1

Religious Education Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Non-Exempt Pay: $25 - $30 per hour, depending upon experience Job Summary The Director of Religious Education (DRE) works in collaboration with the Pastoral Associate to develop and maintain ...

Showing results 21-40

Religious Education Director information

See salary details

$12.5K

$51.4K

$117K

How much do religious education director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for religious education director in the United States is $51,373.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,500.00 and $57,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are the Job Duties of a Religious Education Director?

As a religious education director, you work for a church and help adults, children, and youth with faith formation and education. The director of religious education, or DRE, manages Sunday school, youth group, and after-school programs. Your responsibilities include developing and administering the church’s faith education program. If you work for the Catholic church, you may be a part of the Confraternity of Christian doctrine (CCD) and be responsible for the rite of Christian initiation of adults (RCIA). Other duties include providing religious education access to those with learning disabilities and coordinating initiation and baptism processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Religious Education Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Religious Education Director, a solid background in theology or religious studies, experience in educational program development, and relevant teaching or ministry certifications are essential. Familiarity with curriculum design software, church management systems, and educational assessment tools is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills help in managing staff, engaging families, and fostering a welcoming learning environment. These competencies are crucial for effectively guiding faith-based educational programs and ensuring alignment with the institution's mission.

What are some common challenges faced by a Religious Education Director, and how can they be addressed?

A Religious Education Director often faces challenges such as engaging a diverse group of learners, coordinating volunteer teachers, and balancing curriculum expectations with available resources. Effective communication and adaptability are key to overcoming these issues, as is building strong relationships with staff, parents, and the wider faith community. Regular training, open feedback channels, and collaborative planning sessions can greatly help in addressing these challenges and ensuring a successful religious education program.

What does a Religious Education Director do?

A Religious Education Director is responsible for overseeing and coordinating educational programs that teach the beliefs, practices, and values of a particular faith tradition within a religious institution. Their duties often include developing curriculum, training and supervising teachers or volunteers, planning classes or workshops, and organizing events for children, youth, and adults. They also work closely with clergy, parents, and the congregation to ensure the religious education program aligns with the institution’s mission and values.

What does a religious education coordinator do?

A religious education coordinator plans, organizes, and oversees religious instruction programs within a faith community. They develop curriculum, train teachers, and ensure that educational activities align with the organization's beliefs and goals. Strong organizational skills and knowledge of religious teachings are essential for this role.

What is CCD called now?

CCD, which refers to Catholic Christian Doctrine classes, is now commonly called Religious Education or Faith Formation classes. These programs focus on teaching Catholic beliefs, sacraments, and values to students and are often led by a Religious Education Director or catechists in parishes or schools.

What is the difference between Religious Education Director vs Religious Education Coordinator?

AspectReligious Education DirectorReligious Education Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's in theology, religious studies, or educationOften requires a similar degree or relevant experience, but may have fewer formal certifications
Work EnvironmentLeads religious education programs, manages staff, and oversees curriculum developmentAssists in program implementation, supports teachers, and manages day-to-day activities
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in churches, religious schools, and faith-based organizationsUsed in similar settings, often as a supporting role to the director

The main difference between a Religious Education Director and a Religious Education Coordinator lies in their responsibilities and level of leadership. The director typically oversees the entire program, manages staff, and develops curricula, while the coordinator supports these efforts through day-to-day tasks. Both roles require relevant religious and educational credentials and are vital in faith-based educational settings.

What jobs can you get with religious education?

A Religious Education Director typically qualifies for roles such as religious school principal, curriculum coordinator, youth program director, or community outreach coordinator. These positions often require strong leadership, communication skills, and knowledge of religious teachings, with some roles requiring relevant certifications or degrees in theology or education.

How to become a director of religious education?

To become a religious education director, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in education, theology, or a related field, along with experience in teaching or religious education. Many roles also require strong leadership, organizational skills, and familiarity with curriculum development. Some positions may prefer or require a master's degree or certification in religious education or ministry.
What cities are hiring for Religious Education Director jobs? Cities with the most Religious Education Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Religious Education jobs? The most popular types of Religious Education jobs are:
What states have the most Religious Education Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Religious Education Director jobs include:
Infographic showing various Religious Education Director job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,373 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Director of Religious Education

Parishes

Poway, CA • On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Part-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Description:


Parish Name: St. Michael's Catholic Church

Location: 15546 Pomerado Rd, Poway, CA 92064

Reports to: Pastoral Associate

Employment Type: Part-Time (30 hours per week, Monday - Thursday)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Pay: $25 - $30 per hour, depending upon experience


Job Summary

The Director of Religious Education (DRE) works in collaboration with the Pastoral Associate to develop and maintain comprehensive parish catechetical programs for youth and children, kindergarten through grade 8.

