Director of Student Ministries

Position Summary: The Director of Student Ministries is responsible for developing and overseeing a comprehensive and robust ministry for the youth (grades 6-12) and their families from the Aldersgate United Methodist Church (AUMC) congregation and throughout the Fort Hunt community in the Mt. Vernon area. The Director of Student Ministries will create opportunities for youth to be in ministry, engage their faith, and deepen their understanding of Christian principles and practice. This includes but is not limited to the confirmation program, youth education, weekly activities, and mission trips. This is a part-time position averaging 20 – 25 hours per week.

Responsibilities:

• Help plan, develop, and implement all aspects of a balanced youth ministry for youth in grades 6-12 in the areas of discipleship, mission, and outreach, and strategically work to ensure that youth ministry is integrated into the total life and ministry of the church.
• Mentor youth in developing their leadership skills and intentionally work with other ministry leadership in the church to ensure that youth are incorporated into leadership within the congregation as a whole.
• Develop methods and strategies through Aldersgate’s discipleship pathway (Engage, Connect, Equip, and Send) to expand reach to Middle and High School youth in the community.
• Be an advocate for youth and educate the congregation about the hopes, concerns, and needs of youth in the local church and community.
• Lead confirmation program for youth primarily in grade 6 in coordination with our Director of Children’s Ministry.
• Recruit, train, and equip adult volunteers and student leaders.
• Develop an annual strategic plan for recruitment, volunteers, and major events in the church calendar.
• Establish annual goals including those derived from the Leadership Team; periodically report progress toward meeting these goals through Leadership Team representatives.
• Plan, request, and manage an annual budget throughout the year.
• Develop and evaluate curriculum; order and distribute curriculum and supplies.
• Plan and lead two mission opportunities a year for students in either week-long or multi-day formats.
• Create weekly youth experiences such as leading a small group, planning a worship night, hosting a learning club, or sponsoring a cohort gathering with other UMC churches.  
• Schedule monthly social outings for AUMC students or partner with other youth groups for cohort experiences.

Qualifications:

• A person of faith; preferably with a Methodist background or and understanding of Methodist theology
• Passion for youth ministries
• Organizational, leadership, and planning
• Team-builder
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with youth and volunteers
• Ability to plan large events
• Experienced fundraiser
• Good communicator/listener
• Empathetic
• Creative
• Compassionate
• Approachable

Accountability:

• Reports to the Associate Pastor

Salary: $30,000 - $35,000