Kids Ministry Director

Denver United Church; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Denver United Church is seeking a Kids Ministry Director to shepherd children from birth through 4th grade, casting vision and guiding a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. You will partner with families to help kids know Jesus and grow in faith, while stewarding curriculum and ministry initiatives with energy and care.

This role emphasizes recruiting and equipping volunteers, developing age-appropriate curriculum, and ensuring safe, engaging environments on Sundays and for seasonal events.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years' experience working with children or in a related ministry field.
• Excellent communication, written and verbal, with adults and children.
• Ability to write/edit age-appropriate curriculum that aligns with theology and ministry vision.

Responsibilities

• Provide pastoral leadership and care for children from birth through 4th grade.
• Develop and execute 1- and 3-year ministry plans to advance the ministry vision.
• Lead and equip volunteers, recruit and train new leaders, and maintain consistent communication.
• Oversee Sunday morning Kids Ministry, including curriculum, classrooms, and safety.
• Engage families, plan seasonal events, and partner with parents to foster spiritual growth.

Skills

Communication skills

Curriculum development

Leadership

Education

Degree in an adjacent field

Tools

Google Suite

Mac systems

Planning Center

Grow Curriculum

Canva

MailerLite

Job description

Company Description

Denver United Church is a Christian community centered on Jesus, Scripture, and Christ's call to discipleship. The church emphasizes intentional relationships and compassionate outreach, especially to individuals and communities on the margins. Denver United affirms Jesus as the Son of God, fully human and fully divine, and seeks to follow this core belief in practice and teaching. Its culture focuses on living with Jesus, living in family-like community, and living on mission together in everyday life.

Role Description

The Kids Ministry Director will build on a strong and thriving kids ministry with a rich legacy, committed leadership team, and established foundation. This role provides vision, leadership, and oversight for ministry to children from birth through 4th grade, creating engaging environments where kids can know Jesus, grow in their faith, and experience the joy of following Him. The Director will lead and equip the existing team of staff and volunteers while partnering with families to help children take meaningful steps in their relationship with Jesus. A key focus of this role will be strengthening what is already working well while bringing fresh vision, creativity, and leadership for the ministry's next chapter.

Role Responsibilities

Visionary & Strategic Leadership

• Provide pastoral leadership, discipleship, and care for children from birth through 4th grade.
• Develop and execute one- and three-year ministry plans that advance the vision and mission of United Kids.
• Lead United Kids within Denver United's mission to Live with Jesus, Live in Family, and Live on Mission , with particular focus on three key groups:
• Volunteer leaders: Cultivate a diverse, talented, and committed team of lay leaders.
• Families: Partner with parents and caregivers to nurture the spiritual formation of their children.
• Children: Create environments where every child is known, loved, discipled, and invited to follow Jesus.
• Discern and develop opportunities to engage children and families in the church, surrounding communities, and city.
• Lead and care for a thriving team of volunteers through recruiting, onboarding, scheduling, training, equipping, and ongoing encouragement.
• Strengthen and expand the existing volunteer team by identifying, developing, and empowering new leaders.
• Maintain consistent, timely, professional, and Christ-centered communication with volunteers.
• Train and equip volunteers in classroom expectations, child safety, behavior management, and emergency procedures.

Sunday Morning Ministry

• Provide leadership and oversight for Sunday morning Kids Ministry, serving as the primary point of contact for children, families, and volunteers.
• Ensure Sunday experiences are engaging, welcoming, safe, and aligned with the vision of United Kids.
• Coordinate the Sunday morning ministry experience, including teaching, kids worship, volunteer leadership, behavior management, safety concerns, and communication with parents and teachers.
• Develop, curate, and adapt age-appropriate curriculum that aligns with the theological and ministry vision of Denver United.
• Oversee the preparation and organization of classrooms, curriculum materials, supplies, and ministry spaces, utilizing volunteers and budgeted support as appropriate.
• Ensure classrooms and Kids Ministry spaces are well maintained, organized, and ready to welcome children each week.

Family Engagement & Ministry Development

• Build strong relationships with families and create meaningful opportunities for parents and caregivers to participate in the spiritual formation of their children.
• Communicate regularly with families regarding Kids Ministry, upcoming opportunities, and ways to engage at home.
• Develop and maintain a balanced, intentional curriculum scope and sequence for each age group.
• Plan and lead seasonal events and ministry initiatives, including Christmas, Easter, summer programming, and other special experiences.
• Bring a pastor’s heart to the ministry by knowing, caring for, and walking alongside children, families, and volunteers.
• Contribute to the culture and life of the Denver United staff through collaboration, teamwork, and departmental interdependence.
• Participate fully in the life of the church and embody Denver United’s mission to Live with Jesus, Live in Family, and Live on Mission .

Job Skill Requirements

Character Requirements

• Must be a Christ follower whose lifestyle aligns with the beliefs and values of Denver United Church.
• Passion for children and their growth in knowing Jesus.
• Self-secure in Christ and carries a non-anxious presence in stressful situations.
• Clear leadership calling on their life.

Experience/Practical Skill Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years' experience working with children, ministry, or a degree in an adjacent field.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, and interpersonal, in communication with adults and children alike).
• Ability to creatively write/edit curriculum that is theologically accurate and age-appropriate.
• Must be able to energetically lead and teach children in a positive and fun way.
• Fluent in Google Suite and Mac systems.
• Ability to learn and work with a variety of digital platforms including Planning Center, Grow Curriculum, Canva, and MailerLite.
• Detail-oriented (planning/executing in multiple places at once).

Leadership Requirements

• Ability to lead and inspire children, volunteers, and parents through communication, organization, and vision.
• Strong ability to teach, equip, and influence people to follow Jesus.
• Trustworthy and strong work ethic; ability to be a self-starter and anticipate the ministry's needs.
• Can lead in a high-energy environment.
• Ability to work with and be sensitive to the unique needs of children at different ages/abilities.
• Adhere to DU handbook expectations as a leader.
• Exemplify DU Staff core values: wholeheartedness, interdependence, honor, camaraderie, innovation, sustainability.
• Report to Pastor Lucy and work with her on the overall vision and direction of the ministry.
• Work with the Next Generations team on collective and seasonal initiatives.
• Be a team player and aid in leadership of church-wide events and programming.

Evaluation and Review

• Evaluation of culture and performance fit for the role after the first three months.
• Monthly department meetings with oversight for accountability, direction, and encouragement.
• Yearly performance reviews.