Title: Director of Faith Formation
Reports to: Minister
FLSA Status: Nonexempt
Hours and schedule: Average 20 hours/week
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Sundays during the program year
Some Sunday afternoons with Youth Co-op
Weekday and evening hours, variable
Some hours may be worked remotely
Benefits: Paid Time Off, paid holidays, workers compensation, retirement contributions, professional development funds to cover membership in the professional association of religious educators, potential to pursue a Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Religious Education Credential.
Date revised: January 22, 2024
Purpose of Position
- Direct a volunteer-led Faith Formation program for children and youth from birth through high school. Through multigenerational community building, support families in a) teaching Unitarian Universalist values and b) practicing those values every day. Offer resources to meet the spiritual needs of contemporary families.
Core Competencies
- Overall Demeanor: Is eager to learn; maintains positive composure and patience; remains emotionally flexible and able to adapt.
- Organization and Planning: Organizes people, funding, materials, and support to accomplish multiple, concurrent goals and activities.
- Vision and Purpose: Supports Unitarian Universalist values, as well as the values, mission, and end statements of Peoples Church UU.
- Trust and Integrity: Is widely trusted to keep confidences, admit errors, and adhere to a transparent set of personal and professional values that are congruent with the ministry and mission of the congregation.
- Conflict Management: Recognizes and resolves conflicts effectively, applying principles of active listening, collaboration, and equity.
Ethical Responsibilities
- Abide by the Code of Professional Practices (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HgLgUVYNXvJIcsyvj40Jl7biICagI6MtDxkKVYN6xOk/edit#heading=h.ld4g27x3igdg) set forth by the Liberal Religious Educators Association (https://www.lreda.org/new)
Essential Functions
- Collaborate with the Faith Formation Council to plan, administer, implement, and evaluate a multifaceted Faith Formation program for a variety of stakeholders, including families, children, youth, and the congregation as a whole.
- Communicate effectively with families and the congregation-at-large via various modes and in various locations.
- Select and plan activities for children and youth that build community and support people in developing and acting on their Unitarian Universalist values.
- Recruit, train, schedule, and support faith formation volunteers and Nursery Attendants, including for classrooms; nursery; and unique programs, such as Our Whole Lives (OWL) and Coming of Age (COA).
- Support the Cedar Rapids Youth Co-op in conjunction with adult leaders of five other congregations; help plan and implement youth group activities.
- Participate in and help lead multigenerational worship in collaboration with the minister and other worship leaders.
- Manage and monitor the Faith Formation budget with supporting documentation.
- Maintain attendance records, curricular resources, classroom supplies, and equipment.
Qualifications
- Qualifications may be met as a result of education, professional experience, volunteer work, informal training, and/or equivalent lived experiences.
- Knowledge of Unitarian Universalism, or a desire to learn.
- Experience with developing and supporting educational programs for young people.
- Familiarity with educational methods; learning styles; children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development; and age-appropriate activities.
- Ability to operate a windows computer and a variety of software applications, including Word, Excel, Google Suite, OneDrive, and Outlook.
- Experience with leading and engaging multigenerational groups in share activities.
- Experience with supporting relationships within multigenerational groups, nurturing spiritual development and growth across the ages.
- Ability to create and uphold appropriate boundaries.
How To Apply
We are committed to developing a diverse and talented staff team. If you are excited about this role, but unsure whether you meet 100% of the requirements, we encourage you to inquire and/or apply. On-site training tailored to the specific system at Peoples Church will be provided.
- Email a cover letter and your resume to humanresources@peoplesuu.org. In your cover letter, please provide examples of experience specifically related to the essential functions listed above.
- The starting hourly wage is $18.00 – $22.00, depending on experience.
- Membership in Peoples Church is highly discouraged; exceptions can be granted by the minister.
- Start date: February 1, 2025, or when a suitable candidate is hired.
Learn more about Peoples Church Unitarian Universalist at: https://peoplesuu.org/about-peoples/
Learn more about our Faith Formation program at: https://peoplesuu.org/faith-formation/
Still have questions? Contact our minister, Rev. Carin Bringelson at: minister@peoplesuu.org.