Director of Religious Education (DRE), Northampton Parishes

DIOCESE OF ALLENTOWN
Northampton
Position Description

Job Title: Director of Religious Education (DRE)
FSLA: Exempt
Job Status: Full Time
Reporting Functions: Reports to the board of Pastors within Northampton and the Director of Catechesis

Job Function: The Director of Religious Education is responsible for the direction and management of all religious education programming of the Northampton parishes. Primary duties include the development, implementation, evaluation, and management of the religious education program for all parishioners. The DRE is a self-motivated team player who will share in the vision of the pastor and the Bishop, and who will adhere to all parish and diocesan policies, procedures, and regulations. The DRE is expected to act in a professional manner befitting a representative of the Catholic Church.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Direct religious education programs for children and families.
   • Recruit, train, and supervise volunteer catechists. Maintain and manage Safe Environment standards in coordination with the Local Safe Environment Coordinator and with all relevant diocesan offices.
   • Develop and integrate an annual program for the implementation of the religious education curriculum as dictated by the diocese. This may include summer programming.
   • Select physical and digital materials for lesson plans, including textbook series and supplemental materials.
   • Provide for the ongoing formation of volunteer catechists.
   • Participate in one\’s own ongoing faith formation. Participate in regional, diocesan, and national conferences, meetings, and gatherings.
   • Coordinate the sacramental preparation for all sacraments of initiation and maintain corresponding records.
   • Cooperate with the diocesan Director of Catechesis.
   • Develop and manage a youth group or religious education programming for teens in the parishes.
2. Direct OCIA and Adult Faith Formation programs.
   • Recruit and coordinate instructors.
   • Manage all documentation related to those candidates and catechumens coming into full communion via OCIA.
   • Pair OCIA participants with active parish members who can provide faithful mentorship along their journey.
   • Plan events and programming for ongoing adult formation such as Bible studies, book groups, lectures, etc.
   • Plan events programming for parents of PREP children, and for all parish families.
   • Other duties as assigned.

Additional Conditions of Employment:
Candidate must be a practicing Catholic in good standing, have a deep knowledge of the Catholic faith, and agree to live by the tenets of the Catholic faith, including in lifestyle and on personal social media.

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor\’s (master\’s preferred) in education, theology, or a related field.
• 3+ years of relevant experience.

PRIOR TO INTERVIEW: Clear records of Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check (PATCH), Pennsylvania Child Abuse History, and Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal Background Fingerprint Check as required under Commonwealth of Pennsylvania\’s Act 153 of 2014 (No less than 1 year old.) As well as attendance at the online Protecting God\’s Children class and Mandated Reporter Training.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and requirements.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, employees are regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and stoop. Must be able to talk and hear, both in person and by telephone. Use of hands to perform standard office duties and use office equipment is required. Reaching and lifting up to 30 pounds is also required. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by the means of spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.

Working Conditions: Normal office setting; Full-time; working hours will be set by the Pastor(s) of the Parish(s). Some evening and weekend work will be part of the typical work week. The Director of Religious Education and the Board of Pastors will work together to determine an appropriate work schedule.

Please submit an application that includes a resume, background clearances, and appropriate certifications, with a cover letter to:

Diocese of Allentown
Office of Human Resources
1515 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Allentown, PA 18102

Or email the same to:

No phone calls please .

EOE M/F/D/V

About the Employer:

The mission of the Diocese of Allentown is: \”A Roman Catholic family of faith, centered in the Holy Eucharist, faithful to the Church\’s teachings, bringing the Light of Christ to each other and to our community.\”

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