We are hiring a new Director of Children's and Youth Ministries!
​
Learn more about the position below and email a resume and cover letter to cymt@fpcarlington.org to apply. Questions? Email billy@fpcarlington.org.
--
Director of Children’s and Youth Ministry
First Presbyterian Church of Arlington
601 N. Vermont St.
Arlington, VA 22203
Summary
The Director of Children’s and Youth Ministry is the staff person primarily responsible for the Christian education and worship experience of children and youth from birth through 12th grade. The Director will report to the Pastor as a supervisor and to the Children’s and Youth Ministry Team (CYMT) for programs. The position is a full-time (exempt) salaried position. We welcome both ordained and non-ordained candidates to apply.
Job Objective
Maintain and grow a loving, dynamic, and engaging ministry for children and families at First Presbyterian Church of Arlington. Ensure the church is an engaging, safe, and energetic hub of activity where families worship, nurture their Christian faith, serve, pray and are led to committed discipleship. Work in partnership with the CYMT of the church. Will have the opportunity to gain experience preaching occasional Sundays, if so desired.
Responsibilities
Christian Education
-
Create a welcoming, affirming, and safe space for all children and youth to explore their faith.
-
Plan and direct the weekly Sunday school ministry for children (age 3-12th grade), including but not limited to teacher/shepherd scheduling; curriculum selection; classroom reset and prep for new season as well as weekly needs; fill in as teacher/shepherd as needed; coordinate with other ministries for classroom needs (e.g., ESL, crafting group).
-
Select and recommend to CYMT curricula and other educational materials for use by children and youth in their learning activities based on CYMT Visioning, Goals and Core Competencies.
-
With Pastor and CYMT, develop a plan for Confirmation classes. Teach classes along with Session members and Pastor.
-
Lead or arrange training for volunteers, including training in teaching strategies, church policies, and behavior policies.
-
Maintain the roster of children and youth regularly attending church and Sunday School including tracking attendance; regularly checking in with families; and following up with new families attending as well as regulars who no longer attend.
-
Ensure that volunteers, parents, and children understand relevant church policies, especially our child protection policy; facilitate compliance with policies (e.g., background checks, two adult rule, driving policy); lead training sessions with Session, Deacons, and Trustees;
-
Participate in a review of policies every two years with CYMT.
-
-
Develop a programming calendar for the year, coordinate recruitment to fill teaching positions including direct outreach to potential teachers.
-
Work with session members to find leadership opportunities for youth including serving on committees and spearheading mission opportunities.
-
Serve as a resource to parents to nurture spiritual growth.
Worship
-
Oversee and lead the “Time with Children” sermon during Sunday worship service.
-
Work with Pastor, teachers, parents and Worship Ministry Team on
leadership opportunities for children and youth during worship service.
-
Oversee, coordinate, and lead Godly Play Worship for ages 4 through 2nd grade during 11 am worship from September through June.
-
Serve as leader for planning and implementing annual Children and Youth Christmas Eve worship service.
-
Plan and implement biannual youth-led services (e.g., Summer Sharing Sunday, in September and Youth/Graduation Sunday in May/June).
-
Coordinate with the music director on children’s choir leadership and logistics, including assessing interest.
Special Programming
-
Lead and organize two community-facing events each year: Currently, Fall Festival with Trunk or Treat in the fall and Annual Easter Egg Hunt in the spring.
-
Encourage and facilitate fellowship activities for pre-K to 5th graders and their families (e.g., Family Bowling, Parent’s Night Out).
-
Develop and lead at least 4-5 fellowship activities or events attractive to youth (e.g., Sandy Spring Ropes Course, Lock-In, Ski trip with other churches in January).
-
Oversee planning and operation of abbreviated summer Christian learning and fellowship opportunities for children.
-
Lead or recruit others to lead or chaperone Children and Youth special events and trips.
-
Organize and attend up to four summer fellowship and mission trips for middle school and high school youth.
Nursery
-
Oversee nursery staff.
-
Oversee nursery program, including parent and nursery staff concerns/needs.
​
Communication/Outreach
-
Maintain communication with parents and families via in-person communication, weekly emails to families, texts to families, bulletin inserts, flyers, articles for church newsletter, and the Children and Youth Ministries section of the website.
-
Foster relational ministry with youth, while following church policies. Maintain communication through texts, email, social media, and attending school or other events, etc.
-
Reach out to families who are struggling or in the midst of transitions or life changes to ensure that church is able to help or accommodate where possible.
-
Develop social media graphics for CYMT events.
-
Explore/maintain potential collaboration with other youth workers in Presbyterian congregations in the community for youth activities including, but not limited to the current January ski trip.
-
Develop a parent survey and annually survey parents, or a representative group of parents, to get feedback regarding CYMT programs.
-
Coordinate with internal groups such as Session, Fellowship, and Worship teams, and others as necessary. Attend meetings with staff, CYMT, or others as needed for CYMT joint projects.
-
Assist Elder of Children and Youth Ministry Team in developing the annual budget.
​
Qualifications
-
College degree or commensurate experience required.
-
Experience leading Christian Education programs preferred.
-
Strong sense of God’s love and a calling for working with children, youth and parents.
-
Demonstrated project management and organizational skills with a specific ability to prioritize and work independently.
-
Ability to effectively communicate with a wide constituency.
-
Ability to work as a team player and advocate for CYMT priorities.
-
Understanding of and commitment to the reformed faith tradition.
Accountability
-
The Director of Children’s and Youth Ministry reports to the Pastor/Head of Staff, is accountable to the Session and will work with direction from the CYMT Elder and team.
-
The DCYM will have an annual performance evaluation conducted by the teams listed above.
-
The DCYM is also subject to all of the provisions of the First Presbyterian Church Personnel Policies.
Compensation
Salary: $65,000
Healthcare contribution: $4,500
Books/continuing education/discretion: $1,500-full year
Access to the 403b plan through the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s board of pensions
Leave
Continuing education: One week per year, not to include more than one (1) Sunday.
Vacation leave: 10 days for the first year and one day added for each additional year up to 20 days (coordinated with the Pastor and CYMT); not to include more than three (3) Sundays.
Mandatory Work Days: Palm Sunday, Easter, Christmas Eve.
Sick/family leave: 10 days of sick leave per calendar year, cumulative up to 120 days.
​
Please email a resume and cover letter to cymt@fpcarlington.org.