Director - Youth Faith Formation

Director - Youth Faith Formation

First United Methodist Church of Ann Arbor is a progressive Christ-centered church committed to loving others and building hope through worship, education, service and social justice. With God’s help, we seek to transform ourselves and our community through acts of unconditional love, the pursuit of justice, and a courageous commitment to humility, dignity and compassion for all. We are a large, downtown church adjacent to the University of Michigan with approximately 300 regular in-person and online weekly worshippers (1000 total members/constituents) and 30 active youth.

We welcome qualified candidates of all races and ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, ages and stages of life, abilities and disabilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds to apply. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to jobs@fumc-a2.org by Monday, March 31 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/Parent 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 Children’s and Adult Faith Formation Directors to develop and encourage intergenerational faith development as appropriate.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver faith lessons and experiences that enable youth to live their individual and communal lives in alignment with Jesus’ life and teaching.

• Provide opportunities for youth to nurture and nourish their faith by serving others through mission and service opportunities locally, nationally, and globally.

• Build an inclusive and safe space for community and provide a sense of belonging for all youth.

• Make relational connections with youth.

• Make personal connections with parents and 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. Develop a process to onboard new Middle School youth and their parents.

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

• Direct, support and develop part-time Youth Faith Formation staff.

• Assess youth programs annually for effectiveness and relevance.

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

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

• Recruit and train volunteers.

• Meet periodically with volunteers and Family/Parent Council members 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, social work, psychology, religious studies. Related education or experience could be considered as well.

• Experience in long- and short-range 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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $43,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Ann Arbor, MI 48104: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $40,000 - $43,000