Director of Religious Exploration

About Unitarian Universalism

Unitarian Universalism (UU) is a religious tradition that encourages a lifelong search for truth and meaning. Rather than requiring a shared creed, Unitarian Universalists are united by shared values, including love, justice, compassion, equity, and respect for the inherent worth and dignity of every person. We draw wisdom from many religious, philosophical, and cultural traditions while fostering spiritual growth, ethical living, and service to our communities.

Director of Religious Exploration (DRE) 2026

The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Wayne County (UUFWC) seeks to welcome, nurture, and inspire children, youth, and families as they explore their spiritual journeys together. We are seeking a dynamic, creative, and compassionate Director of Religious Exploration (DRE) who will provide professional leadership for our Religious Exploration program, cultivate meaningful relationships with children and youth, and develop engaging programming that reflects Unitarian Universalist values.

Congregation

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Wayne County (UUFWC)

3186 Burbank Road

Wooster, OH 44691

• Members: 164
• Friends: 100
• Children & Youth: Approximately 50

Position Summary

The Director of Religious Exploration provides leadership, administration, and oversight for the Fellowship's Religious Exploration program for children and youth. Working collaboratively with staff, volunteers, families, and congregational leaders, the DRE creates a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment where young people can grow spiritually and build meaningful community.

Reporting Relationships

The Director of Religious Exploration is hired by the Board of Directors and reports to the Minister, who serves as Chief of Staff. The DRE supervises the Nursery Caregiver and works closely with staff, volunteers, and congregational leaders.

Primary Responsibilities

While many of these responsibilities are accomplished through collaboration with volunteers, the Director of Religious Exploration is ultimately responsible for ensuring they are completed.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with Fellowship staff in alignment with the congregation's covenant
• Attend staff meetings and Committee Council meetings
• Maintain regular communication with staff and congregants through office hours and email
• Meet with the Minister as needed to coordinate programming and pastoral support
• Collaborate with the Minister in planning exploratory worship services, rites of passage, and special worship experiences

Worship & Religious Exploration

• Coordinate and oversee the Time for All Ages during Sunday worship from September through May
• Select and implement age-appropriate Religious Exploration curricula
• Develop the annual Sunday schedule for volunteer facilitators
• Oversee the Our Whole Lives (OWL) sexuality education program for elementary and youth participants
• Coordinate youth programming, including Coming of Age and Religious Pluralism programs
• Maintain the We Worship space in Strawn Hall

Volunteer & Staff Leadership

• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and support nursery staff.
• Recruit, orient, train, guide, and encourage volunteer facilitators, youth advisors, and other Religious Education volunteers

Safety & Administration

• Maintain and implement the Fellowship's Safety Policy for Children and Youth
• Review and update safety procedures as needed
• Ensure a safe physical environment through regular inspections, safety drills, and volunteer training
• Maintain confidential records of background checks for staff and volunteers
• Keep registration, attendance, budget, and expense records current in collaboration with Fellowship staff
• Maintain program supplies, equipment, and educational resources

Communication & Professional Development

• Promote the Religious Exploration program through the Fellowship newsletter and other communications
• Prepare an annual report for presentation at the congregation's Annual Meeting
• Follow established policies and procedures while recommending improvements when appropriate
• Participate in district and regional Religious Education conferences, workshops, and continuing education opportunities to remain current with best practices and emerging resources

Qualifications

Required

• Successful completion of a criminal background check
• Education, training, or experience working with children and youth
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development and positive behavior guidance
• Understanding of best practices for creating safe, nurturing environments for children and youth
• Understanding of and commitment to Unitarian Universalism, including the Fellowship's mission, vision, and shared values
• Commitment to continued learning and engagement within the Unitarian Universalist faith and wider UU community

Preferred

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive relationships with children, youth, parents, volunteers, and staff
• Ability to work independently with sound judgment and initiative
• Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software
• Experience with or willingness to learn Google Workspace
• Experience with or willingness to learn Mailchimp for congregational communications

Employment Status & Compensation

• Part-time, minimum of 10 hours per week- maximum of 30 hours per week (maximum 1,560 hours annually)
• One Sunday off each month
• Hourly rate of $18-19.55 per hour based on experience
• Health, dental, vision, and retirement benefits if working over 15 hours weekly
• Supervision of and participation in two overnight retreats or out-of-town trips each year, with a $100 stipend for each trip
• Annual professional development budget equal to 10% of salary
• Paid twice monthly at an hourly rate following submission of hours to the Fellowship Administrator

At the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Wayne County, we believe children and youth are vital members of our community and deserve a religious education that encourages curiosity, compassion, justice, and joy. We welcome applicants who are excited to help young people grow in faith while fostering an inclusive and loving community for all.

Pay: $18.00 - $19.55 per hour

Expected hours: 10.0 – 30.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $20