We’re Hiring! Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries

Job Announcement
Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries
Bethesda United Methodist Church

Hours: 20 hours per week

Compensation: $21,000 (negotiable based on education and experience)

Reports to: Senior Pastor

Summary: The Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries (DYYM) will guide and direct the faith development of the church’s middle and high school students by creating a welcoming and safe youth program for their spiritual, emotional, and social development. The DYYM will also support recent high school graduates and young adults in maintaining connection with the church community.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Plan and lead Youth activities:

The DYYM will organize, direct, and attend a variety of activities to attract youth to the program and keep them interested. These include activities such as weekly meetings, overnights or lock-ins, retreats, Bible studies, mission trips, and seasonal special events. The goal is a balanced youth program that includes elements of fellowship, service to others, spiritual formation, and fun. The DYYM will support the youth music program and will be involved with the Confirmation process as a teacher and resource person. The DYYM will recruit, supervise, and support adult volunteers involved in these activities. The DYYM attends monthly Church Council meetings.

The DYYM will keep in touch with the church’s youth after they finish high school to help them remain connected to the church in the next phase of their lives, whether that be further education or starting a career.

Plan and lead Young Adult activities:

The DYYM will arrange, manage, and guide events and resources to engage young adults and maintain their bond with the church and Christianity. The DYYM will plan and conduct monthly meetings for young adults, and promote virtual sessions or get-togethers.

Communicate effectively about youth and young adult activities:

The DYYM is responsible for establishing and maintaining communication channels including social media, email, the bulletin, and the church newsletter, to generate interest and keep people aware of upcoming youth and young adult activities. The DYYM must keep the pastors informed of all youth and young adult activities, communicate with other church staff as needed to ensure coherent ministry to children, youth, and their families. The DYYM attends weekly church staff meetings.

Serve as a guide and an example:

The DYYM must be a committed faithful Christian whose personal conduct is above reproach, to set a good example for the youth and young adults. This individual should be well versed in Christian teachings generally, and United Methodist teachings in particular, and be able to discuss these comfortably with the youth and young adults. The DYYM must be able to coach and challenge youth and young adults as they explore and grow in their faith, and must also exhibit maturity and wisdom to provide structure and guidance for youth and young adults as they mature. The DYYM must be a regular presence during Sunday morning activities, including regular participation in worship, and coordination of Youth Sundays. The DYYM serves as a member of the Youth Sunday School teaching team.

SKILLS REQUIRED

Must have excellent oral and written communication skills, computer skills including social media, word processing and database management, and excellent listening skills. Have effective administrative and organizational skills necessary to plan programs; prepare and manage the program budget; organize fundraisers; and maintain and monitor information related to the youth and young adult program such as attendance reports, permission slips, health forms, safe sanctuaries forms, etc.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

The DYYM will:

Hold a bachelor’s degree.
Have experience in youth and/or young adult ministry.
Be a member of or very familiar with the United Methodist Church and its teachings, including the Wesleyan reliance on Scripture, tradition (church teaching), reason, and experience. Also, be accepting of different ways of living out faith in Jesus Christ.
Be able to serve as a leader while remaining flexible.
Work as a team player with the church’s staff and volunteers.
Enjoy hanging out and building relationships with youth and young adults, and their families.
Have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
Be able to lift and move up to 25 pounds, and to negotiate stairs.
Attend and complete Safe Sanctuaries training (promoting awareness of situations that could involve abuse of children or youth) upon hire and annually thereafter.
Be able to pass a criminal background check.

Qualified candidates should email bethesdaumc@washmorefeet.org.

Bethesda UMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Bethesda UMC is a Reconciling Congregation,
which means that we embrace the inclusion of all people
regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.