St. Luke’s on the Lake Episcopal Church in Austin, Texas announces a position opening on August 1, 2017, for Director of Youth Ministries. It is full-time, 40 hours weekly. A job description, with essential responsibilities and qualifications, and benefits follow below.

In summary, the Director leads a Christian ministry to the youth of the church and the surrounding area that encourages faith in Jesus Christ, equipping them to be in ministry and mission, and training them to be leaders in their community. The Director is supervised by the Rector accepting guidance from other clergy, and works collegially and collaboratively with staff.

Essential responsibilities will include program oversight, leadership training and administrative duties.

  • Planning, coordinating, conducting, and evaluating the church’s ministry on campus, and off site; this includes two summer mission trips.
  • Development of a ministry for youth in peer ministry with other youth.
  • Provide a plan for formal (structured) and informal (by example) leadership training for the youth.
  • Involvement as a regular presence in the lives of our youth outside of the program by doing things such as having lunch at schools, attending plays and games, etc.
  • Recruitment, development and retention of adult sponsors for the program.
  • Development of a plan to regularly communicate with the youth (including social media), and separately with the parents and the wider parish.
  • Work closely with other ministries of the church, such as the men’s group and the Vestry; attend weekly staff meetings; involvement with ministries relating to the youth, such as Youth Sunday School, VBS and the Acolyte program. There is an expectation of weekly attendance at worship.
  • Prepare and report annual goals and objectives for the youth ministry to the clergy for review and approval, and to articulate these goals to the youth and parents.
  • Prepare, administer and manage the church youth budget, and to articulate financial needs to the Rector and Vestry when requested
  • All other duties as assigned by the Rector and clergy. There will be meetings, as needed, with the Rector (or, his designate) for any clarification of the vision, for any strategic planning, and for guidance and prayer. The Director is also encouraged to reach out to others for guidance and prayer.

Qualifications include a personal commitment to Jesus Christ, and a willingness to love, serve and obey Him. The successful candidate will have a deep sense of calling to youth ministry, and a natural ability to relate to and work with youth and their parents and others in the parish. The ability to plan, organize, lead and guide projects and activities, both scheduled and spontaneous, will be necessary for success. A willingness to work closely with others, to listen carefully, to create a positive environment, to demonstrate flexibility and inclusiveness in problem-solving, and to protect the reputation and integrity of others through strict confidentiality are required.

A current driver license with a clean driving record is required, as is the completion of Safeguarding God’s Children and other security checks. The completion of college-level or higher course work in Christian Formation and/or Youth Ministry is desired.

The benefits include a competitive salary package, health insurance, ten vacation days, and a pension plan after one year. In addition, there is an active and committed youth community that is excited for the arrival of our new youth director, and a joyful and supportive staff and congregation that desires growth in our youth ministry. Our church mission is to be “a community in Christ and Christ to the world.” We see a renewal in youth ministry as a priority in our parish.

The recruitment process will be directed by the Rector, with the help of the Search Committee, consisting of two youth, two staff members, two Vestry members and two key leaders of the parish.