The goals of this position include:

  • Communicating an enthusiasm for the Catholic faith among our young people and their families
  • Planning and oversight of the parish religious education program, including sacramental preparation, Children’s Liturgy of the Word, OCIA adapted for Children, Vacation Bible School.
  • Facilitating parent and catechist meetings and workshops.

Duties & Responsibilities

Administrative

The DRE completes or delegates the following:

  • Supervise administrative assistant and numerous volunteers.
  • Orders books and supplies
  • Sets the calendar for catechetical programs and events.
  • Reserves needed facilities and equipment.
  • Provides a safe environment for all: secures and runs background checks and training for all volunteers working with children and youth per diocesan guidelines.
  • Answers administrative questions regarding catechetical programs.
  • Conducts an annual registration process
  • Maintains records of participation in catechetical programs and celebrations of sacraments.
  • Maintains records of achievement for catechists that include participation in all safe environment requirements, parish and Diocesan catechetical formation events, and applicable certification processes.
  • Maintain volunteer records.
  • Participates in parish diocesan, deanery, and parish staff meetings, coordinating catechetical ministry with other ministries.
  • Serves as liaison with the diocesan office of RE and their programs, services, and resources
  • Oversee traffic during class times.
  • Communicate policies and procedures to parents, students, catechists, aides and other adults in collaboration with the professional staff.
  • Maintain open communication with members of the Parish staff, volunteers and RE families.
  • Maintain close communication with the Diocesan Office for Evangelization and Catechetical Ministry.
  • Serve as RE representatives on the Liturgy Committee, Pastoral Council and Council of Ministries.
  • Organize, supervise, and maintain RE Offices.
  • Oversee the proper use of parish facilities that RE uses including locking up all buildings that RE uses on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
  • Prepare an annual budget for RE and present to Pastoral Associate for approval before submitting to the Pastor.
  • Be available to parents, students, and adults for consultation, advice, and referral.

Catechetical

The DRE

  • Set and implement catechetical vision for the parish based on contemporary Church documents to develop the parish as an evangelizing community.
  • Develop and provide total parish catechetical program for youth and children in grades kindergarten – grade 8.
  • Provide formation for the celebration of the sacraments for youth, children, and their parents.
  • Provide sacramental preparation classes to students in grades 3-8 who are preparing for first reconciliation and first communion.
  • Evaluate and select catechetical resources (texts, materials, etc.) utilizing diocesan norms and policies.
  • Recruit, screen and provide in-service to catechists.
  • Support and develop catechists by leading catechist training and providing catechetical resources in accordance with diocesan guidelines.
  • Provide opportunities for on-going education and spiritual formation of RE personnel, catechists and aides.
  • Inform personnel and catechists of opportunities for professional courses/workshops for spiritual growth.
  • Recognize, encourage, and support the catechetical efforts of those involved in religious education.
Requirements:
  • Active, practicing member of the Catholic Church, and excellent knowledge and adherence to Church teaching life.
  • Must maintain appropriate certifications (see below) and attend enrichment courses and programs as appropriate.
  • Desire and enthusiasm for working with all age demographics.
  • Highly self- motivated, creative, energetic, and assertive
  • Demonstrated spiritual and emotional maturity.
  • Strong organizational skills, including time management, delegation, planning, budgeting, and ability to balance multiple projects at a time.
  • Close collaboration with Pastor and Youth/Confirmation Director to meet the pastoral needs of the whole parish community.
  • Demonstrate capability to carry out administrative and supervisory duties in a timely fashion, utilizing good communication and relationship.
  • Participate in ongoing formation and educational opportunities to keep current on trends in catechetical.

Education and Experience

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Computer skills in Microsoft Office products
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred
  • Current California Catechists Certificate
  • Experience working with (volunteer or paid staff)
  • Successful completion of parish Safe Environment program
  • Bachelor’s degree in theology or related field preferred
  • Certified as a Master Catechist preferred.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to remain in an office at a computer workstation and access information from a computer and use a telephone. The employee is required to be mobile to, from, and within the office, as well as maneuver throughout the parish facility to attend meetings, briefings, and other work-related events. The employee may be required to conduct trips to, from, and within various city and county-wide locations to attend meetings or events. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.


The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


Please note this position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.


St. Michael's Catholic Church, as part of the Catholic Diocese of San Diego, is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status.