Acting Director of Lifespan Spiritual Exploration Position Description
Unitarian Church of Montpelier
Reports to: Minister
Status: 30 hrs/week (0.75 FTE)
Duration: September 1, 2022 through at least June 30, 2023 (Start date may be adjusted earlier and will be no later than September 1.)
Work Schedule: This position will require in-person work in the church building on most Sunday mornings. Some committee meetings and church programs also take place during the evenings and occasionally on weekends. Office space is provided.
Job Summary:
The Acting Director of Lifespan Spiritual Exploration (DLSE) will continue to innovate UCM’s in-person programming for children, youth, and families during the 2022-2023 church year while maintaining the church’s vision for vibrant spiritual exploration opportunities across the lifespan and across generations. The Acting DLSE is supported by teams of lay leaders assisting in many of the programming tasks and providing guidance in programmatic implementation. The DLSE will report to and be supervised by the Minister.
Congregational Description:
The Unitarian Church of Montpelier is a Unitarian Universalist congregation that welcomes all as we build a loving community to nurture each person’s spiritual journey, serve human need, and protect the Earth, our home. We have a robust ministry spanning worship and music, spiritual exploration, pastoral care, and social and environmental justice. We have 266 certified, active members and another 200 or so nonmember “friends” of the congregation. Our Lifespan Spiritual Exploration programs reach about 60 different families and 75 children and youth of the congregation.
Essential Functions
Spiritual Exploration Programming (20-22 hrs/wk)
- Create, implement, and support Spiritual Exploration programs and curricula grounded in current UUA resources and emerging best practices, including:
- Children, youth, and family programming Sunday mornings and throughout the week;
- Coming of Age, Our Whole Lives, Middle School Youth Group, and High School Youth Group;
- Sunday morning nursery care and programming.
- Create and implement programs for multi-generational connection, community-building, and service, including outdoor offerings;
- Recruit, empower, support, and supervise Spiritual Exploration leaders, teachers, facilitators, and volunteers to carry out UCM’s LSE programming;
- Support families in integrating Unitarian Universalism in their daily lives;
- Collaborate with the Minister and Ministerial Coordinator for Adult LSE as needed on the implementation of adult lifespan spiritual exploration programs
Worship (4-6 hrs/wk)
- Participate in weekly worship planning meetings and monthly Worship & Arts Committee meetings;
- Participate in Sunday morning worship services as appropriate, including regularly leading the Time for All Ages;
- Lead and support Sunday morning worship experiences for children and youth;
- Collaborate with the worship team on the meaningful integration of children and youth in Sunday morning worship;
- Collaborate with the Minister to develop and lead occasional multigenerational services;
- Assist with Rites of Passage as appropriate (Child Dedications, Coming of Age, Bridging of youth, etc.).
Administration (2-4 hrs/wk)
- Monitor expenditures of the LSE budget;
- Promote Spiritual Exploration programs for all ages (in collaboration with the Ministerial Coordinator for Adult LSE) through appropriate communication channels, including a regular newsletter;
- Serve on the Safe Congregations Response Team and ensure that volunteers are educated and meet the criteria set forth in UCM’s Sexual Abuse Prevention, Education, and Prevention Policy (SAPER);
- Supervise nursery staff and child care providers;
- Oversee classroom set-up and the organization and maintenance of supplies;
- Oversee the management of curriculum materials and libraries;
- Oversee the maintenance of current records and files regarding all aspects of the administration of spiritual exploration programming, including attendance and registration records.
Other Responsibilities (2-4 hrs/wk)
- Work closely with the Congregational Life Coordinator, Membership & Hospitality Committee, and staff to foster a welcoming environment and keep families, children and youth connected to the church;
- Participate in regular meetings with the minister, staff, executive team, lifespan spiritual exploration committee and worship and arts committee.
Core Competencies
Mission Ownership: Demonstrates understanding and full support of UCM’s mission, vision, and strategic plan and the Eight* Principles and Six Sources of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Works toward the achievement of UCM’s mission and guides those involved in all aspects of Spiritual Exploration ministry to do the same. (*as adopted by UCM on February 13, 2022)
Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates ability to lead others and work with a variety of people. Demonstrates the skills of active listening and acceptance of critical feedback. Productively engages others and resolves conflict. Engages people positively with a spirit of generosity.
Problem Solving: As issues arise, is able to create and implement solutions to resolve conflicts.
Management Skills: Demonstrates ability to fulfill commitments, maintain flexibility, prioritize tasks and approach work with a high level of organizational skills. Marshals resources (people, funding, materials, support) to get things done.
Leadership: Demonstrates a repertoire of leadership styles to help guide others in meetings and small group settings. Shows commitment to deeply collaborative work.
Spiritual Maturity: Demonstrates a deep spiritual life from which to draw strength and inspiration to others.
Lifelong Learning: Demonstrates commitment to lifelong learning and spiritual growth. Pursues a plan of professional growth and maintains membership in the Liberal Religious Education Association (LREDA).
UCM is committed to providing supportive supervision and professional development opportunities for the DLSE to continue to grow and develop these core competencies.
Minimum Qualifications
- At least three years of experience directing, coordinating and/or teaching an educational program;
- Knowledge of Unitarian Universalism and the history of the denomination and demonstrated commitment to liberal religious values;
- Demonstrated interpersonal, organizational, communication, leadership and management skills, including public speaking skills;
- Demonstrated supervisory skills;
- Experience in program development;
- Strong written and oral communication skills;
- Ability to use computers, mobile devices, electronic and social media platforms;
- Proof of full vaccination against Covid-19 submitted before start of employment with UCM. In addition, staying up to date on Covid-19 vaccination is strongly recommended for all UCM employees.
Preferred Training and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field;
- At least two years experience working as a Director of Religious Education.
Compensation
The salary for this position follows the UUA Salary Recommendations (Geo Index 2, Midsize II) and is commensurate with experience and credentialing. The position also includes health insurance coverage, professional development expenses, and leave time according to the UCM Personnel Policies.
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply, please send the following items to ucm.apply@gmail.com with the subject “Acting Director of Lifespan Spiritual Exploration.”
- A cover letter explaining your motivation to apply, interest in the position, and relevant skills and experience
- Resume
- Two professional references
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
The Unitarian Church of Montpelier is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from women, people of color and other members of underrepresented groups who will contribute to the diversity of our staff.