Associate for Youth Ministries

PART TIME

Position Summary

We are looking for an Associate for Youth Ministries who can develop this ministry with innovation and vision: to be an integral part of a staff team, collaborating closely with the Director of Children’s Ministries, the Dean, Music Director, other staff, volunteers, and parents. The goal is to meet the needs of the community, which requires flexibility, creativity, and knowledge of youth developmental and spiritual needs.

The Associate for Youth Ministries is responsible for overseeing the Christian formation program for youth in grades 6 through 12. St. James Cathedral is looking for someone who has a keen commitment to working with young people and their families. The ideal candidate will support the youth in their journey towards a deeper relationship with God, the church, the community, and each other. With the current growth of this ministry, we are keen to appoint someone who demonstrates vision and creativity.

This is a half-time (20 hours per week) position with some flexibility but including Sundays.

Duties and Responsibilities

Coordinate weekly Sunday morning sessions for Junior and Senior High Groups

  • Ensure appropriate curriculum to encourage learning in a creative and supportive environment

  • Recruit, train, and provide support for volunteer workers
  • Ensure all participants are kept fully informed through clear communication
  • Coordinate with other members of staff regarding youth engagement with worship
  • Coordinate with the Director of Children’s Ministries about Sunday morning activities
  • Ensure that all events occur with appropriate adult supervision
  • Ensure all families have registered youth accurately

Develop opportunities for youth to actively engage with worship

  • Encourage opportunities for youth to serve as acolytes, readers, and greeters within the worship of the church
  • Coordinate with ministry leaders and staff to ensure that all youth have opportunities to engage in worship
  • Encourage and coordinate youth leadership and involvement in special worship opportunities, including the Christmas Pageant and Holy Week.

Develop and establish events occurring at times other than Sunday mornings

  • Coordinate with volunteers and staff to develop events on and off campus (e.g. parties, retreats, fund-raising activities, social events, mission-based action) to encourage fellowship for the youth
  • Work closely with Summer in the City (two-week summer arts and adventure camp) to ensure that events can work in conjunction with youth ministry
  • Coordinate with the Director of Children’s Ministries to enable joint all-age events

Recruit volunteers

  • Ensure that there are parish volunteers to lead and support the Junior and Senior High Youth groups
  • Provide training and resources for the volunteers
  • Hold regular meetings with the volunteers to support their work and to grow a team in fellowship
  • Work with the Director of Children’s Ministries to coordinate the recruitment, training, and management of volunteers for all ages

Develop and facilitate service opportunities for youth within and outside the church

  • Coordinate youth participation in outreach ministries. The goal is fun, meaningful community building, faith formation, and for youth to be in leadership roles

Provide pastoral care to youth, families, and volunteers

  • Provide consistent support for youth and their families - especially in times of personal or family crisis
  • Communicate with staff about events and issues in the lives of youth
  • Establish and maintain healthy, pastoral relationships with the youth in partnership with the clergy
  • Build relationships with parents and encourage their engagement with the ministry where appropriate

Other Responsibilities

  • Manage Youth Ministry budget
  • Participate in Sunday worship
  • Collaborate with the Director of Children’s Ministries to create and distribute communications

Qualifications/Experience

  • A personal Christian faith with desire to learn and grow
  • Ability to connect with young people
  • Strong communication skills
  • A collaborator with a capacity for strategic thinking
  • Experience in teaching or in ministry required
  • Open to lay or ordained candidates

To apply

Qualified applicants are invited to send their resume and cover letter to Alison Barrington at abarrington@saintjamescathedral.org or mail to:

Alison Barrington
St. James Cathedral      
65 E Huron St
Chicago, IL 60611

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