ROLE SUMMARY:  The Director of Youth Ministries provides leadership for and champions the spiritual formation of middle school and high school age youth.  This staff member is charged with integrating the youth programs into the general faith community of St. Mark’s and inviting, equipping and growing volunteers who will support the program and provide their gifts of service.

ORGANIZATIONAL POSITION: This is a 24 hours per week, year-round position. The Director’s schedule must be flexible to accommodate the varying demands of this position. Work time will vary depending on the events of the week, weekday programs, seasonal events, and required meetings. Regular attendance on Sunday mornings for worship, and Sunday evenings for Youth Group is required.  

This position reports directly to the Minister of Family Discipleship and receives a written performance review on an annual basis.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES (other duties may be assigned):

• Implement the vision and strategy for youth faith formation developed by the Minister of Family Discipleship, aligning programming to the Church’s purpose of making disciples for Jesus Christ.
• Coordinate all programming and ministry for youth (6th-12th grades). Existing programs include Youth Group on Sunday evenings, a trip to NCCUMC Pilgrimage each fall, and an All-Youth Retreat each spring.
• Participate in the planning and implementation of annual Confirmation classes each spring, led by the Minister of Family Discipleship.
• As the Youth Ministry grows in numbers and participation, plan and implement additional special programs and events, such as lock-ins, camping trips, retreats, mission and outreach activities, summer trips, a youth music program in collaboration with the Director of Music, etc.
• Develop personal relationships with youth by creating a welcoming, fun, and inclusive culture, being both a friendly resource and positive role model.
• Imagine and initiate new ways of ministering to youth and their families—take freedom to dream—continually improving and expanding the youth programs so others see the church as being “youth friendly” and having quality activities, classes, and events for both middle school and high school students.
• Support, recruit, train, and schedule volunteers for ministry needs.
• Ensure all activities related to youth are in compliance with SMUMC’s Safe Sanctuaries Policy and Procedures. Assist in the planning and execution of an annual volunteer training.
• Implement effective communication methods to ensure that church members, the staff and community are aware of the youth’s ministry programs and events (ex. weekly youth emails/newsletter, occasional mail, website updates, etc.). 
• Track and follow up with visitors to our worship services and all youth programs. Work to involve and welcome new youth and their families in the life of the church.
• Provide attention and care to those youth and families who are experiencing life struggles, keeping Pastors informed and involved in counseling. 
• Encourage youth participation in other ministries of the church (such as Missions & Outreach) and at other Conference activities like Pilgrimage and summer camps, in order to give them new opportunities for spiritual growth.
• Participate in Big Kids Camps during the summer months in order to interact with children who will enter your ministry in the future.
• Attend weekly meetings with supervisor, weekly staff meetings, bi-monthly Church Council meetings, and bi-monthly Youth Ministry Team meetings.
• Seek to continuously enhance your education in the field of Youth Ministry, including monitoring professional literature and attending relevant seminars or workshops.
• Create, maintain, and steward the financial resources for youth ministry and prepare an annual budget for recommendation to Finance/Church Council.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Has a Bachelor’s degree in a Christian ministry-related field or a suitable combination of education, training, and experience.
• Is committed to the ministry, doctrine, polity, and traditions of the United Methodist Church.
• Has the skills to teach, guide, and nurture youth in their spiritual development.
• Has strong oral and written communication and organizational skills in order to effectively manage and communicate with youth, families, staff, and congregation members.
• Has initiative and the ability to work independently.

Please direct any questions about the position, and/or submit your resume if interested by 6/29/26, to the Minister of Family Discipleship, Casey Cabaniss, at casey@stmarksraleigh.org. 

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