Director of Youth Ministry

Overview

We are seeking a passionate and innovative full-time Director of Youth Ministry to lead, shape, and expand our ministry for youth (6th-12th grades). This is a unique opportunity to establish a robust, sustainable framework for discipleship, faith journey guidance, spiritual growth, and community engagement. The ideal candidate will be a relational leader with a deep commitment to nurturing the faith of young people within the life of the whole church. This individual will contribute to the overall goals of Palmetto Presbyterian Church and the Faith Formation Team and can expect to be mentored in a supportive staff environment.

Primary Responsibilities

The primary focus of this role is on relational ministry, leadership development, and strategic planning:

• Lead Youth Discipleship & Programming: Design, lead, and evaluate weekly gatherings and specialized events (retreats, mission trips) to deepen relationships and foster spiritual growth. Incorporate program themes into ongoing discipleship plans and ensure continuity between retreats, mission trips, and weekly gatherings. Responsibilities include thorough preparation, execution, and post-event follow-up with youth and volunteers.
• Volunteer Recruitment, Training, & Care: Actively recruit, screen, and train adult mentors, ensuring they are equipped with Palmetto Presbyterian Church training and policies, as well as relational ministry practices. Provide regular support, check-ins, and appreciation to sustain a consistent and healthy volunteer team.
• Curriculum Development & Long-Term Planning: Strategically design a comprehensive 3–5 year scope and sequence for discipleship that aligns with the church’s theological commitments and calendar. With guidance from senior leaders, this individual will play a major role in the selection or creation of a curriculum to ensure theological depth as students mature. This individual will also lead the Confirmation program (8th grade) in collaboration with the pastor.
• Small Group & One-on-One Discipleship: Establish and lead consistent small groups for deeper discussion and accountability. Provide intentional one-on-one pastoral care, mentoring, spiritual guidance, and crisis support for youth.
• Community Presence & Outreach: Proactively build relationships with local schools, teachers, and coaches. Attend multiple student events weekly to support youth outside of church. Partner with community organizations and network with other youth ministers to expand the church’s visibility and outreach.

Additional Responsibilities

Important supporting duties that maintain the health and connection of the ministry include:

• Parent Partnership & Family Ministry: Equip parents for faith-at-home practices, host parent equipping nights, and provide pastoral presence for families. Collaborate with colleagues to seamlessly align with children’s ministry and faith formation initiatives.
• Intergenerational Integration: Coordinate youth participation and leadership in various aspects of congregational life, such as worship, Vacation Bible School, festivals/celebrations, service/mission opportunities, and ministry teams, to integrate youth into the whole church community.
• Administrative & Communications: Manage the ministry budget and fundraising, maintain the youth database, and handle consistent multi-channel communication with youth, parents, volunteers, staff, and the congregation.
• Professional Development: Dedicate time to ongoing growth through conferences, youth ministry networks, and staying current on adolescent culture and theological trends.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required
• Experience: 1-3 years of experience working and/or volunteering in an established, structured youth or campus ministry setting.
• Skills: Demonstrated success in volunteer management, curriculum development, long-term strategic planning, and pastoral care.
• Commitment: Must have a strong personal Christian faith and a theological perspective compatible with Reformed theology. Ideal candidate agrees to live in the Mount Pleasant community.

Compensation and Benefits

The Director of Youth Ministry will be accountable to the Pastor as Head of Staff, and the Session through the Personnel Committee. This is a full-time position with a weekly schedule set in coordination with the Head of Staff to most effectively accomplish the ministry goals. Hours include Sunday mornings, as well as evening and weekend responsibilities.

• Salary Range: TBD based on experience.
• Benefits: Standard Affiliate staff member benefits.

Applications

Applicants will be considered on a rolling basis. Please submit a cover letter, resume, a list of references, and/or direct any questions to: Tricia Nutting, Search Committee Chair, jobs@palmettopreschurch.org