Director of Youth Ministries

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position: Director of Youth Ministries
Details: Part time (20-25 hours per week average); salaried
Benefits: Eligible for healthcare benefits if over 20 hours
Date last revised: September 6, 2021

The Purpose of River Hills UMC is “To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” We do this by creating opportunities for people to be engaged in the ministry of the
church, invite them to explore what ministry means for them personally, equip them to follow their calling, and send them out into the world to find opportunities to be in ministry. We welcome all of God’s children and celebrate diversity that comes in our creation. We seek to faithfully live into the motto of an inclusive church by being a place of truly “Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.” Please refer to River Hills Statement of Inclusion for any clarification that may be needed.

Youth Ministry is an important part of the process, engaging the youth and their families in the life of the church. We want River Hills UMC to be a place where youth and their families feel welcome, have opportunities to become involved, and are nurtured in their Christian growth.

Accountability

• Reports directly to the Lead Pastor;
• Leads Youth Ministry Staff, paid and unpaid, to strengthen the Youth Ministry of the church;
• Works with volunteers and staff for planning;
• Access to the Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committee (i.e. human resources) for discussing
  concerns relating to the position and its dynamics.

Major Responsibilities

Ministry:

First and foremost, we are in the business of being in ministry. We are in ministry with those we work with and with those who turn to us for inspiration and leadership. Sometimes it is mundane and methodical. Other times it is impactful and monumental. When it doesn’t feel like ministry anymore, it’s time to move on or re-evaluate the things we are doing.

Youth:

To oversee and coordinate the Youth Ministries of River Hills UMC through collaboration with volunteers, planning, and implementing the core ministries as well as special programs/events targeted at the youth and their families. At River Hills UMC, “youth” is typically defined as middle and high school students (6th-12th grade).

Resources:

To assure equipment, space, resources, curriculum and personnel are available and in place for the preparation and execution of the youth ministry.

Budget:

To oversee the spending of money provided by the Church to accomplish the primary functions and goals of the ministry, and to seek and obtain any additional money that might be needed from the Council. Annual budgets for the upcoming year are requested by the Finance Committee in September and are to be submitted in October after collaborating with other leaders in the youth ministry.

Administration:

To be responsible for communicating, planning, organizing, scheduling, and developing systems and processes that work effectively with volunteers, staff, and leadership as needed to accomplish the task to assure consistency and reliability in the ministry.

Vision:

In coordination with the Lead Pastor, to evaluate, formulate, and execute a vision for the continuation and growth of the youth ministries of the church across all ministry area.

Primary Functions

• To provide overall direction and leadership to the Youth Ministry of River Hills United Methodist Church
• To care for the overall experience of youth and their families on Sunday mornings. The main focus on Sunday mornings is currently middle and high school Sunday School classes. In
  addition to growing in faith, participation in worship by youth and the Director of Youth Ministry is essential to connecting the youth ministry with the congregation.
• To care for the overall experiences of youth and their families during Wednesday night programming at the church. This currently includes Youth Group.
• Special events/projects are often highlights in a youth’s experience of the church. Examples of these special events include:
• Mission Trips – The older Youth typically go on a week-long summer mission trip. The Director of Youth Ministries plans and coordinates these trips, arranges fundraisers, connects with volunteers, and leads the trip. Trips are typically done through an organization, such as the Philadelphia Project or the Appalachia Service Project. Major fundraisers have included the Pumpkin Patch, Sweetheart Dinner, and Shareholders Fundraiser.
• Pumpkin Patch & Pumpkin Patch Party – The Youth with the help of other volunteers raise money each year with a Pumpkin Patch. The party has included games,
  activities, crafts, and other children and family activities to gather people together.
• Summer Gatherings – This has included day-long gatherings with activities such as crafts, games, service projects, outings, etc.
• Special Celebrations – This may include celebrating holidays and special events with the students. This may take place during Youth Group or at another scheduled time. May also include overnight retreats and/or lock-ins.
• Graduation Sunday – Annual celebration recognizing those who have graduated from high school or college.
• College Care – Sending out care packages during the year to help them feel connected.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Be prepared for Sunday morning (year-round) and Wednesday evening (Sept-May) ministries.
• Recruit, equip, and support volunteers to help make this ministry possible.
• Plan, prepare, and care for special events throughout the year.
  Work collegially with the staff of the church and River Hills Early Childhood Center.
• Be available for social interaction outside of the direct ministries, so as to receive feedback on the Youth Ministry and be available to gauge interest of those seeking to be a part of the ministry.
• Familiarize yourself with Cokesbury resources, as well as other curriculums as necessary.
• Maintain a positive and inspiring attitude toward and with the members of the Youth Ministry volunteers, church members, outside guests, and staff.
• Deal openly but privately with differences of opinion and conflict. Seek assistance from the pastoral staff as needed.
• Be available on Sunday mornings to identify and welcome new families to help them feel welcome and familiarize them with opportunities for Youth Ministries.
• Formulate and submit an annual Youth Ministry budget in a timely and professional manner as directed by the Finance Committee of the church. Collaboration with other staff and
  volunteers in preparing this budget is important.
• Report to the Annual Church Meeting the work of the ministry in the past year.
• Conduct Safe Sanctuary Training for volunteers.
  Provide oversight and care for the physical property of the church as it relates to the Youth Ministry and its resources.
• Other tasks as seen essential to accomplish the Major Responsibilities.
• Maintaining appropriate boundaries with youth regarding use of images and language in social media and use of technology.

Qualifications and Technical Skills

• By God’s grace, living in a genuine and authentic relationship with Christ, and consistently applying this relationship throughout their life.
• Growing in a fuller understanding of the mission and beliefs of River Hills United Methodist Church, and supporting it through this role.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience in working with and assisting in securing volunteers to build the youth program.
• Demonstrated proficiency as a servant leader to lift up and empower leadership within the ministry to serve and inspire all aspects of the ministry.
• Genuine disposition of encouragement that creates an atmosphere of ongoing participation and inspires involvement from newcomers.
• Builds consensus while providing direction. Ability to listen to the insights of others and still move decisively forward in a manner that demonstrates understanding and grace.
• Ability to work with a wide variety of talents, skills, giftedness and personalities in the many aspects that lead to effective ministry.
• Computer literacy is essential to connecting and communicating with youth. Candidates must be proficient and comfortable with these applications.
• Ability to work with budgets and within budget constraints.
• Ability to work with other committees/teams/leaders within the church as ministries inevitably find opportunities for collaboration and conflict as they overlap.
• A working related knowledge of copyright to assure compliance.
• Access to reliable transportation.
• Successful background check.
• Training in Safe Sanctuary policies

‍