Director of Youth Ministries and Outreach, Full-Time, UCC: Lexington, MA
Hancock United Church of Christ in Lexington, MA is seeking a full-time Director of Youth Ministries and Outreach. A successful candidate will have education and experience in ministering to youth and their families, working on a church staff team, initiating outreach into the community and beyond, and the ability to plan, oversee and implement three programs: Church School, the Junior Youth Organization (JYO), and Hancock Youth Group (HYG). A successful candidate will also have an entrepreneurial eye toward building partnerships within the community that promote Hancock Church’s vision, mission and values.
Hours: Full-time, including Sundays.
Compensation: $65,000 (benefits-eligible, cafeteria plan)
Reports to the Senior Minister; supervises the Student Minister for Children and Families
Youth Ministry:
In all three areas of youth ministry, the candidate will build a culture of joy, engagement and inclusivity for families and youth.
1) Church School Leadership
– Work with the Student Minister for Children and Families to implement Church School on Sunday mornings
– Give a children’s message in the worship service
– Lead chapel time in Church School
– Choose the curriculum and manage its implementation
– Hire and train Church School teachers if needed
– Supervise the Student Minister of Children and Families
2) Build and lead the Hancock Youth Group (HYG)
– Hold weekly Hancock Youth Group meetings
– Lead 2 youth retreats per year
– Plan and lead a youth mission trip
3) Build and lead the Junior Youth Organization (JYO)
– Hold an average of 3 JYO meetings per month
– Lead Confirmation, alternating each year with Our Whole Lives, including approximately two retreats
– Complete Our Whole Lives training for multiple age groups
4) Facilitate Community Partnerships
– Develop and nurture partnerships with local youth organizations that align with Hancock’s mission, fostering opportunities for shared programming, service projects, and community engagement
– Collaborate with church leadership and members to integrate youth-focused partnerships into our broader mission activities, ensuring alignment with our values of inclusion, justice, and community-building
– Serve as a bridge between the church and partner organizations, facilitating communication, coordinating joint initiatives, and supporting youth engagement
As a developing role at Hancock Church, the responsibilities of this position are expected to evolve over time. The successful candidate will be instrumental in shaping and growing our community partnerships with youth organizations, requiring both vision and flexibility.
Qualifications:
– Bachelor’s degree required; coursework in theology, religious studies, education, or a related field preferred
– 3-5 years of experience working with youth and families in a church or faith-based setting
– Solid understanding of progressive Christian theology and an ability to create an inclusive, welcoming space for youth of diverse backgrounds
– Comfort leading youth in faith exploration, community service, and social justice initiatives
– Strong leadership, organizational, and team-building skills to coordinate volunteers, youth programming, and community partnerships
– Experience planning retreats, mission trips, and youth events
– Ability to identify and develop partnerships with local youth organizations that align with Hancock Church’s values
– Excellent communication skills, Flexible and adaptable, creative, and able to work both independently and collaboratively
For more information, visit the church website: www.hancockchurch.org