Director of Children, Youth & Families

First UMC - Fuquay-Varina, NC

Fuquay-Varina , North Carolina 27526

Full Time , On-Site

The Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries provides vision, leadership, and oversight for ministries serving children (birth through 5th grade), youth (grades 6- 12), and their families. Working in partnership with the Pastor, staff, and lay leadership, the Director cultivates a welcoming, Christ-centered environment where children, youth, and families grow in faith, build meaningful relationships, and actively participate in the life and mission of the church. The Director is responsible for developing and coordinating ministries that nurture discipleship, strengthen family faith formation, recruit and equip volunteers, and engage the community in ways that reflect the mission of The United Methodist Church.

Reports to: Pastor

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Essential Responsibilities

Ministry Vision and Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive ministry strategy for children, youth, and families.

• Foster a culture of discipleship, belonging, service, and spiritual growth.

• Work collaboratively with the Pastor, staff, Church Council, and ministry teams to support the church's mission and vision.

• Build strong relationships with children, youth, parents, and volunteers.

Children's Ministry

• Coordinate Sunday School, Children's Church, nursery, and other children's programming.

• Select and organize curriculum and teaching resources.

• Recruit, train, schedule, and support volunteers.

• Plan Vacation Bible School and seasonal children's events.

• Encourage children's participation in worship and congregational life.

Youth Ministry

• Plan and lead regular youth gatherings, Bible studies, fellowship activities, retreats, and mission opportunities.

• Mentor youth as they grow in their faith and leadership.

• Encourage youth participation in worship, service, and church leadership.

• Maintain relationships with youth and their families through regular communication and pastoral care.

Family Ministry

• Equip parents and caregivers as the primary faith leaders in their homes. Plan intergenerational worship experiences, family events, and service opportunities.

• Provide resources that encourage faith formation at home.

• Welcome and connect new families into the life of the congregation.

Outreach and Community Engagement

• Develop relationships with local schools, community organizations, and families.

• Coordinate outreach events designed to welcome children, youth, and families into the church.

• Encourage participation in local mission projects and community service.

Volunteer Leadership

• Recruit, train, supervise, and encourage volunteers.

• Ensure all volunteers comply with Safe Sanctuaries policies and background check requirements.

• Foster a culture of hospitality, teamwork, and appreciation.

Administration

• Develop and manage ministry budgets.

• Maintain attendance records and ministry databases.

• Coordinate ministry calendars and facility scheduling.

• Communicate regularly through newsletters, email, social media, and the church website.

• Attend staff meetings, Church Council meetings as requested, and other leadership meetings.

Safety and Compliance

• Administer the church's Safe Sanctuaries policy.

• Ensure all volunteers complete required training and screenings.

• Maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all children and youth.

Qualifications

• A growing Christian faith and commitment to the mission of Jesus Christ.

• Understanding of and appreciation for the theology and practices of The United Methodist Church.

• Bachelor's degree in ministry, education, child development, or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience.

• Experience working with children, youth, and families.

• Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills.

• Ability to recruit, train, and motivate volunteers.

• Proficiency with technology and communication tools.

• Successful completion of a background check and Safe Sanctuaries training.

Core Competencies

• Spiritual leadership

• Relationship building

• Volunteer development

• Program planning and implementation

• Communication

• Organization and time management

• Team collaboration

• Creativity and adaptability

Work Schedule

This is a full-time position averaging 40 hours per week. The schedule includes Sunday mornings, weekday office hours, evening youth programming, church events, retreats, and occasional

overnight activities.

Performance Expectations

Success in this position will be demonstrated by:

• Growing participation of children, youth, and families in worship and discipleship.

• Strong volunteer recruitment, training, and retention.

• Meaningful relationships with children, youth, and parents.

• Effective communication with families and the congregation.

• Safe and well-organized ministry environments.

• Responsible stewardship of ministry resources.

• Positive collaboration with church staff and volunteer leaders.

Organization: First UMC - Fuquay-Varina, NC

Contact: Wanda W Denning

Phone: 9194180893

Closing Date: 08/31/2026