Our mission is to be a welcoming community, proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ, living the true Faith, and serving others as we share the beauty of God’s love. We are seeking a full-time Director of Youth Ministries who has a passion for this ministry to join our team. Learn more about our parish, our Vision, and our Core Values.

Position Overview

This is a full-time, salaried exempt position that reports to our senior pastor. The Director of Youth Ministries will develop, lead, and evaluate the youth ministry efforts of our parish to fulfill our mission with creativity and integrity for the benefit of our youth. You will have the opportunity to advance new initiatives which engage young people in their faith. You will also be highly involved with the equipping and mentoring of, and collaboration with, our Teen SOYO leadership team.

Responsibilities

• Creatively and strategically develop the direction of the ministry while ensuring fidelity to our mission, vision, and core values
• To teach the Gospel message to live life sacrificially, serving as a spiritual leader for all the youth of SIOC through teaching and personal example
• To ensure the physical, emotional,and spiritual safety of any youth during a church sponsored event
• To plan and facilitate educational, service/outreach, spiritual, and social activities for all the youth of the parish
• Coordinate youth activities for the year in conjunction with the parish and liturgical schedule
• Proactively pursue the engagement of more youth
• To coordinate and recruit volunteers to cover the youth activities for Family Night
• To minister, facilitate, and be present for all organized events of the Youth Department, including:
  • SOYO (7th – 12th Grades)
    • training and mentoring of Leadership Team of officers
    • organization and implementation of regularly scheduled weekly events
    • Coordinate and lead regular opportunities for service, outreach, mission trips, pilgrimages, etc.
    • travel to events specifically, but not limited to, diocesan meetings, Conferences, Winter Camp
  • Pre-K – 6th Grades
    • Working with volunteer leadership in the organization and implementation of  quarterly events including but not limited to VBS, Nativity play, Creative arts festival, Tea party, Easter egg hunt, etc.
• Spend time regularly with the youth in their daily lives. This includes making personal visits to the homes of families with youth, attending sporting events and/or other extracurricular activities, etc.
• Recruiting, cultivating, and coordinating the work of Youth Ministry volunteers
• Prioritize youth-related communication and needs through consistent and effective channels
• Ensure alignment of youth education and opportunities across all youth ministry channels (Sunday School, Family Night, Teen SOYO, pre-teens, etc.)
• Oversee the preparation of and adherence to youth ministry budgets

Ideal Background

• Highly collaborative style; experience with developing and implementing youth programs and initiatives
• Exceptional communicator, both written and spoken, with good people skills
• Excellent time management skills who is organized and willing to be held accountable
• Technologically savvy
• A strong track record as an implementer and facilitator who thrives on managing a variety of key initiatives concurrently
• High energy, maturity, and leadership with the ability to serve as a unifying force along with having a passion for working with youth and being involved in their lives
• Sincere commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups, including clergy, staff, youth, parish council, parents, volunteers, etc.
• Self-starter, able to work independently, and entrepreneurially; enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives

Requirements

• Faith and Education: Due to the nature of and responsibilities for this position, an Orthodox Christian who has a foundational knowledge of the faith is essential. Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Experience and Values:
  • Previous and proven experience in youth work is required
  • Personal commitment to developing and sustaining a life in Christ and devotion to the Holy Orthodox Church in all facets of life
  • Commitment to working with and developing personal relationships with the youth of SIOC
  • Experience in program design, implementation, and/or evaluation
  • A technology enthusiast who adopts new technology early and is a quick learner of new applications
  • Experience working in a team-oriented environment preferred
  • Resonate with our core values and mission
• Travel: Candidates must be willing to travel a few times a year as it relates to responsibilities

Reporting Structure
This position reports to the senior pastor. He/she works with parish staff on all administrative matters (including Church School Director, YAF advisors). Expectations include:

• Regular meetings with senior pastor and parish staff
• Monthly updates to the parish council, attending meetings as requested
• Report and present to the General Assembly as requested by senior pastor
• Meeting with any standing youth advisory groups within the parish