Title: Religious Education Coordinator and Youth Group Leader

Department: Lifespan Religious Education

Reports to: Director of Lifespan Religious Education (DLRE)

Start Date: May 30, 2024

Schedule: 16 Hours per week with core hours on Sunday 9-1 and other times including evening and weekend events

Pay Range: $18-$20 per hour depending on experience

About the Position: This role is designed to support our growth from a children and family-focused program to a lifespan religious education model. You’ll support the development, administration, and delivery of meaningful religious education and faith development experiences for all ages, from infants to elders.

Specifically, we’re looking for candidates to bring their drive, creativity, and vision to grow a thriving program for middle school through high school youth. A main focus of the role will be leading regular youth programming, which you will shape in collaboration with the youth and the team.

The ideal candidate is someone looking for an opportunity to bring some of their own vision and personality to a small team in a dynamic, growing program. We hope to grow together!

Key Responsibilities:

• Work with DLRE to manage planning and delivery of weekly Sunday morning children’s and adult programming, including material preparation, room setup, and volunteer coordination and supervision
• Represent the program and participate in direct outreach to families and volunteers in person, by email, and by phone
• Draft external communications, including flyers, brochures, emails, and social media posts
• Drive programming selection, planning, and delivery for middle and high school youth group(s), including regular youth group sessions and special events
• Drive outreach and publicity efforts for youth and young adult programs and special events
• Lead weekly youth group sessions in partnership with staff team and volunteers
• Serve as a primary point of contact for families of middle and high school youth
• Other duties as assigned

Required Skills/Abilities

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Experience working with middle or high school youth
• Strong commitment to community service and Unitarian Universalist values
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work collaboratively
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills for event planning and execution
• Computer proficiency for scheduling, communicating, and promoting
• Familiarity with Unitarian Universalism
• Independent work ethic alongside the ability to work closely with a team

Preferred Skills/Abilities:

• Event planning experience and creativity in program development
• Graphic design skills are a plus
• CPR or first aid certification

About First Unitarian

First Unitarian is a diverse congregation committed to addressing personal and societal challenges with passionate action for the healing of the world. Our Lifespan Religious Education (LRE) program offers opportunities for ethical, social, and spiritual growth for children, youth, and adults in a nurturing spiritual community. We celebrate and affirm the active engagement of LGBTQ members, friends, and their families.

To Apply:

Send a resume and cover letter to Elizabeth McCreless, Director of Lifespan Religious Education, at dlre@firstuchicago.org.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 16 per week

Benefits:

• Professional development assistance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• Are you available to work Sundays 8:00 am - 2:00 pm in Hyde Park most weeks?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Chicago, IL 60637 (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60637