Kids Ministry Director

Children's Ministry Director Position Summary The Children's Ministry Director provides visionary, care, and operational leadership for Denver United's Children's Ministry. This role is responsible for developing and executing the overall strategy of United Kids by building healthy volunteer teams, equipping leaders, partnering with parents, and creating environments where children are known, loved, and invited into a lifelong relationship with Jesus. The Director will champion the vision and culture of the ministry while ensuring excellence in leadership, safety, communication, and Sunday execution. Job Responsibilities Vision, Leadership & Ministry Development Champion and execute the vision, philosophy, and discipleship strategy of United Kids in alignment with Denver United's mission and values. Provide overall leadership, direction, and accountability for all areas of Children's Ministry. Continually evaluate the effectiveness and health of the ministry, identifying opportunities for growth, improvement, and innovation. Build systems and processes that create a healthy, scalable, and sustainable ministry. Develop future leaders by identifying, coaching, and empowering volunteers into increasing levels of leadership and responsibility. Collaborate with church leadership to ensure Children's Ministry contributes to the overall mission and direction of Denver United. Volunteer Leadership Recruit, develop, equip, and shepherd a thriving volunteer leadership team. Oversee all aspects of volunteer onboarding, training, scheduling, communication, appreciation, and ongoing care. Foster a culture where volunteers feel valued, equipped, encouraged, and spiritually invested in. Lead regular volunteer trainings and leadership development opportunities. Provide coaching, feedback, encouragement, and accountability to volunteers while cultivating a joyful and healthy ministry culture. Sunday Leadership & Ministry Operations Provide leadership and oversight for all Sunday morning Children's Ministry environments. Ensure classrooms are prepared, adequately staffed, and operating with excellence. Serve as the primary ministry leader and decision-maker on Sunday mornings for volunteers, children, parents, and guests. Respond with wisdom and pastoral care to behavior concerns, safety incidents, family needs, and volunteer support. Ensure all child safety policies, emergency procedures, and volunteer standards are consistently implemented and maintained. Curriculum & Discipleship Oversee the planning, writing, editing, and implementation of age-appropriate curriculum that aligns with Denver United's theological convictions and teaching vision. Develop a long-term scope and sequence that provides intentional biblical formation for children from infancy through elementary. Equip volunteers to confidently teach and disciple children. Continually evaluate curriculum effectiveness and adapt as needed to better accomplish ministry goals. Parent Partnership & Communication Build strong relationships with families and intentionally partner with parents as the primary disciplers of their children. Communicate regularly with parents regarding ministry updates, resources, upcoming events, and opportunities for spiritual growth at home. Provide pastoral support, encouragement, and guidance to families as appropriate. Events & Ministry Initiatives Lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of seasonal ministry events including Easter, Summer programming, Christmas, family events, and other strategic ministry opportunities. Recruit and lead volunteer teams to execute events with excellence. Administration & Stewardship Maintain excellent organization of classrooms, curriculum, supplies, storage areas, and ministry resources. Oversee purchasing and stewardship of ministry supplies and budgeted resources. Utilize Planning Center, Google Workspace, and other ministry platforms to ensure clear communication and efficient ministry operations. Develop systems that improve organization, communication, volunteer management, and ministry effectiveness. Denver United Staff Team Contribute to the health, unity, and culture of the staff team through collaboration, initiative, humility, and servant leadership. Participate fully in the life of Denver United by embracing and modeling our mission to Live with Jesus, Live in Family, and Live on Mission. Serve as a trusted ministry leader who contributes to church-wide initiatives beyond Children's Ministry when appropriate. Qualifications & Skills Character & Calling A growing follower of Jesus whose life reflects the beliefs, values, and leadership expectations of Denver United Church. Demonstrates a clear calling to vocational ministry and a passion for discipling children and equipping families. Leads with humility, integrity, emotional maturity, and a non-anxious presence. Models a teachable spirit, healthy relationships, and servant leadership. Experience & Ministry Skills Minimum of 3-5 years of leadership experience in Children's Ministry or a related ministry context. Proven experience recruiting, leading, and developing volunteer teams. Strong communicator with the ability to connect effectively with children, parents, volunteers, and staff. Gifted teacher capable of communicating biblical truth in engaging, energetic, and age-appropriate ways. Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously. Comfortable using Google Workspace, Planning Center, Canva, MailerLite, and other ministry software. Leadership Competencies Casts compelling vision that inspires volunteers and families to actively engage in the mission of the ministry. Builds healthy teams by identifying strengths, coaching leaders, delegating responsibility, and developing others. Thinks strategically while maintaining strong execution and attention to detail. Exercises sound judgment, problem-solving skills, and initiative with minimal supervision. Creates systems that foster excellence, sustainability, and long-term ministry health. Leads with both pastoral care and organizational effectiveness. Thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment while maintaining flexibility, joy, and a servant-hearted attitude. Compensation & Benefits Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO). Health-sharing coverage through Zion HealthShare. 401(k) matching after one year of employment. Eligible housing allowance in accordance with applicable IRS guidelines for ministerial staff. Workplace Expectations As a member of the Denver United staff, the Children's Ministry Director is expected to contribute not only to the health of United Kids, but also to the overall culture and mission of the church.

The Director will:

Adhere to the expectations and standards outlined in the Denver United Employee Handbook. Consistently model Denver United's staff core values of Wholeheartedness, Interdependence, Honor, Camaraderie, Innovation, and Sustainability. Report directly to Pastor Lucy Hulme , meeting regularly for leadership development, ministry oversight, strategic planning, and accountability. Collaborate closely with the Next Generations Team to develop and execute a unified vision for children, students, and families. Participate as an active member of the staff team by contributing to church-wide initiatives, all-staff meetings, seasonal events, and special projects while maintaining healthy workload boundaries. Maintain a posture of collaboration, flexibility, humility, and servant leadership, recognizing that ministry is accomplished best through teamwork. Pursue ongoing spiritual, personal, and leadership growth while cultivating a healthy and sustainable rhythm of ministry. Evaluation & Professional Development Denver United is committed to helping staff members grow personally, spiritually, and professionally through regular encouragement, coaching, and feedback. This position begins with a six-month introductory employment period , including a formal 90-day review to evaluate cultural alignment, ministry effectiveness, leadership, and overall fit for the role. The Children's Ministry Director will meet regularly with Pastor Lucy for coaching, ministry planning, encouragement, and accountability. Monthly department meetings will provide opportunities to review ministry goals, celebrate wins, evaluate progress, and identify areas for continued growth. An annual performance review will assess progress in leadership, ministry health, volunteer development, execution of vision, collaboration with staff, and overall contribution to the mission of Denver United Church. Success in this role will be measured not only by ministry outcomes but also by the ability to develop leaders, build healthy teams, cultivate a Christ-centered culture, and faithfully advance the mission of Denver United.