Dynamic Middle School Youth Ministry Leader

Archchicago; Arlington Heights (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

St. James Parish in Arlington Heights is seeking a full-time Middle School Youth Ministry Coordinator to lead faith formation for grades 6–8 and coordinate Confirmation preparation.

The role reports to the Director of Family Faith Formation and works with a collaborative Evangelical Team. Responsibilities include planning weekly EDGE programs, organizing service trips, retreats, and volunteer development while ensuring Safe Environment compliance and budget stewardship.

Qualifications

• Catholic faith and adherence to Church teachings required.
• BS/BA in theology, education, pastoral studies, or related field (or equivalent).
• Advanced certificate in Catechetical Leadership, Religious Education, or Youth Ministry preferred.
• Lay Ministry or Diaconate training highly desired.
• Experience in education administration, program coordination, or volunteer training.
• VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children certification required.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and social media.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and evaluate weekly EDGE programs as staff leader.
• Lead annual Summer Work tour service trips with teens.
• Organize grade-level retreats for grades 6–8 with Campus Minister.
• Set goals for enrollment, engagement, and catechist development.
• Prepare middle schoolers for Baptism, Reconciliation, First Communion; counsel families.
• Recruit, train, and lead adult volunteers for Sunday meetings and trips.
• Foster relationships with volunteers and ministry leaders.
• Communicate clearly with students, families, and parish.
• Manage youth ministry budget and funding projections.
• Schedule and plan Confirmation masses; track requirements.
• Coordinate with Youth Ministry team on programming and formation.
• Ensure Safe Environment compliance at all times.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Volunteer management

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Team leadership

Religious instruction

Education

BS/BA in theology/related field

Advanced Catechetical Leadership certificate

Lay Ministry/Diaconate training

Experience in education administration

Tools

MS Word

PowerPoint

Excel

Web content management

Social media

Job description

St. James Parish in Arlington Heights is seeking a full-time Middle School Youth Ministry Coordinator to lead faith formation for grades 6–8 and coordinate Confirmation preparation.

The role reports to the Director of Family Faith Formation and works with a collaborative Evangelical Team. Responsibilities include planning weekly EDGE programs, organizing service trips, retreats, and volunteer development while ensuring Safe Environment compliance and budget stewardship.