The Original Congregational Church
Director of Children’s Ministries Job Description
Title: Director of Children’s Ministries (DoCM)
Purpose of the Position: The DoCM is a part-time position responsible for overall leadership in the educational/formational ministry, including guidance and resources for all aspects of the church school. He/she will lead the church school program for grades pre-school through middle school to nurture the faith journeys of our youth.
The Director of Children’s Ministries will provide nurture and guidance for the educational program of the Church School (pre-school through 8th grade) in accordance with the goals, objectives and policies established by the Education Ministry Team (EMT).
He/she will oversee all church school programs including Vacation Bible School (VBS) involving one week during summer months. He/she will work with the Pastor to incorporate children in worship and oversee special programs during the year to meet the specific needs of the Church School. He/she will work with the Pastor and other staff and volunteers in the planning and involvement of children in the church’s program and mission.
He/she will coordinate enlistment of volunteer teachers/leaders for church school and other programs for children, plan, and conduct training sessions.
He/she will maintain communication with the congregation to interpret the children’s educational/formational opportunities and needs and to enlist their participation and support.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Supervise the Church School, requiring 3 hours on Sunday mornings to direct all Church School activities.
- Provide teacher/leader recruitment, training, support, and nurture through consistent seasonal staff meetings for continuity.
- Study, evaluate, and present curriculum and resources to EMT for approval.
- Attend all Education Ministry Team meetings or other appropriate staff meetings and work with them for the formation, coordination, promotion, and evaluation of programsand policies.
- Coordinate and lead the Vacation Bible School program.
- Coordinate children’s involvement in worship to include assisting & supporting AllFamily Sundays.
- Maintain an inventory of resources and supplies to submit yearly budget for approval by the Coordinating Council and EMT.
- Prepare annual report for Church School, VBS, and other children’s ministries.
- Manage the Church School registration, including maintaining the attendance and other record keeping.
- Serve as a resource person in the area of curriculum and related materials.
- Keep abreast of the latest methods in children’s education/formation and bring them to the attention of the staff, EMT, leaders, and volunteer teachers.
- Develop and nurture Relationships with students, parents, and teachers of theChurch School program.
- Welcome new families and assist in connecting them with the Church School program.
- Develop and maintain a high level of communication with teachers and Church School families on a regular basis regarding Church School schedule and activities.
- Communicate with the congregation and community during Worship Services and through routine use of the church newsletter; The Spire, and the OCC website.
- Assist the Pastor in establishing and fostering relationships with the Church School families and his role of pastoral care.
- Assist the Pastor in planning and preparation for confirmation classes.
Time requirements: 15 hours per week, which includes 3 hours on-site Sundays from 9am-12pm; 2 weeks paid vacation and 4 weeks unpaid time off during summer months.
Primary Qualifications:
*Relates well with children, youth of all ages, parents and church leaders.
*Values teamwork with volunteer teachers and all church teams.
*Has a joyful faith in God and loves the church.
*Effective communication skills in public speaking.
*Has organizational skills that are effective for DoCM work.
*Is flexible, enjoys the challenges of teaching ministries of today and understands today’s family life.
*Has effective leadership skills.
*Is committed to continuing education, values our UCC strengths and relationships.
*Has some experience in children’s education/formation ministry.