Who we are:

We are a vibrant Unitarian Universalist community of ~650 members and ~200 friends. Each Sunday we gather to spiritually ground ourselves to do the work of building the community we seek to bring into being. Unitarian Universalism is a faith that is built on covenant not creed, we make promises about how we want to be together and who we want to be in the world. We have a thriving religious education program with 100+ children and youth coming through our building learning and growing together. Our mission is together we grow our souls and serve the world . No small task, but we know we are better together in community.

Our staff team works together to support this mission and build relationships with congregants so that we all thrive. We prioritize balance and working efficiently because the work of church is vast and varied and can come from many directions at once. We see ourselves as a team and intentionally set aside time for fun, connection, and learning together. We know we are here to serve this congregation and faith and keep that at the center of what we do. As we say goodbye to our Director of Religious Education who has served our community for 11 years, we’re looking for an Interim Director of Religious Education to lead our RE staff team, lay leaders, and families with confidence, stability, and an openness to innovation and change where needed.

Who you are:

You understand the fractal nature of reality and your role in the fractal pattern of the church. You are a project manager, comfortable managing a million details that add up to experiences of care, connection, and growth. You are an experienced supervisor who nurtures the growth of your teammates and naturally holds yourself and your team of staff and volunteers to high standards. You understand systems of oppression and how they show up in you, individuals, and institutions and you are comfortable and skilled working to dismantle those systems of oppression in all settings. You have a heart for children, youth and families and you find deep contentment, inspiration and joy in witnessing their growth. You are comfortable in a crisis, set limits effectively, and can communicate hard things with love. You understand faith development at all ages, and the unique spiritual needs of a variety of communities/identities.

Does this sound like a good fit? Read on to see the job details and reach out if we seem like a match!

Position Description

The Interim Director of Religious Education will provide dynamic leadership of the church’s programming for all ages, including adults, elders, children, youth and families. This person works closely with the Ministers, staff and lay leaders of WBUUC to offer opportunities for community building, faith formation, and engagement in the full life of the church for all.

Responsibilities:

• Leadership and oversight of all Religious Education staff, volunteers, and programming

• Provide pastoral support for families as appropriate

• Collaboration with Worship Team and regular worship leadership

• Participate in Staff and Program/Leadership Team

• Ongoing Professional Development and LREDA participation

• Supervise the Religious Education Coordinator, Childcare Staff, and Lead Teachers

• Engage families, children, and youth in a visioning process for future programing

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in staff meetings

• Create content for weekly Family Email, weekly WBUUC E-News, and monthly wrap

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with an emphasis in human development, education or spiritual formation preferred.

• Demonstrated skill in project management, supervision, team leadership, group facilitation, volunteer management, and pastoral care

• Strong background in Unitarian Universalism, liberal theology and faith development across the lifespan. Knowledge of Unitarian Universalist values, history and congregational culture.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, listen well, and to influence, motivate and lead

• Experience honoring tradition and innovating what church can be

• Grounded in the principles of emergent strategy

• Ability to handle conflict in a direct, honest, and transparent way

• Capacity to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously

• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of staff and church leaders and members

• Technologically skilled, with a good understanding of the Google Suite of applications, particularly Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs, and Google Spreadsheets.

• Work or lived experience with communities of color or indigenous peoples is of particular value.

• Strong desire to work in an organization in which the dismantling of white supremacy is a high priority.

These qualifications may be met as a result of lived experience, volunteer work, professional experience, and/or formal and informal training.

Core Competencies

Racial Justice Commitment. (For staff who identify as black, indigenous, or a person of color:) To become familiar with the anti-racism lens that WBUUC is using in racial justice work, specifically, to be familiar with the "Characteristics of White Supremacy” ( https://www.showingupforracialjustice.org/white-supremacy-culture-characteristics.html ) , and to speak up when they feel that white supremacy culture is impacting them and their functioning at work. (For staff who identify as ‘white:’) Commit to ongoing learning and reflection about race, racial identity, racism, and whiteness. A commitment to dismantling white supremacy culture as described here: "Characteristics of White Supremacy” ( https://www.showingupforracialjustice.org/white-supremacy-culture-characteristics.html ), in our staff team and in the congregation and all of its systems, patterns, policies and procedures.

Team Player. Works well in collaboration with others. Finds own sense of purpose and meaning in supporting the larger vision of the church, while simultaneously bringing vision and leadership to the areas within their purview. Publicly supports ministers and staff, while freely bringing concerns/suggestions/thoughts to the ministers and staff in team meetings and private conversations.

Managing vision and purpose. Articulates and supports the vision and mission of WBUUC.

Developing volunteers. Is able to identify and recruit capable people into positions of responsibility; builds people up; maintains open and active dialogue with volunteers; communicates expectations clearly and holds people accountable.

Managing conflict. Deals with problems quickly and directly; steps up to conflicts, seeing them as opportunities; reads situations quickly; focuses when listening; settles disputes collaboratively and equitably; finds common ground and gets cooperation.

Interpersonal relationships. Relates well to a wide range of people, inside and outside of the congregation; builds appropriate rapport; builds effective and constructive relationships; is diplomatic and tactful; is regarded as a team player.

Trust and integrity. Is widely trusted; seen as direct and truthful; keeps confidences; takes responsibility for mistakes; adheres to an appropriate and effective set of core values during good and bad times; acts in line with those values; practices what they preach.

Hours, compensation, and location

This is a full-time (40 hours/week) position that requires working 3-4 Sundays a month and 3 Wednesday evenings during the "church year” (September - June). The salary range for the position is $70,000-90,000 per year. The benefits package for this position includes health insurance, contribution toward a retirement plan, as well as generous vacation, study, and family leave time. The position is based in Mahtomedi, Minnesota.

White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church is committed to creating a diverse and multicultural work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.

If interested, candidates should send a resume and cover letter to Rev. Jessica Clay, revjessica@wbuuc.org. This position will remain open until filled.

White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church | 328 Maple Ave Mahtomedi, MN 55115