The Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (BUUF) is a vibrant, progressive religious community of approximately 300 members, located in Garden City. We are dedicated to the values of justice, equity, and compassion and seek to enact them within our fellowship and wider world. We are a welcoming congregation for seekers regardless of race, class, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or ability.

BUUF is seeking qualified candidates for a 3/4 time (30 hours a week) Director of Family Ministries (DFM for short). This position coordinates programming for infants through high school aged youth as an essential element of the larger ministry of the congregation.

Please take time to familiarize yourself with our Fellowship at www.boiseuu.org  

To be considered for the position, please e-mail a cover letter, resume (with relevant work history and employment dates), contact information and three names of reference to Rev. Sara LaWall, minister@boiseuu.org. Please, no phone calls.

Position Description

The Director of Family Ministries provides leadership, coordination, and administration for all family ministry programming within the congregation. Working closely with the Minister, staff, committees, volunteers and families, the DFM ensures that family ministry offerings are welcoming, developmentally appropriate, spiritually meaningful, and aligned with the mission, vision, covenant, and shared values of the Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. The DFM reports directly to the Minister.

The DFM supports Sunday morning programming, multigenerational worship experiences, seasonal and holiday services, youth programming, and childcare for church events. This role emphasizes collaboration, communication, and relationship-building across generations within the congregation and the wider community. The Director of Family Ministries is responsible for developing and nurturing a ministry for all types of families, striving to guide, nurture, and support all people as they grow in the Unitarian Universalist faith. The DFM helps create and support a program responsive to the changing needs of our community, and is committed to creating learning and community environments that welcome neurodiversity and encourage autonomous decision making. 

This position is 30 hours/week beginning spring 2026. Salary is approximately $37,500 per year for 3/4 time with pro-rated benefits. Benefits include vacation, sick leave, health insurance benefit, life and disability insurance and retirement program benefits. A background check is required. Position has potential to grow in scope & time as program & congregational resources grow.

Responsibilities and tasks include but are not limited to the following:

Program Development, Coordination & Support – Sunday and On-Site Responsibilities 

• Plan, implement and facilitate (as needed) weekly Sunday Morning Religious Exploration programs for children and youth (preschool – 12th grade). This responsibility is the priority. 
• Coordinate with the Minister and worship team to include a “Time for All Ages” during weekly worship services.
• Assist with worship services on holidays, communions, multi-generational services, other special occasions.
• Facilitate “Coming of Age” (Jr. High youth program) and Boston Bounder pilgrimage in conjunction with the Minister and volunteers.
• Develop family and youth centered resources and programs outside of Sundays to help foster connection and equip them in the spiritual formation of their families.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with families, volunteers, and congregants across generations.
• Network with local congregations and community organizations to develop partnerships and shared programming opportunities.

Communication

• Communicate all program details with families, volunteers, the Minister, and other relevant congregational groups (including lessons, sign-ups, what’s happening in RE etc.)
• Prepare website, social media, newsletters, and informational packets to articulate goals, vision, and content of children’s and youth’s programming to families and wider congregation.

Administration

• Develop program year calendar and structure.
• Ensure programs and learning spaces are welcoming, accessible, and safe, through implementing Safer Congregation Guidelines consistently and effectively.
• Maintain appropriate records, including weekly attendance, registration of children and youth, safe congregation forms, and volunteer applications and background checks.
• Maintain connection to denominational resources, support and collegial connections through UU professional associations.
• Draft, manage, and track the annual Family Ministries budget and submit the proposed budget each December for the following fiscal year.

Volunteer Coordination

• Recruit and train Religious Exploration classroom volunteers providing resources and clear expectations for UU identity, curriculum, behavior expectations, safer congregation policies, learning space management, and faith developmental stages.
• Establish structures for Religious Exploration Committee including schedules, training material, and resources.

Qualifications

• Experience in education or working with children and youth;
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills, managing many details and projects at any given time; knowledge of helpful tools, software & platforms; 
• Technologically skilled, with a good understanding of the Google Suite of applications, Canva, Constant Contact and an ability to learn new programs and software easily;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, listen well, and to influence, motivate and lead;
• Passion for collaboration, shared leadership, and community building;
• Knowledge of UU values, history & identity and a willingness to expand learning and commit to ongoing professional development.

Anti-racism/Anti-oppression Commitment:

(For staff who identify as black, indigenous, or a person of color): To become familiar with the anti-racism lens that BUUF is using in racial justice work, specifically, to be familiar with the “Characteristics of White Supremacy” and to speak up when they feel that white supremacy culture is impacting them and their functioning at work.

(For staff who identify as ‘white’): Commit to ongoing learning and reflection about race, racial identity, racism, and whiteness. A commitment to dismantling white supremacy culture as described here: “Characteristics of White Supremacy” in our staff team and in the congregation and all of its systems, patterns, policies and procedures.

Employer

The employer, Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (BUUF), is located at 6200 Garrett Street in Garden City. It employs a full time Minister, and five other staff. BUUF is an equal opportunity employer. We hire on the basis of ability, experience, and character necessary for the job without discrimination in regard to age, gender, affectional orientation, race, creed, national origin, marital status, gender identification or physical disability. We are a liberal religious community.

To be considered for the position, please e-mail a cover letter, resume (with relevant work history and employment dates), contact information and three names of reference to: Rev. Sara LaWall, minister@boiseuu.org.

Target start date: April 2026.

Open until filled.