Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries — First Presbyterian Church – West Chester

At First Pres, we imitate Christ by serving our neighbors with compassion and respect. Through individual relationships and transforming unjust systems, we answer God’s call to be salt and light in West Chester and beyond.

First Pres members seek to follow Christ by nurturing meaningful relationships with one another. Through a shared faith that unites us in our diversity, we are one worshipping body made of smaller groups that sustain, comfort, and challenge us throughout all the stages of life.

Nestled in the heart of a bustling college town, the 1000-member church maintains deep connections with our neighbors. On any given day the church might be hosting a lunch for people experiencing homelessness, helping lead ESL classes, or filled with the raucous sounds of our children’s choir. It’s an intergenerational congregation that is full of life and energy, with a competent and tight-knit staff.

The youth group has strong lay leadership and parent support, and is also seeking a person who will bring their own ideas and experiences to our current group of students, and those who will follow.

JOB TITLE:  Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries

CLASSIFICATION:  Salaried- Exempt

REPORTS TO: Pastor/Head of Staff

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries will guide the faith formation of our 6th through 12th grade students, and create programming and opportunities for involvement for the college-aged and young adult members in the life of the church community.

For the middle school and senior high students, the Director will lead group activities and facilitate retreats and summer programs that promote youth involvement in the life of the church. They will develop personal relationships with the youth for the purpose of sharing their faith and discipleship within their church experiences and all areas of their lives. They will ensure that the students are given ample opportunities to participate in the life of First Presbyterian Church of West Chester.

The Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries will also plan, implement, and evaluate the congregation’s programming for our college-age and young adult members, and also partner with church staff and volunteer leadership to ensure that the young adult members are represented and served as a critical demographic in the body of the church.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan youth ministry programming with age-appropriate curricula for middle school and high school bible studies, as well as weekly fellowship opportunities
• Manage all student and parent outreach, and encourage all eligible youth of the congregation, both active group members and non-regular participants, to attend programming through regular contact and program notifications
• Oversee all budget, scholarship, and financial matters related to youth ministry
• Recruit, train, and regularly communicate with adult youth leaders and lead regular leadership meetings
• Plan and lead fall, spring and summer retreats, lock-ins, an annual Youth Sunday service, and special events for Middle School and Senior High youth
• Be a visible and active participant in weekly worship on Sundays and facilitate youth engagement in services.
• Be present for youth whenever possible at non-church activities by facilitating social engagements and attending events of importance in their lives on a regular, consistent basis.
• Lead the Confirmation Class teaching team and recruit new teachers and mentors
• Attend church staff meetings to communicate with the greater team and share how they can support the priorities and programs of the youth and young adult ministries
• Facilitate engagement with college-age church community members and offer programming throughout the year to remain engaged with their church family.
• Create and lead opportunities for fellowship and programming for young adults of the church to help in developing their involvement in the life of First Pres
• Ensure that all demographics from youth to young adults are aware of community connection opportunities; facilitate programming to meet other groups within the area, and share opportunities to be involved in community fellowship and service activities.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in an area related to ministry
• Three to five years’ experience leading youth ministry in a church or other Christian environment preferred
• A mature faith rooted in love of Christ and the Reformed tradition
• Strong organizational and coordination skills
• Ability to communicate clearly with youth, their parents, youth leaders, and young adults involved in the congregation
• A valid driver’s license and driving record devoid of serious offenses, with successful clearance of all required background checks
• Commitment to fulfilling work responsibilities during non-standard hours, including evenings, weekends, and for extended periods of time during summer retreats (typically about one week of travel per retreat).