Director of Religious Education Job Description

Director of Religious Education

Church of the Resurrection

Ellicott City, Maryland 

Job Description

Responsibilities Summary:

The DRE works with the pastor, staff, school, pastoral council and appropriate committees to set policies, goals and objectives for the K-8 catechetical program that are consistent with the parish mission statement and to design and implement the program according to archdiocesan policy.

Job Functions:

·       Conduct needs assessment and set priorities that provide catechetical opportunities for parish youth in grades K-8.

·       Maintain regular written communication with parents and be available to respond to concerns of parents during posted office hours.

·       Review and recommend the selection of texts and support materials for students, parents and catechists.

·       Plan and publicize program events and schedule facilities use.

·       Supervise registration and assignment of students to classes, record keeping and ordering of program materials.

·       Supervise the religious education administrative staff, currently a full time ARE, and two part-time secretaries.

·       Recruit, train, assign, support and evaluate volunteer catechetical staff.

·       Provide supervision of site based classes and related programs.

·       Prepare, defend and monitor the budget for the K-8 program.

·       Attend staff, pastoral council and appropriate committee meetings to provide catechetical program updating, resourcing and advocacy.

·       Maintain communication with archdiocesan offices, participate in in-service days and complete requested reports.

·       Develop and pursue personal professional growth plan and maintain membership in professional organizations.

·       Provide Stand training and follow the archdiocesan policies for the protection of youth.

·       Instruct catechist on emergency procedures at the parish campus.  A emergency procedures manual is to be given to all volunteer and paid staff.

·       Religious Education Days are Saturday from 1-6 pm for the middle school 2 per semester (trimester); Sunday 1-6 pm for the middle school 2 per semester (trimester) and elementary school from 3 to 7:15 pm for 18 sessions; Monday evening for K-8 from 5 pm to 7:30 pm for 18 sessions.  Return classrooms and other facilities to good order for use of the parochial school.  Lock up the building after the sessions.

·       Direct the family catechetical program –choose texts books, provide meetings opportunities for all the families in the Family Program.

·       Sacramental preparation is a separate program and is assigned to another member of the parish staff.

Education/Experience Required:

·       Master’s Degree in Religious Education, Theology or Pastoral Studies, or approved equivalent, and at least three years full-time experience in religious education.

Skills/Knowledge Required:

·       Organizational, administrative and supervisory skills.

·       Computer skills.

·       Interpersonal relational skills.

·       Sensitivity to special needs and family circumstances.

·       Knowledge of theology, Scripture, Church doctrine and archdiocesan policies and guidelines.

·       Knowledge of educational theory, principles and psychology of the learner.