Director of Student Ministries

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities The Director of Student Ministries is responsible for leading a dynamic and relational ministry for students in grades 6-12 that educates and disciples, provides a strong Biblical foundation and model for spiritual practices, and inspires lifelong Christian growth through inclusive fellowship, service, and community outreach. Primary Duties and Responsibilities 1. Ministry a. Provide direction and leadership for the youth education program of the church by coordinating and promoting weekly programming and other ministry activities throughout the calendar year. b. Execute a balanced approach to youth ministry that includes, but is not limited to: Bible study, discipleship training, outreach/evangelism, fellowship, and worship. c. Identify and coordinate service and mission opportunities for students. d. Seek to integrate youth ministry into all phases of church life to create a culture that is intentionally intergenerational, striving to unite with and complement other church ministries. e. Oversee youth worship at weekly youth gatherings. f. Encourage student participation in and contribution to congregational worship. g. Engage relationally with students beyond church walls (schools, events, activities), prioritizing presence over programming to build trust and discipleship opportunities. h. Work with the Membership/Marketing Manager to promote awareness of ministry events through social and print media. i. Submit a monthly newsletter article promoting the ministry to the Office Administrator, and provide regular communication to parents. j. Recruit, train, and shepherd volunteer youth staff with diverse gifts and personalities. 2. Spiritual Growth a. Provide counseling and spiritual direction to youth on an individual basis as needed. b. Coordinate discipleship teachers and curriculum. c. Work with Associate Pastor to facilitate yearly confirmation classes. d. Facilitate differentiated instruction for students as they grow and mature, with the assistance of program volunteers. e. Develop student leaders by recruiting and advising members of a youth leadership council. 3. Parent Engagement a. Maintain contact with students and parents, keeping them updated on ministry strategies and plans in a way that encourages partnership and involvement among parents, students, and congregants. b. Support DUMC parents in effectively fulfilling their Christian parenting roles, in concert with other pastoral staff. c. Make sure all volunteers & chaperones have been Safe Sanctuary/Background check approved. 4. Financial a. Assist in the development and oversight of the youth ministry budgets. b. Manage student fees for events and trips in conjunction with Business Administrator. c. Present a yearly youth budget proposal to the Associate Pastor for final approval by the Church Council. d. Facilitate the planning and execution of youth fundraising events. 5. General a. Maintain a roster of youth participants, parents, and their contact information. b. Attend staff meetings/gatherings as able. c. Attend all events as required by the pastoral staff. d. Be willing to support the overall needs of the staff team as required by the pastoral staff. e. Support and live out the vision of Denver United Methodist Church. 6. Other a. Stay current with youth ministry practices by reading, attending youth leadership conferences, etc. b. Solicit regular input from parents and other stakeholders through the use of surveys. c. Work with pastoral supervisors to make improvements to the program, based on feedback. Key Outcomes / Measures of Success

• Increased student engagement in weekly programming and small groups
• Clear evidence of student spiritual growth (participation in worship, service, leadership)
• Development of student leaders who actively contribute to church life
• Strong volunteer team that is trained, equipped, and multiplying
• Healthy and consistent parent engagement and partnership

Job Specifications Education/Training:

B.A./B.S.

preferred, experience in senior high youth ministry, basic administrative skills, and a personal spiritual life congruent with biblical mandates for leaders.

Knowledge/Skills:

Gifted and called to youth ministry, loves young people, and has a passion for evangelism/outreach, both personally and at the ministry level, self-motivated, strong relational skills.

Requirements:

Solid understanding of the foundations of Christian faith and Methodist traditions, strong committed Christian character, high level of energy, desire to nurture young people, high degree of professionalism, ability to maintain confidentiality, ability to pass a drug test.

Leave Time:

As outlined in the DUMC Employee Handbook.

Compensation:

Commensurate with experience Ideal Candidate

• Passionate about discipleship, not just programming.
• Relationally driven and thrives in building authentic connections with students.
• A developer of leaders, not just a doer of tasks.
• Aligns with the DUMC mission: "To be a harbor of hope in a chaotic world."
• Values intergenerational ministry and community engagement.

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person