Director, Next Generation Ministries

Overview
The Director of Next Generation (Next Gen) Ministries is responsible for providing leadership, vision, and direction for ministries serving children and youth (birth through 12th grade) at Herndon United Methodist Church. This person will nurture a welcoming, supportive, and dynamic faith environment where children, youth, and their families can deepen their relationships with Jesus Christ and engage in the life of the church. Herndon UMC envisions Next Gen Ministries as a source of encouragement for the children and youth of the church and the community to grow in their Christ-like love, grow in their understanding of one another, and deepen their sense of service to the world as Christ’s disciples.

The Director of Next Gen Ministries, shall propose, improve, create, and plan events, activities, and programs focusing on development of spiritual and character, engagement in Christian fellowship, and involvement in Christian service. This individual shall foster Christian community through building relationships and teaching with children and youth that empower their individual growth, strengthen their commitment to the church, and grow their faith in Jesus Christ. The Director of Next Gen Ministries should be engaging, relevant, appropriate, and effective for our next generation. This person will also support, mentor, and engage parents as partners in the nurture and development of their children and youth as disciples of Jesus Christ. The Director of Next Gen Ministries should be collaborative and work effectively with the volunteers to provide the programs and activities to the Herndon UMC children and youth.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, communicate, coordinate, manage, and implement a vision for Next Gen (children and youth) ministries.
• Supervise, lead, and participate in activities and programs for children and youth (i.e. Children Sunday School “KIDS Club,” Confirmation classes with the pastors, Youth Sunday Gatherings, etc.) consistent with the church vision, values, and mission.
• Coordinate and participate in Next Gen events, retreats, and mission trips, etc. (i.e. Vacation Bible School, Summer Musical Theatre Camp, Community Tailgate, Trunk of Treat, Easter Egg Hunt, Youth Summer Retreat, etc.) and work to expand the ministry’s reach into the community.
• Work with the pastors to actively engage and grow participation from the children and youth.
• Coordinate transitions between children’s ministries and youth ministries to encourage continued participation.
• Develop strategies to outreach, engage, and welcome new and young families into the life of the church.
• Serve as a church liaison to the HUMC Preschool to help foster positive and meaningful relationships with Preschool teachers and families.
• Actively participate in worship and fellowship. Facilitate opportunities for children and youth to participate in worship services (e.g., Children Sabbath, Youth Led Worship, Children’s Message on the first Sunday of the month). Be present and actively participate in church-wide worship and community events, fostering engagement among young families.
• Oversee all Next Gen volunteers. Recruit and train volunteers to deliver engaging and relevant content for all age groups. Ensure compliance with Child Protection Policies and ensure all volunteers pass background checks.
• Communicate effectively with parents, staff, and the congregation using various platforms (e.g., Church Management System, email, app/website, posters, flyers, social media, and more). Maintain organized records of programs, participant information, and communications.
• Attend weekly staff meetings and collaborate with fellow church staff. Provide pastors and staff with insight on the perspective and themes important to children and youth, helping leadership to identify elements of current media, popular music, movies, sports, and other popular culture that offer promising subject matter for discussion in worship or that may be useful or educational in other aspects of ministries.
• Propose and oversee the budget for Next Gen ministries, ensuring wise stewardship of resources.
• Oversee the staffing and maintenance of the Nursery, KIDS club, and Youth rooms.
• Strong time management and scheduling skills to support all programs and to coordinate volunteer scheduling.
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the Senior Pastor.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Three years of experience in Children and/or Youth Ministry. Passion for children and youth ministries with experience in program development and leadership.
• Personal commitment to Jesus Christ and alignment with United Methodist theology and values.
• Energetic with experience working in a team-oriented and collaborative environment.
• Strong ethical standards and the ability to create trust and integrity with co-workers and community. Able to maintain confidentiality.
• Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written.
• Effective organization, administrative, and communication skills with attention to detail.
• Must pass a background check.

Preferred Skills

• Proven ability to effectively connect with children, youth, and their families, church staff, and teams of volunteers.
• Mission coordination and training experience preferred.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including Sundays, with a heart for ministry and community engagement and to work in a variety of conditions.
• Ability to tactfully handle stressful and difficult situations.
• Proficiency with technology including Google workspace, database use, social media, and modern communication tools.
• Highly self-motivated and self-directed with strong problem-solving skills.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $20,000.00 - $23,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 20 – 25 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Ability to Relocate:

• Herndon, VA 20170: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person