Director of Children and Youth Music

Director of Children and Youth Music

First Lutheran Church – Sioux Falls, SD

This role is best suited for a musician, educator, and ministry leader who enjoys mentoring young people, building musical excellence, and helping children and youth grow in faith through worship and sacred music.

First Lutheran Church is seeking a gifted and energetic Director of Children and Youth Music to lead and grow a vibrant sacred music ministry for children and students in the heart of downtown Sioux Falls. This role is an opportunity to shape young musicians, cultivate lifelong faith through worship and music, and help children and youth participate meaningfully in the liturgical life of the church.

The Director of Children and Youth Music works closely with the Director of Music, pastoral staff, accompanists, volunteers, and families to develop and lead a comprehensive sacred music ministry for children and youth at First Lutheran Church.

Music plays a central role in the worship and formation life of First Lutheran Church. Through choirs, handbells, worship leadership, and music education, children and youth are invited to grow in faith, develop their gifts, and participate actively in the life of the congregation.

The Director of Children and Youth Music helps shape the next generation of worshipers, church musicians, and disciples by creating meaningful musical experiences rooted in Christian community, liturgical worship, and artistic excellence. First Lutheran Church has a long-standing commitment to sacred music and provides extensive resources to support children and youth music ministry, including graded choirs, handbell ensembles, accompanists, a dedicated piano lab, extensive music libraries, and a strong congregational culture of worship and music.

• Lead and further develop a graded sacred music curriculum that forms children and youth musically, spiritually, and liturgically
• Plan and direct weekly rehearsals for children’s choirs, youth choirs, handbell ensembles, and the adult handbell choir
• Facilitate the First Lutheran Piano Lab into music education and curriculum development
• Select music and educational resources that support worship, spiritual formation, and musical growth
• Help cultivate joyful, engaging, and meaningful participation in sacred music among children and youth

• Collaborate regularly with pastors, music staff, and worship leaders in planning music for worship services and church seasons
• Prepare vocal and handbell ensembles to participate regularly in worship
• Support worship experiences that are rooted in Lutheran liturgy and shaped by musical excellence
• Plan and coordinate annual choir tours, special music events, and seasonal worship opportunities

• Recruit, encourage, and support children, youth, and families in participation within the music ministry
• Foster positive and meaningful relationships with students, parents, volunteers, accompanists, and church staff
• Help create a welcoming and encouraging environment where young musicians can grow in confidence, faith, and skill
• Engage with local and regional musical organizations to strengthen and promote children and youth music opportunities at First Lutheran Church

• Coordinate schedules, communication, and organizational needs for children and youth music ministries
• Work collaboratively with the Director of Music, pastoral staff, accompanists, and volunteers
• Manage music ministry resources and purchases within approved budget parameters
  
  Support the broader mission and ministry of the church through collaboration with staff and ministry leaders
• Complete other duties as assigned

The Director of Children and Youth Music will work with the Director of Music and church staff to:

• Strengthen and grow participation in children and youth music ministries
• Foster strong relationships with students and families
• Continue building a culture of joyful and meaningful sacred music participation
• Support the musical and spiritual development of children and…