Skyland United Methodist Church

Position Description

 October 2025

 

Position Title:  Director of Children’s Ministry

Position Summary:

Part-Time position, reporting to the senior pastor, plans, directs, oversees, and expands programs and activities for all students in preschool and elementary aged children, ensuring that programs have a Christian focus in the Methodist tradition.  Actively recruits, trains, and involves laity in the children’s ministry program.

 

Supervision:

This position reports to the senior pastor and the Board of Stewards with supervision being provided by the senior pastor.

 

Responsibilities:

• Enables a full children’s ministry where children experience God in relational and relevant means; Willing to embrace a Wesleyan/United Methodist theology; Director has, herself/himself a relationship with God/Jesus Christ and bears witness to that relationship in (all) aspects of ministry.
• Works to develop a ministry/program for preschoolers, elementary aged children and their families and casts a vision for ministry/program; with support from the assistant children’s director, develops a team of volunteers and implements training, strategies for the success of the children’s program.
• Plan annual children’s calendar and coordinate program specifics with the Children’s Council, staff, and church committees to ensure programs are consistent with the overall Church Mission and calendar. Works together with the Youth Director to ensure programming is cohesive/consistent/complementary with each other.  Participate in Skyland’s staff meetings, including worship planning, including children’s participation in worship.
• Is an efficient communicator and works with the communications coordinator to ensure families are informed on upcoming events (mailings, Facebook, Twitter, church newsletter, church website)-all in an effort to keep families/church informed and engaged.
• Works collaboratively with other staff and delegates; works with the church’s office to secure spaces needed for various children’s programming.
• Participates in regular staff and other designated meetings, training programs, and activities; evaluates and recommends educational materials and programs to enhance programs in area of responsibility; and prepares church budget information for the annual budgeting process and ensures that programs are timely announced in the church newsletter.
• Is aware of and implements safe sanctuary guidelines (SSG) (as directed by the Board of Stewards); with support from the assistant children’s director, trains volunteers accordingly to SSG; implements background checks when needed; utilizes a variety of check-in/check-out procedures and related technology for the same.
• Is responsible for programming, curriculum development, outreach opportunities for preschoolers, elementary aged children and families throughout the year including a robust summer program (ie: Vacation Bible School, Service Projects, collaborate on /with Arts Education).
• Prefer college/graduate/seminary educated person; director is committed to further study, grow and take advantage of continuing education, networking opportunities, (resources for this are provided by the church)-especially as this relates to changing trends in society/culture.
• Exhibits managerial skills, conflict resolution skills, grace, flexibility, and calm under pressure.
• Engage in direct on-site and off-site ministry engagement with children from our church and take those opportunities to engage with children beyond our church, extending invitations to our programs.
• Performs other duties as required to support the overall mission of the Church.

 

 

Context/Core Competencies

 

The incumbent in this position will reflect the following four components of Skyland United Methodist       Church’s mission which is:  to lead people into a transforming relationship with Jesus Christ, to LOVE God with passion, to GROW together in community, and to SERVE the world with love.

Interpersonal relationships. Relates well to all kinds of people inside and outside of the congregation; builds effective and constructive relationships; uses diplomacy and tact; is regarded as a team player.

Developing volunteers. Is able to identify gifts for ministry and recruit capable adults into positions of responsibility; provides challenging and stretching tasks and assignments for others to do; delegates appropriately; builds people up; maintains open and active dialogue with volunteers; communicates expectations clearly and holds people accountable.

Trust and integrity. Is widely trusted; seen as direct and truthful; keeps confidences; admits mistakes; adheres to an appropriate and effective set of core values.

 

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• A deep personal faith in Jesus Christ and a commitment to living out that faith in all aspects of life, and the ability to set a Christian example.
• Bachelor’s degree in theology, ministry, or a related field (preferred) or relevant documented experience in children’s education.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to relate to individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Organizational and administrative abilities, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• A collaborative and team-oriented approach to ministry.
• Flexibility in working on Sunday, evenings, and occasional travel for retreats/conferences, local mission trip weekends or other off-site experiences.
• Possession of current CPR and Basic First Aid Certificates or stated willingness to obtain these within one month of being employed.
• Background check and drug screen are required.

SALARY BENEFITS:   reviewed annually by the board of stewards; vacation/sick leave commensurate with local church’s employee manual.

**Note:** This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not exhaustive. Duties and responsibilities may evolve over time to meet the needs of the ministry and the community.

 

For questions or inquiries please reach out to Joe Tarpley  jtarpley@skylandumc.com or Erin Brady erinbrady@gmail.com