Christian Education Director

Christian Education Director

First Congregational Church of Canandaigua, UCC

58 North Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424

www.canandaiguachurch.org | (585) 394-2184

“We’re a different kind of church: First Congregational Church values and respects diversity in the way we express our faith. We enjoy thoughtful dialogue about faith issues. We encourage each other to work for justice and to care for people in our community and in our world.”

We are seeking a warm and creative leader to join our ministry team, who will support and nurture the spiritual growth of our children, youth, and adults.

• Part-time position, approximately 20 hours per week, including preparation for and teaching during the Sunday service; summer hours flexible.
• Regular Sunday presence is expected, with occasional absences agreed to in advance; attendance at some evening and seasonal events is also expected.
• Office provided; hybrid hours optional.
• Reports to the minister of First Congregational Church and coordinates with the choir director.
• Annual pay: $21,750

Essential Responsibilities Include, but Are Not Limited to:

1. Creating a Sunday school program (pre-K- 5), collaborating with the minister on choice and development of curriculum.

2. Acquire any needed materials for Sunday School lessons.

3. Work with the minister to organize and lead occasional children’s times during worship.

4. Youth work (middle and high school, grades 6–12) — recruiting and coordinating with adult volunteers to lead youth group; planning and facilitating Confirmation; writing Graduation announcements and organizing the celebration; leading community service opportunities; exploring mission trip possibilities; and planning general social events.

5. Special events — continuing already-established annual children’s and youth events such as Rally Day, Advent Workshop, Christmas Eve, Palm Sunday, Easter service, and the end-of-year Church Picnic, and/or creating new traditions.

6. Ministerial duties - attending staff meetings and Christian Education Committee meetings, collaborating with church committee chairs, cultivating positive relationships with parents and families, assisting the minister with Adult Education, and communicating with the congregation through the Christian Education bulletin board and monthly newsletter articles.

Qualifications:

1. Training or experience working with children. A background in education, ministry, or a related field is a plus.

2. A child-centered focus that provides a safe, creative, and well-managed environment.

3. Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.

4. The ability to collaborate with and support other staff members.

5. Warmth, a sense of humor, and a strong desire to grow and foster relationships with our children, youth, and adults.

6. A commitment to the theology, vision, mission, and ministry of the First Congregational Church.

Requirements:

1. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check, consistent with First Congregational Church’s Safe Church Policy.

2. Three references.

Application Information:

1. Anticipated start date is December 1, 2026, to allow one month for transition with the current Christian Education Director.

2. Application deadline is September 18, 2026.

3. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

4. Visit www.canandaiguachurch.org to complete an online application and to post a cover letter and resume. www.canandaiguachurch.org

5. For questions, contact the church office at (585) 394-2184.

Equal Opportunity and Welcoming Workplace Statement:

First Congregational Church of Canandaigua is committed to a respectful, welcoming environment. Employment decisions are made without unlawful discrimination or harassment and consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law, while honoring the faith-based mission and ministry context of the position.

Pay: $21,705.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person