Director of Youth and Volunteer Ministries First Congregational Church of Stratford Stratford, CT Job Details Part-time $23,000 - $27,000 a year 3 hours ago Benefits Flexible schedule Qualifications Volunteer coordination for social programs Interpersonal skills Volunteer management Passion for working with children Experience working with children Bachelor's degree Organizational skills Volunteer coordination Teaching Working with youth Full Job Description

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF STRATFORD

United Church of Christ Director of Youth and Volunteer Ministries Position Summary The Director of Youth and Volunteer Ministries is responsible for developing, leading, and growing the church's ministry with children, youth, and their families while fostering Christian faith, discipleship, and community. This individual will build meaningful relationships with children, youth, parents, and families, develop engaging ministry opportunities, and encourage participation in the life of the church. In addition, this position serves as the church's Volunteer Coordinator, helping members discover opportunities to serve that align with their gifts, talents, interests, and passions. The position is intended to be a year-round ministry with responsibilities that vary seasonally. Responsibilities Children and Youth Ministry Develop, lead, and grow the church's Sunday School (Toddler through Middle School) and Youth Group (Middle School and High School). Create engaging ministry opportunities that encourage children, youth, and their families to become active participants in the life of the church. Build relationships with children, youth, parents, and families, welcoming newcomers and helping them connect with the congregation. Work collaboratively with the Pastor and the Christian Education Team to develop programs that foster Christian faith, discipleship, service, and fellowship. Meet regularly with the Pastor to develop strategies for attracting and connecting new families through worship, outreach, fellowship, and community events. Attend meetings of the Christian Education Team, provide regular reports, recommend future initiatives, and assist with ministry planning and budgeting. When Sunday School is in session, be present each Sunday at least thirty minutes before worship begins and remain until all children have been safely picked up by a parent or guardian. Be available by phone, email, and text, responding to communications within 24 hours under normal circumstances. Select curriculum, order supplies, maintain attendance and contact records, and prepare an annual ministry calendar. Plan and coordinate Children's Church, Rally Sunday, Youth Sunday, the Christmas Pageant, mission projects, retreats, service opportunities, family events, Vacation Bible School (VBS), and other seasonal or special programs. Develop opportunities for youth fellowship and service during the summer months through periodic gatherings, mission activities, recreational events, or other creative programming. Recruit, train, supervise, and encourage teachers and volunteers serving in Children's and Youth Ministries. Promote Children and Youth Ministries through the church newsletter, website, social media, and other communication channels. Ensure compliance with the church's Safe Church policies and procedures. Participate in workshops, conferences, and continuing education opportunities to remain current with best practices in children and youth ministry. Community Engagement Build relationships with local schools, youth organizations, community groups, and neighboring churches to strengthen the church's outreach to children, youth, and families. Maintain familiarity with youth-serving organizations and programs in the greater Stratford area and identify opportunities for collaboration and community involvement. Volunteer Coordination (Year-Round) Serve as the church's Volunteer Coordinator throughout the year . Maintain a current inventory of volunteer opportunities across all ministries of the church. Meet regularly with ministry leaders to identify volunteer needs. Recruit, interview, and connect members with volunteer opportunities that align with their gifts, talents, interests, and passions. Welcome and orient new volunteers. Encourage members to discover and use their spiritual gifts in service to the church. Develop strategies for recruiting, recognizing, and retaining volunteers. Help cultivate a church culture in which every member is encouraged to participate in ministry. General Responsibilities Support the overall mission and ministry of First Congregational Church of Stratford. Foster an atmosphere of hospitality, inclusion, and Christian fellowship. Perform other duties consistent with the mission of the position as assigned by the Pastor. Qualifications A vibrant Christian faith and a passion for working with children, youth, families, and volunteers. Experience working with children and youth is required. Experience launching, growing, and leading a youth ministry or youth group is strongly preferred. Familiarity with local youth organizations, schools, and community programs is strongly desired. Demonstrated ability to recruit, organize, and support volunteers. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills. Self-motivated with the ability to develop innovative ministry opportunities. Ability to work collaboratively with church staff, volunteers, and ministry teams. A Bachelor's Degree in Education, Youth Ministry, Religious Studies, or a related field is desirable. Work Year This is a year-round ministry position with responsibilities that vary seasonally. Children's Church and Sunday School generally follow the academic calendar from the start of September through the end of June. Youth fellowship, service projects, mission opportunities, and other activities may continue throughout the summer. The Director is encouraged to develop additional seasonal programming, including Vacation Bible School (VBS), family events, community outreach, and other opportunities that strengthen the church's ministry. Volunteer recruitment, training, and coordination are ongoing responsibilities throughout the year.

Pay:

$23,000.00 - $27,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Flexible schedule

Education:

Bachelor's (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person