Director of Connections

Clay Church's vision is for every person to be embraced, igniting passion to serve where God calls and expanding the love of Jesus. Our mission is to walk with more people toward a transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. At Clay Church, we celebrate that God's incredible grace finds us, accepts us, and embraces us where we are. Our ministries offer a wide variety of opportunities to accept this grace, discover our purpose, find our place in ministry, and then walk alongside others on that path, helping them know they are loved. Our mission and outreach in Michiana includes partnerships with area schools, care for seniors, efforts to support the homeless, and the second largest food pantry in the county, serving over 1000 families a month with on-site, mobile, and delivery options for receiving food. Clay Church is a two-campus ministry with a fantastic location on the north side of South Bend, in the heart of Michiana. Our Firehouse Campus is a 35,000-square-foot facility, which includes space for youth ministry, community groups, and the Clay Church Food Pantry. The North Campus, set on 8 acres, hosts two Sunday worship services, Sunday children's ministry, and a weekday Early Childhood Program (ECP).

ROLE SUMMARY

The Director of Connections leads and champions Clay Church's welcoming and connection ministries, helping people move from first visit to meaningful involvement in the life of the church. This role develops the teams, systems, and culture that invite people into community and help each person experience God's embrace through personal connection and hospitality. The Director of Connections plays a key role in cultivating an invitational culture across the congregation and advancing the connecting-people initiatives of the church. This is a full-time position with opportunities for responsibilities to expand based on the gifts, experience, and passions of the person called to this role.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Welcome Experience Lead and develop the teams and systems that create a welcoming experience from the parking lot to the pew.

Responsibilities include:

Overseeing the welcoming process for Sunday worship and special events Serving as a visible and welcoming "first contact" during Sunday mornings and key church gatherings; joyfully willing and able to be "first in and last out" Recruiting, training, and equipping volunteer teams including parking lot ministry, greeters, lobby hosts, welcome center volunteers, café teams, ushers, and event hospitality teams Supporting, supplying, and equipping café ministry and café service teams Visitors and First Impressions Lead and develop systems that help visitors feel seen, welcomed, and invited into the life of the church.

Responsibilities include:

Developing and maintaining a First Impressions system that communicates that all people matter to God and to us Coordinating worship attendance and visitor tracking systems Managing the Connect Card process and follow-up communication with visitors Coordinating guest gifts, welcome letters, and follow-up contact Extending personal invitations to next-step opportunities such as events, serving, or membership Maintaining database processes that track the journey from first visit to deeper engagement in church life Supporting record-keeping related to baptisms, membership, and pastoral care milestones Worship that Moves People Support the Sunday worship experience as part of the Worship Team.

Responsibilities include:

Coordinating communion preparation and servers Collaborating with the worship team to help create meaningful Sunday morning experiences that welcome and engage people Consistently maintain prayer request channels through connect cards and prayer distribution to the Clay Church prayer team Additional Connectional Ministries The Director of Connections may also help develop and lead additional connection ministries based on their gifts, passions, and the needs of the church. These could include areas such as volunteer engagement, congregational care coordination, or other initiatives that strengthen relationships within the church community.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

Commitment to the vision and mission of Clay Church. Relates well to all kinds of people and builds strong relationships. Strong communication skills both interpersonally and organizationally. A growing relationship with Jesus Christ and a passion for helping people connect to the church community. Demonstrated track record of building, equipping, and empowering teams. Action-oriented and displays focus, passion and initiative. Takes appropriate action when something needs to be done. General knowledge of, or ability to learn, database / membership systems. Organized and able to manage multiple projects. Customer service experience, with a demonstrated ability to be relational and service-minded.

TEAM ACCOU N TABILITY

The Connections Director reports to the Director of Music and Fun. The position serves on the Worship Team and Staff Team. This position is 40 hours per week and includes Sunday morning leadership, Monday office hours, and Tuesday staff meetings. Evening and weekend events will occasionally be required.

CLAY STAFF VALUES

As the staff of Clay Church, this is how w e live.. .

Christ-Centered :

In all we do. Period.

Family:

Relationships matter to us. We empower each other, are accountable to each other, have fun together, love each other.

Real:

We are vulnerable, humble, honest, always living with integrity. Fearless; W e dream big, take risks, are not afraid to fail, and always aim for excellence, Servant s: If something needs doing, we do it. We bring 100%, always growing in discipling and leading leaders, serving as Christ's hands and feet in our community and our world. If interested, please submit a resume and cover letter.

Pay:

$35,000.00 - $40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Paid time off People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location:

In person