Director - Youth Faith Formation

First United Methodist Church of Ann Arbor is an open and affirming congregation, and we welcome qualified candidates of all races and ethnicities, sexual orientations, and

socioeconomic backgrounds to apply. We are a large, downtown church adjacent to the University of Michigan with approximately 1000 members/constituents and 80 families with youth and young children. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to

jobs@fumc-a2.org by Thursday, August 15 at 5:00 PM ET.

Role Title: Director - Youth Faith Formation

Role Type/Scope: Full-time, lay staff (exempt)

Reports to: Associate Pastor

Direct reports (if any): Part-time Youth Faith Formation Staff, Family Council and Volunteers

Purpose/Overview of role

The Director - Youth Faith Formation is a full-time position who will work to develop events, activities, worship and education designed to engage and foster faith formation in Middle School and High School youth. They will work cooperatively with the Early Year and Adult Faith formation Directors to develop and encourage intergenerational faith development as appropriate.

Key Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with all Faith Formation Team Members to create a continuum of faith formation offerings across age groups, including intergenerational events.

• Lead and direct part-time Youth Faith Formation staff

• Develop and oversee weekly curriculum implementation for middle and high school youth (and their families as appropriate). This includes Sunday morning youth gatherings, Sunday evening high school and middle school programming, and confirmation classes. Assess youth programs annually for effectiveness and relevance.

• Make personal connections with individual youth and their families through timely communications including but not limited to periodic greetings, and announcements.

• Meet with parents to encourage participation of their youth in the program. Build a bridge to onboard new Middle School youth and their parents.

• Attend staff meetings; Collaborate with clergy and other lay staff to align messaging, curriculum, events and activities.

• Plan service projects/trips, retreats (typically 2/year), and special events

• Recruit and train volunteers.

• Meet monthly with volunteer leadership to plan and implement offerings.

Budget Responsibilities (Spending authorization)

Oversee expenditures with budget allotment for supplies and materials to support faith formation activities.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• BA/BS or equivalent in education, child development, psychology, religious studies. Related education or experience could be considered as well.

• Experience in planning and overseeing off-site service projects involving travel and adult volunteers.

• Excellent communication, planning, organizational and relational skills with children and adults.

• Collaborative work style; willingness to cross-train and be flexible in division of tasks across continuum of Faith Formation with other Directors.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• MA in Christian Education or MDiv preferred.

• 2-5 years of experience working with youth in a church setting preferred.