Director of Youth Ministries First UMC

Director of Youth Ministries

First United Methodist Church

Salem, Virginia

Full‑Time, Exempt

Salary: $40,000 – $45,000
Competitive salary commensurate with education, experience, and qualifications.

Paid vacation, sick/personal leave, and benefits outlined in church personnel policies.

First United Methodist Church seeks a passionate and committed Director of Student Ministries to lead and grow a vibrant ministry for students in grades 6–12. The Director will create opportunities for students to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ through worship, discipleship, fellowship, mission, outreach, and service while serving as a spiritual leader, mentor, and advocate.

• Demonstrated Christian faith; passion for youth and families; strong leadership, communication, organizational, and volunteer development skills;
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred;
• Proficiency with technology and social media;
• Valid Virginia driver’s license;
• Successful completion of background checks and child protection requirements.

Reports to the Senior Pastor and works collaboratively with church staff, volunteers, church leadership board, and the Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC).

• Provide spiritual leadership, discipleship, mentoring, and support for students and families.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive student ministry strategy.
• Recruit, train, equip, and support adult volunteers.
• Partner with pastors to coordinate Confirmation ministry.
• Build strong relationships with parents and guardians.
• Maintain an active presence in schools and community activities when appropriate.
• Oversee communications, calendars, records, and ministry administration.
• Manage the student ministry budget responsibly.
• Ensure compliance with Safe Sanctuaries and all child protection policies.
• Participate in continuing education and professional development.

• Expanding meaningful student engagement and participation.
• Increasing volunteer leadership capacity.
• Strengthening parent and family engagement.
• Developing student leadership opportunities.
• Creating effective outreach strategies that connect with new students and families.

Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, retreats, mission trips, worship participation, and church events. Regular office hours will be established in consultation with the Senior Pastor.

The Director of Student Ministries is expected to actively support and advance the mission of First United Methodist Church by helping young people become devoted followers of Jesus Christ who worship faithfully, grow spiritually, serve compassionately, and share God’s love in the world.

Additional responsibilities may be assigned as ministry needs evolve.