While we seek a new Religious Education director, our RE program is in a time of transition. We strive to offer nursery care each Sunday. We hope to reestablish regular children’s religious education in the latter half of 2026. In the meantime, if you have questions, please contact our minister, the Rev. Jen Raffensperger (revjen@uuroanoke.org).

Religious Education (RE) is the act of catalyzing and nurturing learning and growth for all ages. Regular classes for adults, teens, and children are included in RE programming along with multigenerational events and adventures, worship services, camps and retreats, and other holistic and classroom faith formation activities and programs.

At UUCR we foster religious literacy and our individual and congregational UU identity by providing relevant, inclusive, multigenerational faith development opportunities. We act as individuals to develop our social conscience and take compassionate steps to love our faith in community. All RE programming originates from and is developed through the Office of Religious Education.

Nursery Care

We strive to offer nursery care for infants and toddlers during the 11:00-12:00 worship service on every Sunday of the month. On those days, our nursery is supervised by experienced caregivers who have undergone background checks. At other times, the unstaffed nursery is available for families to take a break with their littles during the service, as needed.

Children & Youth Religious Education

As mentioned above, we are grateful for your patience during this time of transition. Upon our hire of the new RE director, we hope to restart our children’s RE in the latter half of 2026. If you have questions, please contact our minister, Rev. Jen Raffensperger (revjen@uuroanoke.org).

Adult Religious Education

The Office of Religious Education exists to support adult religious education as well.

• Our Living the Questions Book Discussion Group meets every Sunday before the service (September to May) from 9:30 am–10:45 am. It’s a small and vibrant group that welcomes visitors and members who enjoy reading and sharing their ideas about spiritual and social issues.
• Popcorn Theology is a monthly movie night where we watch popular and pertinent films followed by a discussion. Anyone can suggest a film, whether or not they choose to lead the conversation. This Thursday night staple begins at 6:30 pm sharp when it is offered.

Additional short-term and longer-term opportunities often become available. From a Lenten spiritual exploration series to meditation groups to journaling activities, we have all sorts of options for adults. If you can dream it, we can help you realize it. Even if you just seek someone like-minded to share space with, we can support you! 

Keep your finger on the pulse of the Office of Religious Education by subscribing to receive email updates from UUCR.

Director of Religious Education – Position Available

Director of Religious Education
Unitarian Universalist Church of Roanoke
2015 Grandin Rd. SW
Roanoke, VA 24015
uuroanoke.org
Reports to: Minister
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Type: ¾ Time
Schedule: Flexible weekdays; required Sunday mornings and weekly staff meetings
Salary: $ 43,550 annual
Start Date: August 1, 2026

About the Unitarian Universalist Church of Roanoke (UUCR)
UUCR is a welcoming, multigenerational Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) congregation committed to spiritual growth, lifelong learning, and justice-centered community engagement. We honor diverse beliefs, encourage thoughtful exploration, and strive to live our values with integrity, compassion, and courage.

Position Overview
UUCR seeks a Director of Religious Education (DRE) to lead and oversee the congregation’s lifelong faith formation ministries. The DRE develops, coordinates, and administers comprehensive religious education programming that nurtures the spiritual growth of children, youth, adults, and families, from preschool through older adulthood.

The DRE has responsibility and authority for the day-to-day operations of religious education programs and collaborates closely with the Minister, staff, lay leaders, and volunteers. Programming is grounded in Unitarian Universalist theology, UUA best practices, and the lived values of the congregation. The DRE will be required to be a member of LREDA (Liberal Religious Educators Association).

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Faith Development & Program Leadership

• Direct religious education programming for children using UUA curricula and best practices.
• Design and facilitate adult spiritual education and lifelong faith formation programs.
• Plan and oversee key programs, including:
• Nursery and early childhood programming
• Children’s Church Religious Education classes and Youth Group
• Our Whole Lives (OWL) – youth and adult sexuality education
• Adult RE offerings

Multigenerational & Worship Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Minister to support and lead multigenerational worship services.
• Assist with and lead rites of passage and faith milestone ceremonies.
• Lead volunteers for children’s programming during worship services and/or Children’s Church. 
• Support integration of religious education with worship and congregational life. 

Volunteer & Lay Leadership Development

• Recruit, train, supervise, and support volunteer teachers and facilitators.
• Provide ongoing guidance and resources to volunteers.
• In consultation with the Minister, establish a volunteer Religious Education Committee to assist in reviewing, assessing, and strengthening RE programming.
• Meet regularly with parents to keep them informed and to obtain feedback.

Administration & Stewardship

• Manage the religious education budget within approved parameters and in consultation with the treasurer.
• Maintain schedules, records, and consistent communication with families and participants.
• Communicate by submitting regular content to the monthly newsletter and updating the church website.
• Prepare an annual report for the UUCR Annual Meeting.
• Ensure compliance with UUCR policies and UUA safety and child/youth protection standards.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in education or religion/religious studies.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Unitarian Universalist approaches to faith development.
• Respect for and commitment to UUA Values, Principles, and Sources.
• Experience teaching and facilitating programs for children and adults.
• Strong organizational, communication, and collaborative leadership skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and other basic computer programs.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Unitarian Universalist Credentialed Religious Educator.
• Prior experience serving in a Unitarian Universalist congregation.
• Experience with multigenerational and volunteer-led ministry models.

Core Competencies

• Collaborative and relational leadership
• Cultural humility and inclusivity
• Program development and evaluation
• Volunteer recruitment and support
• Ethical and professional practice

Pre-Employment Requirement

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check, consistent with UUCR policies and UUA best practices for child and youth safety.

How to Apply

• Please submit a cover letter describing your interest in this position and your résumé or CV by June 30, 2026.
• Send application materials to: personnel@uuroanoke.org