Children's Director

Children's Director Job Description

Position Title: Children's Director for Washington Cathedral
Reports To: Lead and Executive Pastor 
Employment Status: Part-Time 
Location: Washington Cathedral, Redmond, WA

Position Overview:
The Children's Director is responsible for leading and overseeing children's ministry, serving children from birth through 8th Grade, and for developing outreach initiatives that connect the church with the local community. This role combines the spiritual formation of children within the church with a strong focus on extending the ministry's impact on families and children outside the church. The director will create, coordinate, and implement programs that foster spiritual growth and community engagement, working closely with parents, volunteers, and other church staff.

About Us: We are a community of people seeking to live our lives like Jesus and desiring to be His caring hands to our neighbors. We want to have a relationship with Jesus by communicating with Him and learning from God's Word to live a life full of joy and peace and invite others to share in this journey. We are a multi-generational church passionate about reaching young families, and we are seeking to hire a children's director to help take us to the next level of loving kids into God's kingdom. Our congregation is warm and welcomes everyone.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Children's Ministry Leadership:

Program Development and Implementation:
Develop, coordinate, and oversee all aspects of the children's ministry, including Sunday School, mid-week programs (existing play gym), special events (Vacation Bible School), and seasonal activities (Christmas program, Easter Egg Hunt, etc.). 
Create or implement a curriculum that aligns with the church's theological beliefs and meets the spiritual needs of children at various developmental stages.
Ensure that all programs are age-appropriate, engaging, and focused on teaching biblical truths in a fun and meaningful way.
Volunteer Recruitment and Management:
Recruit, train, and support a team of volunteers to assist with the children's ministry.
Provide ongoing training, resources, and encouragement to volunteers to ensure the highest quality of care and instruction.
Schedule volunteers for various roles, ensuring adequate coverage for all children's programs.
Parent and Family Engagement:
Communicate regularly with parents to keep them informed about children's ministry programs, events, and volunteer opportunities.
Provide resources and support to help parents reinforce their children's spiritual growth at home.
Organize family-oriented events and activities that promote community and strengthen relationships within the church.
Safety and Security:
Ensure that all children's ministry activities are conducted in a safe and secure environment.
Own and manage the check-in / Check-out process.
Implement and maintain child protection policies, including background checks for all volunteers and staff working with children.
Regularly review and update safety protocols to meet or exceed current best practices.
Budget Management:
Develop and manage the budget in partnership with staff members for the children's ministry, ensuring responsible stewardship of church resources.
Oversee the purchase of supplies, curriculum materials, and other resources necessary for the ministry.
Work with church leadership to identify and plan for future needs of the children's ministry.
2. Community Outreach and Engagement:

Outreach Program Development:
Develop and lead existing outreach initiatives such as play gym, VBS, Easter events, that engage children and families in the local community, particularly those who may not be connected to a church.
Bridge Building Between Church and Community:
Act as a liaison between the church and the community, identifying opportunities for the church to meet local needs and extend hospitality to families.
Create programs that address specific needs within the community, such as after-school programs, mentoring, or support for underprivileged children.
Volunteer Mobilization for Outreach:
Recruit, train, and deploy volunteers for community outreach activities, ensuring they are equipped to represent the church and share the love of Christ.
Develop a culture of outreach within the children's ministry, encouraging children and their families to participate in serving the community.
3. Collaboration and Leadership:

Cross-Ministry Collaboration:
Work closely with other ministry leaders to integrate children's ministry with the broader life of the church, ensuring a cohesive approach to spiritual growth and community engagement.
Participate in weekly church staff meetings, planning sessions, and leadership retreats as required.
Vision Casting and Leadership:
Provide leadership and vision for both the children's ministry and community outreach efforts, continually seeking ways to grow and improve these programs.
4. Administrative Duties:

Record Keeping and Reporting:
Maintain accurate records of attendance, volunteer schedules, and other important information related to the children's ministry and outreach activities.
Prepare regular reports on the children's ministry and outreach initiatives for church leadership and congregation updates.
Communication and Planning:
Handle administrative tasks such as communication with parents, volunteers, and community partners, as well as planning and coordinating events.
·         Note: Washington Cathedral uses Planning Center for attendance, scheduling, and events.

Qualifications:

Spiritual Qualifications:
A strong personal faith in Jesus Christ and a commitment to living out the gospel.
Agreement with the church's statement of faith and alignment with its mission and vision.
A passion for children's ministry and a heart for community outreach, with a desire to nurture spiritual growth in young people and engage with the broader community.
Educational and Professional Qualifications:
A degree in Children's Ministry, Christian Education, Community Development, or a related field (preferred).
Experience in children's ministry, education, or community outreach, with a proven track record of effective leadership and program development.
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Personal Attributes:
Creative, energetic, and passionate about working with children and reaching out to the community.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
Work Environment:

The role requires flexibility, including availability on weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.
The position involves physical activity, such as setting up and organizing spaces (stacking and moving chairs) for children's activities and community events.
Salary / Benefits:

Part-time: 20 hours/week with opportunity to grow to full-time as the program grows
Pay Range: $20 - $25/hr. based on experience
Benefits: Full Medical, Dental, Vision, AD&D
Vacation: 3 weeks annually
 

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references to staffing@wacathedral.org

 
This description is designed to provide an overview of the position and is not intended to list every task the Children's Director with Community Outreach may be required to perform.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities. Our community values diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring everyone feels welcome and respected. As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we uphold these principles in all our employment practices.