Director of Youth and College Age Ministries, Emmanuel UMC (Memphis, TN

Director of Youth and College Age Ministries, Emmanuel UMC (Memphis, TN)

6/29/2026

Purpose: To lead the youth and college age ministries in such a way that promotes and encourages discipleship of Jesus Christ and fulfills the mission, vision and values of Emmanuel UMC. In addition, to help develop the connection between youth, families of youth, and college age young adults to the ministries of Emmanuel UMC.

Time: Full-time with a compensation of $45-50,000 based on experience. Health insurance and pension contribution available.

Accountability: Directly accountable to the staff‑parish relations committee and a staff supervisor as assigned by the staff‑parish relations committee.

Personal Characteristics:

• Must possess strong spiritual leadership and the ability to teach, mold and equip disciples for Jesus Christ while abiding by the doctrine and discipline of the United Methodist Church.
• Live a wholesome, well‑balanced life, and exhibit professional discipline in the workplace.
• Comfortable working with peers and sharing ideas and responsibilities.
• Possess the ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with the membership, staff, and volunteers of the church; and share a positive and enthusiastic influence upon the same.
• A focus on discipling and reaching youth and college age young adults and communicating the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Key Results: Develops and directs a program for youth and college age ministry to foster discipleship of Jesus Christ through the following:

• Youth Age
  • Sunday morning programming
  • Sunday evening programming
  • Wednesday night programming
  • Events, fundraisers, trips and retreats
  • Summer trips, mission trips and local missions
• College Age
  • Small group programming
  • Events, trips and retreats
  • Mission trips and local mission

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Leads the youth age (sixth‑12th grades) and college age programming and events including Sunday morning and night, Wednesday Night Discipleship Groups, scheduled events, trips, retreats, service projects, etc.; including teacher/leader recruitment, training, and curriculum/resource selection.
• Responsible for all communication using youth, college age, and youth parent emails, Emmanuel UMC newsletter publications and website, and appropriate text message and social media platforms for all relevant information related to youth and college age ministry.
• Coordinate the youth innovation team, recruit, train, empower, and supervise all youth counselors, volunteers, adult leaders, and college age helpers; ensure that all volunteers and team members are knowledgeable, abide by and implement Emmanuel UMC’s Safer Sanctuary Policy and faithfully execute their responsibilities in the youth/college age program.
• Ensure that all volunteers are annually trained and knowledgeable of Emmanuel UMC’s Safer Sanctuary Policy.
• Integrate youth and college age individuals into the entire life of the congregation through worship, leadership, service, fellowship, committee participation, and mission opportunities.
• Meet regularly with the church staff, assigned supervisor, and the Youth Innovation Team.
• Actively work with the pastor of music and worship to coordinate programming and events to foster youth participation in music programs and activities.
• Strive to build healthy relationships with youth and college age young adults and their families encouraging participation in the respective programs.
• Nurture relationships with youth (and college age young adults when applicable) through attendance at school and extra‑curricular programs, musical and sport events or other activities as identified.
• Advocate for youth and college age adults within the congregation regarding hopes, concerns and needs of youth and college age persons in the local church and community.
• Develop and implement a long‑term vision for both the youth and college age ministry that is achievable and sustainable; maintain a calendar for both age level ministries in coordination with the church calendar.
• In cooperation with the pastoral staff, serve as a liaison between youth, parents, counselors, and volunteers regarding pastoral needs and counseling.
• Seek spiritual formation and continuing…