To apply: 

• Interested candidates should email their resume to jobs@fourthchurch.org
• Email subject line should read Your name/Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries
• No phone calls, please.

Summary

The Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries leads Fourth’s ministries to youth (grades 6-12) and young adults (age 20-40), leading both populations’ integral participation in congregational life as well as designing and executing life stage-specific programs.

Fourth Presbyterian Church is a progressive and inclusive Presbyterian Church USA located on Chicago’s vibrant Michigan Avenue. The complex of historic and modern buildings welcomes hundreds of people each day, including members, guests, church staff, and others. Programs offer services to those who seek faith and guidance or are active in one of our many community programs or participate in one of our associated mission programs.

Schedule

The role is a full-time, 40-hours-per-week position. Evening and weekend hours will be required; otherwise, the schedule is flexible. On-site and work remote days are to be negotiated with the supervisor based on job activity.

Essential Functions

Planning and Logistics (approximately 30%)
• Develop and strategically promote comprehensive calendars of social, educational, and service programs for youth and young adults, encompassing weekly small groups, seasonal retreats, and impactful annual trips that align with the ministry's vision and goals.
• Oversee and create detailed plans for social and educational small group sessions, retreats, and trips for both youth and young adults.
• Oversee the Youth and Young Adult ministry budgets, providing strategic planning, accurate forecasting, and expense management to ensure alignment with organizational priorities.
• Participate as a member of the church’s ministry staff, including attendance at regular planning meetings

Program Leadership and Coordination (approximately 40%)
• Provide strategic oversight and leadership for all Youth and Young Adult programs, ensuring they are vision-driven and effectively executed.
• Provide staff leadership to The Young Adult Ministry Council and the Committee on Youth as those entities provide budgetary and program oversight on behalf of the session.

Community Building (approximately 30%)
• Recruit and support teams of volunteer leaders from the congregation’s membership to assist with youth and young adult programs.
• Collaborate with the Communications team to regularly share youth and young adult ministry experiences with participants, parents (youth), and congregants.
• Engage the active participation of youth and young adults in all aspects of congregational life, including worship and service ministries fostering their deeper engagement and integration within the community.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree and experience in theology, ministry, or related field of study.
• Two years’ experience in staffing and running church programming.

Required Skills and Abilities
• Strong management skills to handle complex, multifaceted projects resulting in measurable successes and program growth.
• The ability to design programs with clear and measurable outcomes.
• Flexibility to change approaches or methods based upon circumstances to achieve the desired results.
• High degree of emotional intelligence and flexibility in a dynamic culture.
• The ability to relate to and interact appropriately with program participants, parents (youth), and congregation members, as well as colleagues.
• Handle high-stress situations with calm competence.
• Budget planning and oversight
• Commitment to equity and social justice and proven ability to thrive in a diverse, equitable, just, and inclusive environment.
• Ability to express self theologically and be cognizant of progressive and Reformed theological tradition.
• Excellent verbal, and written communication, and organizational skills with attention to details
• Utilize time management with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with different abilities to perform essential functions.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15-25 pounds at times.
• Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization’s facilities.
• If the current health conditions dictate, one must be able to participate in online virtual communications, including email, video conferencing, and other online tools used to facilitate virtual office culture and work sharing.
• Smoke- and drug (illegal or recreational)-free environment.
• Fourth, Chicago Lights aims for accessibility in any off-site location that we have control of, but some of them may not be fully accessible.
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and scanners. An employee is regularly required to communicate effectively via computer, via phone, and in person.
• Fourth Presbyterian Church’s/Chicago Light’s office is located in downtown Chicago.

Robust Benefits Package
• Medical insurance (church pays 85% of employee monthly premium and 75% of eligible dependents)
• Optional dental and vision insurance plans
• Generous 17 days of PTO plus 11 paid holidays
• 403b retirement plan (employer contributions after one year of employment)
• FSA for unreimbursed medical and dependent daycare expenses
• Mass transit and commuter parking benefits
• Life and short-term disability insurances, optional life insurance and long-term disability plan

Compensation - Salary: $70,000 - $75,000 annually. based on experience and qualifications.

To apply:

• Interested candidates should email their resume to jobs@fourthchurch.org
• Email subject line should read Your name/Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries
• No phone calls, please.

EEO Statement
Fourth Presbyterian Church/Chicago Lights is committed to equal employment opportunity for all qualified persons, without regard to race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status or familial status, veteran status, military status, source of income, political affiliation, or any other factor protected by law. Fourth Church/Chicago Lights seeks to build and retain a diverse staff and is committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone is treated as a respected and valued member of the team. Fourth Church/Chicago Lights is committed to elevating the voices of women, young people, people of color, Native people, immigrants and refugees, low-income people, LGBQ+, and transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary people, people with disabilities, and young parents. We encourage people from these communities to apply.

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