Director of Children and Youth Ministries

First Congregational Church | Ithaca, NY
Date posted: March 28, 2023
Director of Children and Youth Ministries
Contact Name: Kellie Hummel
Contact Email: [email protected]
Contact Phone: (607)-257-6033
Deadline: April 17, 2023

ABOUT FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

First Congregational Church of Ithaca, NY is an active, gracious church. Our church is filled with people who are committed to exploring their faith in community. We are committed to serving each other, our community, reaching out to those in need, and making the world a more loving, just place. We are trying to figure out what following Jesus means in the 21st century. Jesus didn’t turn anyone away, and neither will we. We are Open and Affirming, welcoming all people.

 

JOB DESCRIPTION

Our church is open and affirming, theologically progressive, busy, creative, thoughtful, musical, well-educated, artistic and growing! We seek a FT (12 month) Director of Children and Youth Ministries who is energetic and talented – someone who can match the pace of our growing children and youth programs, create a flexible and inclusive curriculum consistent with the themes of Sunday worship, train and oversee volunteers, foster a culture of belonging, and season the entire program with a personal blend of excitement, creativity, and color. The Director will work closely with the Children and Youth Ministries action group, other members of the church staff, and the Senior Minister. This person will be passionate about education and supporting the faith formation of our children and youth, possess excellent communication and people skills, be organized, gentle, inspired, and inspiring, and will create an overall program that generates a buzz in Ithaca.

This is a full time position with a competitive salary package ($50,000+ depending on experience) that includes two weeks of paid vacation, and two weeks of paid study leave each year. The Director of Children and Youth Ministries will report directly to the Senior Minister and collaborate with the Children and Youth action groups as well as the Director of Music.

Summary:

  • The Director is responsible for planning and coordinating Christian education, outreach, fellowship, participation in the service, and childcare for young people ages birth to grade 12.

Responsibilities:

  • Help create a congregational culture in which Sunday School classes are well organized, enthusiastically staffed, and thoughtfully designed to actively engage our children and youth in faith formation.
  • Lead in the selection/development of an integrated curriculum for all Sunday School classes, recruit and train adults to teach our classes, and ensure volunteers are in compliance with our Safe Sanctuary policy.
  • Use technology effectively for faith formation to support a hybrid church community.
  • Work closely with the Children and Youth action group, other members of church staff, and the Senior Minister, including attending appropriate meetings.
  • Supervise the nursery worker(s) and volunteers, ensure adults in the nursery are in compliance with our Safe Sanctuary policy, and generally ensure that care for our youngest friends is nurturing and safe.
  • Be present and visible on Sunday mornings.
  • Coordinate and support continuing musical opportunities for our children and youth with the appropriate staff or volunteers. Musical training is helpful but not required.
  • Maintain a calendar of children and youth activities, and communicate with our families, youth, Senior Minister, and congregation regarding those programs and activities.
  • Facilitate age appropriate mission activities and fellowship opportunities for children and youth, including intergenerational, interfaith, and interdenominational fellowship.
  • Ensure childcare is available during church events.
  • Reach out to new families and connect them with the congregation.
  • Assist with providing a meaningful confirmation experience for our youth.
  • Encourage youth to participate in all facets of the church, particularly in church leadership and worship.

 

JOB DETAILS

Bachelor’s degree required. Relevant experience in education is preferred. This person must be open and affirming, willing to learn, well organized, detail oriented, creative, warm, nurturing, and driven by faith in God. The Director of Children and Youth Ministries is welcome to join First Congregational Church of Ithaca as a full or associate member. A familiarity with scripture and Christian traditions and a desire to facilitate the faith exploration of children and youth is essential. We will encourage and support continuing education. Strong communication skills, both verbal and through the use of technology, are a must.

This is a full time position with a competitive salary package ($50,000+ depending on experience) that includes two weeks of paid vacation, and two weeks of paid study leave each year. The Director of Children and Youth Ministries will report directly to the Senior Minister and collaborate with the Children and Youth action groups as well as the Director of Music.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume/C.V., and the names of 3-5 references to [email protected] for consideration. Preferred date of application: April 17, 2023.

Follow our alumni Facebook page