal communication skills and comfort with a variety of communication tools, including social media
- Leadership abilities in a cooperative environment (taking initiative, working independently, empowering others, working in collaboration…)
- Knowledge of stages of faith and ability to provide age-appropriate activities and programs to promote faith formation.
- Ability to lead small groups of different age ranges, including planning content and creating safe, supportive environment for discussions
- Strong UU identity and background
- Ability to identify talent and recruit capable people into positions of responsibility, delegate appropriately and maintain open and active dialogue with volunteers
- Interest in personal professional development – training opportunities available
- Ability to improvise, adapt and overcome with a flexible, on-going learning mindset and a sense of humor.
Compensation & Benefits: Compensation will be based on qualifications and will be in accord with the UUA Fair Compensation Guidelines. Benefits package will be negotiated with our candidate and has the potential to include professional expenses, life and disability insurance, and partial coverage of health insurance. This position requires attendance on Sunday mornings through June, with 1 Sunday off per month and any additional time to be discussed. We will support our Director of Lifelong Learning in completing the Religious Education Credentialing Program.
Candidate is welcome to apply for permanent position.