The Associate Director of Youth Ministry partners with the Director of Youth Ministry and church staff to cultivate a Christ-centered youth ministry rooted in Love³—Love God, Love Others, and Love Self. This role focuses on building welcoming programs, nurturing authentic relationships, and developing student and adult leaders, to expand the impact of the ministry, while supporting the overall mission of First United Methodist Church.
The Associate Director will make disciples by creating spaces where youth are invited, known, and supported in their faith journey, encouraged to grow in identity and confidence, and equipped to live out their faith through community, service, and fellowship. This position requires flexibility in schedule, including evenings, weekends, and occasional travel for retreats and mission experiences. This person will complete required trainings, meet the Organizational Competencies, and fulfill the Core Values of First United Methodist Church. This position reports to the Pastor to Children and Youth.
1. Program Development, Events & Volunteer Leadership
• Design, maintain, and lead innovative youth programs that emphasize invitation, engagement, and spiritual growth
• Plan and execute annual and seasonal events, retreats, and special programs
• Manage event logistics including registrations, promotion, reservations, and itineraries
• Recruit, train, place, and support adult volunteers
• Provide intentional follow-up with youth, families, and volunteers
2. Sunday Programming Leadership
• Lead Sunday night youth activities including meals, games, fellowship, worship and volunteers
• Use games and shared experiences to build connection and belonging
• Support Sunday School and small-group experiences
• Ensure programming reflects Love God, Love Self, and Love Others
3. Hospitality & Connection Ministry
• Coordinate welcome teams, student follow-up, celebrations, and miss-you outreach
• Use hospitality as a pathway for student leadership development, developing systems that enlist youth to welcome new youth and participate in follow-up
4. Relational & Faith-Based Mentoring
• Build trusting faith-based relationships with teenagers through consistency, prayer and care
• Show interest in youth activities, school and extracurricular life, and milestones
• Encourage spiritual growth through presence and example
5. Ministry Operations, Administration & Collaboration
• Provide appropriate administrative support for youth ministry
• Care for youth ministry buildings and spaces
• Support digital media and communications
• Collaborate with other FUMC ministries and staff
A growing Christian faith, commitment to Love³, Experience working well with youth, Strong communication skills, Ability to work collaboratively, Microsoft Word and Excel, Canva, ProPresenter, and basic audio/visual setup (experience preferred; willingness to learn required), Strong written and verbal interpersonal skills.
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