Director of Youth Ministry Position at Desert Palm UCC

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Job Description:

Desert Palm United Church of Christ:

We are progressive faith community with approximately 200 members and 25 children and youth.  We are welcoming of all. The core missions of Desert Palm have been present since its inception: feeding the homeless and hungry, celebrating foster children, and supporting veterans and the LGBTQIA community.

We are currently in an exciting time of growth and transition.  Youth ministry is one of our major focuses and we are looking for a dynamic youth director with vision for our faith community.

General Purpose of Position:

This position is responsible for creating a community of youth by developing and implementing a vision, strategy and comprehensive approach for all programs, activities and educational aspects related to the Youth Ministry (YM) at Desert Palm UCC. The Director manages 5th-12th grade ministries, specifically, all Sunday, midweek, mission, retreat and outreach YM programs. She/he is also expected to coordinate with, and when necessary support, The Youth Task Force and the Board of Christian Education with regard to Sunday worship services, and Vacation Bible School.

Organizational Relationship and Supervision:

The Director of Youth Ministry reports to the Associate Pastor.

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s Degree preferred or in progress.

  • Minimum of 3 years Youth Ministry experience (volunteer or paid youth leadership, including leadership responsibility and program management).

  • Valid driver’s license.

  • Authorize Desert Palm UCC to perform a background check (required of all staff and volunteers who interact with children and youth.)

  • References required

Expectations:

  • Strong interpersonal skills to cultivate healthy, motivating relationships with the youth, parents, and volunteers, and church staff.

  • Innovation, creativity, adaptability, openness to growth and change.

  • A person of faith.

  • Growing relationship with God apparent in attitude and action.  

  • Passion for youth ministry and seeing both youth and parents grow in faith.

  • Ability to communicate well in writing and verbally. Well versed in all forms of social media (e.g. Instagram, Snapchat.)

  • Willingness to embrace Desert Palm UCC’s vision, values, and statement of faith and willingness to accept the principles and traditions of the United Church of Christ.

  • Respectful of others, sensitive, and maintains confidentiality.

  • Administrative experience, including team coordination, good planning and organizational skills, and budget management.

  • Reliable self-starter who follows-through on details.

  • Good judgment and problem-solving ability.

  • Well-developed and collaborative leadership style.  

Responsibilities:

Planning and Development

  • Develop a YM vision and specific objectives in collaboration with the Pastors and Youth Task Force.

  • Establish an annual plan and budget for YM for approval, including strategies for growing participation, ongoing programs and major events (e.g. fundraisers, retreats, mission projects.)

  • Submit a quarterly progress and financial report to the Associate Pastor.

  • Advocate for youth within the Desert Palm UCC congregation and the community.

Program Management

  • Coordinate all YM programs for middle and high school students and their families.

  • Collaborate with other related ministries as requested.

  • Develop processes necessary for effective YM operations.

  • Effectively execute approved YM budget and financial oversight.

  • Recruit, train, and support YM volunteers.

  • Communicate to inform youth, staff, volunteers, parents and related ministries.

  • Communicate to promote YM within the congregation and community, especially through social media and current church publications.

  • Implement all Desert Palm UCC safety and security processes for YM.

Direct Youth Ministry Leadership

  • Provide upfront leadership for YM events.

  • Mentor youth to develop leadership skills.

  • Offer care and encouragement to youth, their families, and YM volunteers.

  • Coordinate and teach Confirmation Class, in partnership with and at the discretion of the pastors.

  • Exhibit an active interest in the spiritual nurture of youth by being accessible to them beyond the church campus (e.g. attend summer camp, visitations at time of crisis.)

  • Participate with Desert Palm Youth in Southwest Conference Youth activities (e.g. summer camp, annual meetings, regional and national meetings.)

Staff Responsibilities

  • Maintain flexible office hours as agreed upon with the Associate Pastor.

  • Attend staff meetings as needed and be a good colleague to others on staff.

  • Participate in Desert Palm UCC’s worship and occasionally lead an element of worship (e.g. Youth Sunday, worship leaders, Easter sunrise worship.)

  • Share in the overall Desert Palm UCC’s congregational life and attend special events as requested.

  • Observe all personnel policies and staff guidelines.

Anticipated time commitments:  An average of 20 hours per week for 50 weeks per year; flexible based on ministry needs, actual hours may vary considerably by season.   Our hope is for a candidate looking to offer at least a two year covenant, knowing the importance of time in creating and growing a new youth program for both the director and the congregation.


If you are interested in this position or have questions, please contact Michael-Ann Veziroglu at michael-ann@desertpalmucc.org or 480-452-6033.