Youth Director

Job Description: Director of Youth Ministries

Updated: 7/3/2025

Status: Part-Time (approximately 20 hours per week)

Supervisor: Senior Pastor

Compensation: $15,000-17,000/year

Summary: The Director of Youth Ministries is responsible for the overall design and management of ministry for youth at Zachary UMC (7th-12th grade). The Director of Youth Ministries will be expected to coordinate activities, programs, and initiatives with the Nursery Coordinator and the Director of Children's Ministries (K-6th grade).

Desired Outcome: The ideal candidate for Director of Youth Ministries would be an advocate for the youth and is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all aspects of their ministries by developing a comprehensive program which focuses on the spiritual growth, development of Christian values, and mission and outreach to our community. The Director of Youth Ministries must build relationships with youth, parents, and local school leadership, and help educate the congregation about the hopes, concerns, and needs of youth in the local church and community.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

●     Partner with the congregation to plan and coordinate annual programs, activities and initiatives for YouthMinistries (Fall Hay Ride, Christmas Parade Participation, Ice Cream Social, etc..) that are intergenerational and congregation-wide.

●     Recruit, provide training, and oversight to be a resource for servant (volunteer) adults and youth leaders who support the activities and programs.

●     Utilize the existing Zachary UMC Orange Curriculum for the overall Youth Ministry program that is compatible with United Methodist theology and doctrine for all programs and events, including Sunday School for 7th – 12thGrade.

●     Provide input on Youth Ministry budget needs in collaboration with the senior pastor and finance team.

●     Maintain regular communication with youth families, and the congregation through email, church updates, and periodic reports to leadership committees to keep them informed on the overall direction and application of ministry with youth.

●     Attend youth school events or visit with families when possible to build relationships and show support as appropriate.

●     Cultivate partnerships with other local United Methodist Churches through local activities, district, and conference events.

●     Develop a disciplined plan for your own spiritual growth.

●     Ensure compliance with our Safe Sanctuaries and MinistrySafe programs to keep youth and servants safe.

Time Expectations: This is a part-time salaried position requiring approximately 20 hours per week.  Office hours are to be established for communication and availability, but it is recognized that most hours of ministry will not be in office.  Sunday is a work day, with responsibilities for teaching and/or facilitating Sunday School classes on Sunday morning and implementing other evening activities.  Some weeks will involve more hours, such as preparing for a special event, being on a trip/retreat/work camp, fund-raising activities, or special weekend activities.  

Requirements

•      Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.

•      Must be age 25 or older.

•      3-5 years of leadership experience in Youth Ministry.

•      Familiarity with budgets and safety initiatives

•      Experience working with youth and volunteers in a ministry, educational, or community-based setting. 

•      Strong organizational and administrative skills.

•      Availability to work evenings, weekends, and travel as needed.

•      Good communication / presentation skills and ability to communicate with both adults and youth.   

•      Must have a knowledge and understanding of Christian beliefs and teachings and be familiar with United Methodist theology, doctrine, and polity.

Additionally, the successful candidate for this position must complete an independent criminal background check, drug screening, and reference checks prior to starting work. The Director will also be required to complete the Safe Sanctuaries training prior to starting work.