HireAYouthPastor.com

Job Description

JOB TITLE: Director of Children and Youth Ministries

REPORTS TO: Associate Minister
SALARY BASIS: $45,000 - $55,000 commensurate w/ experience and education;
Plus benefits (health insurance +dental and vision, life & disability insurance, prof. Development); UCC Illinois Conference Guidelines

POSITION TIME: Full-time, salaried; Sundays through Thursdays, with evenings and weekends as needed

MANAGES: Nursery Attendants, Sunday School Teachers, Volunteer Leaders/Helpers

JOB DESCRIPTION: The Director of Children and Youth Ministries will help shape and lead a flourishing, comprehensive program for children ages 0-18 at the First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, that helps guide students in their spiritual and moral development at each stage of life.

Responsibilities:
Sunday School
Oversee Sunday School program on Sunday mornings, and monthly special events for children/families in the program
Engage visitors, and enroll new children and families
Recruit, train, support, and nurture paid and volunteer teachers
Develop and distribute outreach materials to promote programs and events
Order, prepare, and implement age-appropriate curriculum
Plan, organize, and execute annual Vacation Bible School

Confirmation
Lead biennial Confirmation classes for students in 7th - 8th grade
Recruit, train, and equip co-teachers for the program
Order, prepare, and implement age-appropriate curriculum
Plan, organize, and execute Confirmation Sunday and end of year celebration

Our Whole Lives: Comprehensive Sexuality Education
Lead biennial OWL classes for families with students in 7th - 8th grade
Maintain personal standing as a certified Our Whole Lives facilitator
Recruit, train, and equip co-teachers for the program

Youth Groups
Lead and develop youth programs for students in 4th - 12th grade.
Programs include, but are not limited to: weekly gatherings; special events; retreats, overnights and service trips
Recruit, train, and equip lay leaders to assist in facilitation of youth programming
Communicate activities and needs of the programs to staff and congregation
Create and distribute detailed calendars of activities to parents and guardians of the youth in the program

Intergenerational Connections
Plan, organize, and execute monthly intergenerational gatherings, conducive to families and students of many ages
Oversee church participation of families in Sunday worship and all-church events

General Expectations:
Follow all Safe Church and Personnel guidelines/procedures
Perform tasks in a manner consistent with standards of professional practice, including but not limited to: honesty, confidentiality, strong work ethic, ongoing, and timely communication, conflict management
Track students’ needs, providing proactive and reactive care as appropriate
Oversee budget, registration files, and records of each program
Document and analyze attendance patterns
Manage set-up and maintenance of rooms and equipment
Communicate with Associate Minister about pastoral and program concerns
Other duties as assigned

Skills/Qualifications:
Personal faith in God through Christ, and a genuine interest in students’ lives
Excellent project management, organizational, and communication skills
Outstanding interpersonal/leadership skills; can recruit and support volunteers
Ability to work independently and on a team (with staff and volunteers)
Experience working with children and youth
Ability to offer outreach to parents and new families
Creativity for innovative programming
Basic knowledge of congregational life, theology, and the Bible
A clear sense of ethical limits, confidentiality, and age-appropriate behaviors
College degree or equivalent experience (background in education, religious studies, or event planning preferred)

Requirements:
Candidates must pass a background check
Comfort with United Church of Christ theology
Must be LGBTQIA+ friendly

Please send resume and cover letter to Rev. Eric C Fistler ([email protected]).

First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake | 461 Pierson Street, Crystal Lake, Illinois
www.fcc-cl.org | 815.459.6010

First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, Illinois

The First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake is a vibrant, progressive, affirming faith community in the Northwestern Chicago Suburbs. For more than 180 years, this congregation has been immersed in the local community—inspiring mission, fellowship, inclusion, and joy well beyond our walls. We believe that the church body is most dynamic when each person is valued and given the opportunity to share their unique gifts and perspectives. To ensure that our youngest participants receive this opportunity, the Director of Children and Youth Ministries will shape and lead a comprehensive program for children ages 0-18 to help guide students in their spiritual and moral development at each stage of life. Both lay and ordained candidates are encouraged to apply. Come join this welcoming faith community and our supportive, collaborative staff!