Youth Minister (Full-Time) – New Canaan, CT

The Congregational Church of New Canaan is a welcoming, inclusive and compassionate church community where difference and diversity are valued. We gather to promote the love and knowledge of the God revealed in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, Redeemer and Friend, and welcome all to participate in the life of our church regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, ability, marital status, or sexual orientation.

We foster a large, vibrant, and enthusiastic youth community in which our 200+ K-12 participants may experience and share the love of God. To learn more about our youth programs, please visit https://godsacre.org/children-programs-youth-groups/ .

The Youth Minister is responsible for leading one of three of our major youth programs (YG (Comprised of approximately 100 9-12th grade students), Quest (Comprised of a subset of 9-12th grade students) and Confirmation (8th grade students)); the other two programs will be led by the Senior Minister and/or Associate Minister of Children, Youth and Families. Personal interest and long-term ministerial growth will be taken into consideration when assigning division of duties. The Youth Minister leads all K-7th grade youth group programming with the assistance of part-time youth advisors, parent volunteers and a youth administrative coordinator.

The Youth Minister’s role is full-time and reports to the Associate Minister of Children, Youth and Families. The nature of the role lends itself to non-standard work hours and a flexible work schedule; Sunday afternoon/evenings and evening week night work hours are expected. Travel for retreats, off-sites, and mission trips is required.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

• Involvement in all and lead of most of the church’s youth programming (grades K-12), which includes YG, MSYG, JYG, Minnows, Guppies, Quest and Confirmation.
• Execute ministry programs for youth as assigned by Associate Minister of Children, Youth and Families, including curriculum development/selection, enrollment, space usage, record keeping, budget management, supplies, and schedules.
• Organize, develop and execute the yearly calendar and curriculum for Youth Ministries; Plan weekly youth events including program content, prayer, communications, staffing and administration.

• Plan, prepare, lead and execute mission trips, overnights and/or other offsite events.
  Coordinate other local service projects, special events, youth worships, retreats and mission trips.
• If assigned Youth Group (YG), lead a team of 6-8 Youth Advisors. Recruit and train advisors and/or junior advisors as needed.
• Lead Youth and/or Middle School Ministry Team(s) alongside lay chair. Lead/participate in any other lay ministry teams for assigned youth groups.
• Utilize, give direction to and work alongside Youth Program Coordinator for administrative needs.
• Maintain a regular presence in the community and develop relational ministry with youth:
• Maintain a steady presence/visibility in the lives of the youth. As appropriate, be a presence in the community by attending events such as athletic events, concerts, plays, etc.
• Be a faithful presence in the church community including occasional participation at church services, bible study groups or special events.
• Support the youth group ministry teams comprised of adult members with the mission of supporting the execution of program activities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with other youth leaders.
• Network and meet with parents to integrate them into the youth program.
• Periodically assist in religious services held by or at the Church as directed by the Associate Minister of Children, Youth and Families and/or Senior Minister.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Prior experience in teaching, working with youth, or related discipline.

Desired Characteristics

• Excellent leadership skills
• An understanding of the needs of individuals at various levels of intellectual, theological, social and emotional development.
• Effective self-management skills including but not limited to meeting deadlines, effective prioritization of tasks, self-organization and efficient time and task management.
• Ability to adapt, problem solve and remain flexible to a changing environment.
• Tact and sensitivity, including but not limited to adhering to confidentiality obligations such as mandated reporting as part of child protection.
• Ability to build strong and effective collegial relationships with parents, participants and staff.
• Ability to deal with conflict and resolve situations in an emotionally mature manner.
• Ability to communicate and build relationships effectively and appropriately with diverse range of individuals, including but not limited to children and families and colleagues
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written
• Strong faith-based ethical standards and personal integrity

Salary and Benefits

$70-80K salary range with benefits + local housing or housing allowance

To Apply

Interested candidates should email ymsearch@godsacre.org with resume and/or any questions about the process. You may also contact Katrina Parkhill at (203)595-1547.