Director of Children's Ministry

The Children’s Director will develop, coordinate, promote, and oversee the Christian Education Program for Children. This includes weekly Wednesday and Sunday children’s programs, Parent’s Morning Out (PMO), nursery needs and staff, and other special programming, such as Vacation Bible School, Confirmation, and other children and family outreach programs. The Children’s Director shall foster a strong education program that strengthens the children’s commitment to the church and their faith in Jesus Christ and build relationships with children, parents, teachers, volunteers, and church leaders.

Key Responsibilities:

Children’s Education and Programs

·      Plan, create, implement, and assess Christian (Methodist) education and programming for Sunday School, Children’s Moment in Church, Children’s Church, and other seasonal/special events for children from birth through 5th grade, including coordinating teachers, providing materials/curriculums, leading Children’s Church, and greeting children/families.

·      Develop and coordinate children’s activities in conjunction with Wednesday Night Suppers, including providing materials/curriculums, securing volunteers, and working with Music Director/volunteers to incorporate music.

·      Coordinate special programs for children (i.e. Vacation Bible School, Lent, Palm Sunday, Promotion Sunday, Blessing of Backpacks, 3rd Grade Bibles, Advent, Christmas Eve) as well as additional special events.

·      Build new opportunities for the children to grow their faith in different ways.

·      Organize and incorporate children into Sunday’s Acolyte activities, including recruiting, training, and scheduling children and youth volunteers.

·      Implement an effective Vacation Bible School curriculum, including developing communications, registering children, and coordinating and training adult and youth volunteers.

·      Collaborate with Kindergarten Director to coordinate between Children’s, PMO, and Kindergarten programs.

PMO and Childcare Staff

·      Manage and direct PMO Lead and Nursery Coordinator, overseeing the recruiting, hiring, training, and supervision of PMO and nursey childcare staff.

·      Provide onboarding, formal Safe Sanctuary training, and continuous education and training for PMO and childcare staff, church staff, and all volunteers working with children or other vulnerable populations.

·      Coordinate with Nursery Coordinator to address childcare needs for Sunday and Wednesday activities, committee meetings, and other special ad hoc requests for church meetings and events.

·      Review consolidated nursery staff time from Nursery Coordinator and submit to Operations Director.

·      Responsible for performance conversations, needs, and reviews of PMO Lead and Nursery Coordinator.

Overall Administrative Duties

·      Organize and implement scheduling children’s ministry teachers and volunteers.

·      Plan, organize, and implement volunteer training, curriculum, and long-range children’s ministry plans.

·      Ensure Safe Sanctuary Policies are followed always in all programs and events involving children of the church.

·      Develop and maintain a relationship with current and new families, particularly through participation in special church and community events.

·      With the Operations Director, coordinate and develop timely and effective communications to children, families, congregation, church leadership, preschool families, and community utilizing available resources (email, website, social media, bulletins, newsletters, bulletin boards, etc.).

·      Actively collaborate and participate in Children’s Council meetings and coordinate with other ministries that affect children of the church and community.

·      Participate in the preparation and development of the budget for the PMO and Children’s program and staff with Children’s Council and Senior Pastor.

·      Coordinate with Operations Director on purchasing supplies and addressing facility needs for children’s activities.

Education/Experience:

•        5 years of experience in education, child development, or children’s ministry (bachelor’s degree in education or related field preferred)

•        Must be comfortable working in a church setting. Prior church work experience and/or familiarity with the United Methodist Church preferred.

•        Must have an understanding of child development and ability to relate to children.

•        Self-motivated, ability to generate new ideas and programs, and values a team concept of ministry.

•        Excellent organizational and time management skills, with attention to detail and ability to prioritize.

•        Must have strong people and communication skills, with ability to listen and communicate to people of all ages.

•        Has a friendly, enthusiastic, and pastoral heart for working with children, families, and parents, along with staff members, church members, and volunteers.

Reports to Senior Pastor

Role: Full Time (averaging 40 hours a week) Sundays, Wednesdays, and other days as needed