Sandy Spring Friends Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends

Job Description: Religious Education Coordinator

Application Deadline: May 20, 2024

Sandy Spring Monthly Meeting (SSMM) of the Religious Society of Friends, Sandy Spring, Maryland, is an unprogrammed Quaker meeting with a diverse community.  The Meeting seeks a Religious Education Coordinator to assist and enhance the Religious Education Committee’s work (RE Committee). 

SSMM is an inclusive and antiracist faith community that values diversity and equality.  The Meeting does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. We seek someone who embraces these values.

The Meeting has faced challenges, particularly with the impact of the pandemic on our First-Day School (Sunday School) program. The RE Committee is committed to the Faith & Play (Godly Play) curriculum as a foundation for our elementary-age children.  

The Position: Religious Education Coordinator, in collaboration with the Religious Education Committee and Young Friends, will support and coordinate the religious education activities within the Meeting.  The position reports to the RE Committee and works closely with volunteers, ensuring the growth and success of the FDS program. 

Parttime, 20 hours per week

Supervision & Oversight:  The Coordinator meets regularly with the RE Committee and weekly with the Meeting Coordinator to coordinate communication and schedules.  A member of the Religious Education Committee, also an ex-officio of the Personnel Committee, serves as the immediate supervisor in consultation with the Religious Education Committee.  

SSMM seeks 1) an individual dedicated to nurturing the spiritual development of children; 2) an individual who enjoys serving as a welcoming and inclusive presence at gatherings of children, youth, and adults;  3) a creator of exciting ideas to implement creative and inclusive programming; and 4) a warm and welcoming presence with an ability to organize, keep records, and know who’s who.  

Do you enjoy children, recognizing the Light (the Divine) within all, welcoming all, and ensuring that all feel they belong?  Do you enjoy exploring spiritual development in children and youth and developing programs, activities, and curricula to nurture children and youth’s spiritual growth?  Do you enjoy working with youth, supporting their exploration of faith as they seek to create their community that works for peace and justice?  Do you enjoy taking established lesson plans and materials, exploring new ideas, and working with a dedicated RE Committee and volunteers to build an exciting program that serves the whole child and youth?

Responsibilities:

  1. Oversight, planning, and organization of the FDS program with the RE Committee.

  2. Thinking creatively to bring ideas to help us be a more inclusive and welcoming Community.

  3. Implement the Faith and Play curriculum or other curricula chosen by the RE Committee including teaching, training, and recruiting volunteers for training.

  4. Teach, recruit, coordinate, and assist volunteer teachers for First Day School (FDS).

  5. Develop lesson plans and/or curriculum as needed for volunteer teachers, and communicate with teachers and assistants to prepare for Sundays.

  6. Research and develop additional religious and spiritual education material for children and youth.  Become familiar with aspects of spiritual development for children, youth, and adults.

  7. Maintenance of records, rosters, schedules, attendance, and budget.

  8. Ensure compliance with the Meeting’s Child Protection Policy and conduct background checks for all volunteers.

  9. Purchase and organize supplies, maintaining the FDS rooms.

  10. Annual review of the Child Protection Policy with the RE Committee.

  11. Offer or arrange professional development as needed for volunteers.

  12. Attendance on Sundays is essential, with possible arrangements for shared responsibilities.

  13. Compliance with SSMM policies, Employee Handbook, including Child Protection Policy

  14. Other duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications:

  1. Ability to work with children, teenagers, and families.

  2. Experience in teaching and program and curriculum development for children and youth.

  3. Strong organizational and written/digital communication skills.

  4. Self-started and disciplined in responding to multiple demands.

  5. Demonstrated desire and ability to work effectively with a wide variety of individuals.

  6. Experience overseeing others & facilitating constructive dialogue with children and families.

  7. Budget management experience.

  8. Commitment to Quaker values and an open and affirming religious community. 

  9. Familiarity with Quaker faith and practices.

  10. Flexibility in addressing challenging situations and maintaining a calm and professional demeanor.

  11. CPR or First Aid certification is preferred.

  12. Must have reliable transportation

  13. Must be able to lift 25 lbs.

Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@sandyspring.org by May 20, 2024. Applications will be reviewed and notified by mid-June and the position will begin in August of 2024.