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Director of Family Ministry

Position Summary 

United First Parish Church (UFPC) of Quincy, Massachusetts, seeks a dynamic, energetic, part-time Director of Family Ministry (DFM) to lead and grow our lifespan religious education program, nourish and support a thriving multigenerational religious community, and promote the congregation and our religious education program in the wider community. We encourage candidates to bring their creativity and imagination to the position. 

The DFM serves an average of 25 hours per week from September to June (including Sundays) and an additional two weeks (50 hours) to be worked in July and August at times convenient to the DFM. Work can be done in a combination of onsite and remote settings. We are an equal opportunity employer and abide by UUA Fair Compensation Guidelines. 

Congregational Context

United First Parish Church is a welcoming and theologically diverse spiritual community with a history that stretches back to 1636. Our small, kind, and caring congregation is committed to spiritual growth, creative expression, freedom of thought, and social justice. Our multigenerational community of 97 adult members includes approximately 10 families with children and teenagers. Also known as “Church of the Presidents,” we are open for historic tours seven months of the year. UFPC is located in the heart of Quincy Center and is accessible by public transportation via the Red Line, commuter rail, and bus. Please note, our historic building is not ADA compliant, though it is wheelchair accessible. 

Relationships 

• Reports to the Minister 
• Recruits, trains, and supports religious education volunteers 
• Supervises and supports Sunday morning childcare staff 
• Works collaboratively with the Religious Education Committee, ministers (Minister, Community Ministers, Intern Minister), and other individuals and committees related to family ministry 
• Serves the children, youth, and families of the religious education program and the greater multigenerational mission of the congregation 
• Forms collegial connections with other religious educators and joins the Liberal Religious Educators Association (LREDA) 

Responsibilities 

In collaboration with the Religious Education Committee and Minister, the DFM manages and directs all religious education programs for children and youth, coordinates religious education programs for adults, and supports the growth of our family ministry. Listed below are specific duties involved. They are not all-inclusive and may include others. 

Religious Education Program for Children and Youth: 

• Selects and adapts curricula for children’s religious education program 
• Serves as a lead teacher in the Sunday morning church school 
• Recruits, trains, supports, and supervises volunteers 
• Prepares and arranges curricula, supplies, and classrooms, as needed 
• Coordinates periodic field trips or service projects for children and / or youth  2 
• Coordinates a Coming-of-Age Program for teens, generally held every two to three years 
• Coordinates Our Whole Lives for Grades 7-9, generally held every two to three years, often in partnership with another area congregation 
• Develops and supports the youth group and youth advisors 

Religious Education Program for Adults 

• In collaboration with the ministers and volunteers, coordinate periodic adult religious education workshops or classes throughout the year 

Family Engagement 

• Greets, orients, and connects with visiting families 
• Creates opportunities for families and parents to connect in community, in collaboration with Religious Education Committee and Congregational Life Committee 
• Supports and empowers families as primary religious educators 

Worship 

• Gives the Message for All Ages during Sunday morning worship approximately twice a month 
• Collaborates with the Minister to create periodic multigenerational worship services including a Water Ceremony, Thanksgiving Service, Nativity Tableau, and Flower Communion 
• Assist the Minister to lead rites of passage such as Child Dedications, Coming of Age, and Bridging Ceremonies 
• Support youth in crafting an annual Coming of Age or youth-led service 

Growth 

• In collaboration with the staff and Board, develop a plan to promote and grow our lifespan religious education program and attract new families 

Administration 

• Develop goals for the family ministry program, in collaboration with the RE Committee and Minister 
• Maintains RE registration and attendance records 
• Manages, assesses, and reviews religious education budget and spending 
• Coordinates with the Office and Property Manager regarding the appearance, maintenance, and use of religious education facilities 
• Meets with the Minister weekly, the full staff monthly, and other staff as needed 
• Meets regularly with, and fosters the leadership of, the Religious Education Committee 
• Supports and implements Safe Congregations and religious education policies 
• Supervises and supports Sunday morning childcare staff 
• Attends monthly Board of Governors meetings 

Communications 

• Maintains and nurtures strong relationships with families and volunteers 
• Communicates with and supports staff, teachers, and volunteers as needed 
• Is accessible by phone, email, and for in-person meetings, as needed 
• Provides lifespan religious education announcements for publication in the weekly email and order of service announcements, quarterly newsletter, and as needed email blasts to the RE families and volunteers   
• Oversees the religious education section on congregational website, in collaboration with the Religious Education and Communication Committees 
• Writes brief monthly Board reports and annual reports 

Qualifications 

• Knowledge of and passion for liberal religious education and Unitarian Universalist curricula, and a commitment to Unitarian Universalism 
• Bachelor’s degree in education, world religions, community organizing, or equivalent background 
• Experience working with children and families 
• Experience supervising volunteers 
• Strong organizational and administrative skills 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills in working with all ages 
• Computer software skills – Google Suite, MS Word, web-based resources, social media, and willingness to learn other software as needed 

Compensation and Benefits 

Start Date: August or September 2022 (date to be negotiated) 

Position: 25 hours/week, 45 weeks/year 

Salary: $24,000 - $28,000 based on experience and the UUA guidelines for Geo Index 6. 

Limited Benefits: Access to UUA Health & Dental Insurance, Retirement, Life and LTD; $1,000 benefits stipend, and $1,000 in professional expenses, paid vacation, and flexible work schedule. 

Supervisor: Minister 

To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to: United First Parish Church, Attn: DRE Search Committee, 1306 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA 02169; fax: 617-773-7499; or email office@ufpc.org. Applications will be reviewed upon submission.