Student Ministries Director

Chicagopresbytery; Glen Ellyn (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Professional development opportunities

Support for work-life balance

Job summary

A community-focused church in Glen Ellyn is seeking a Student Ministries Director to lead and develop youth programs for grades 6-12. This role emphasizes building relationships, fostering a Christ-centered culture, and empowering volunteers. The ideal candidate will have a deep love for Jesus, passion for discipleship, and preferably 2-3 years of youth ministry experience. A competitive benefits package is offered, and applicants should submit their resume and cover letter to the Sr. Director of Family Ministries.

Qualifications

• Passion for student ministry and a love for Jesus.
• 2-3 years of youth ministry experience preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and innovate.

Responsibilities

• Lead and shape youth ministry programs at First Pres.
• Manage daily operations and activities for students.
• Build relationships and encourage discipleship among students.
• Collaborate with Family Ministries to integrate students into church life.
• Build relationships with students and families outside programs.
• Coordinate communications with families via newsletters or apps.

Skills

Leadership

Team building

Communication

Relationship building

Innovation in ministry

Education

Youth ministry experience

Familiarity with PC(USA)

Job description

Student Ministries Director - First Presbyterian Church - Glen Ellyn

Position type:Student Ministries Director

City:Glen Ellyn

Description:

Department: Family Ministries

Supervisor: Sr. Director of Family Ministries

Time Commitment: Full-Time

Location: Glen Ellyn, IL

Why Join Us?

First Presbyterian Church of Glen Ellyn (FPGE) is a growing PC(USA) congregation passionate about discipleship and outreach. With a rich history in local and global missions, we equip people of all ages to live out their faith. We're seeking a dynamic leader to inspire students (grades 6-12) and their families, fostering lifelong disciples who serve Christ in our community and beyond. If you love building relationships, empowering volunteers, and innovating in ministry, this role offers meaningful impact in a supportive, family-centered church.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead as the trusted face and foundation of youth ministry at First Pres, shaping a program anchored in the church’s identity and cultivating a Christ-centered culture where students grow in faith, service, and have a deep sense of belonging.
• Lead daily operations for student ministries (grades 6-12), including weekly high school (currently Sunday nights) and middle school (currently Wednesday nights) gatherings focused on worship, prayer, Bible study, service, and applying faith to real-life situations.
• Teach or equip others to teach at gatherings, using interactive and experiential methods to engage students holistically.
• Create and manage a calendar of events, including social activities, service projects, retreats, summer camps, and mission trips to build community and deepen faith.
• Recruit, train, and empower adult leaders for relational ministry in programs like High School Ministry, Middle School Ministry, Confirmation, and special events, and look for ways to bring parents into greater engagement.
• Build a core volunteer team to help execute summer camps and mission trips.
• Facilitate the Student Ministry Council, a dedicated group of stakeholders, to guide ministry direction.
• Identify students' gifts and involve them in serving across FPGE.

Student & Family Support

• Meet students one-on-one outside programs to encourage and disciple them.
• Attend community events to cheer on students in their daily lives.
• Assist with midweek Children's Ministry (Wednesday afternoons, 8 weeks fall/spring) and Confirmation (Sunday mornings, September-April) to connect with future students.
• Partner with the Sr. Director of Family Ministries to recruit for Family Camp and provide leadership.
• Develop follow-up protocols for students and families, collaborating on pastoral care as needed.
• Establish an inclusive culture welcoming students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
• Collaborate with the Sr. Director of Family Ministries to add throughlines between ministries as well as integrate students into the larger congregation.
• Manage the student ministry budget and oversee tasks like attendance tracking.
• Maintain regular communication with families via newsletters, apps, or social media, and equip them to reinforce the teachings of the weekly ministries.
• Collaborate with the Family Ministries Team to integrate students into the broader church and support parents.
• Attend weekly Family Ministries and full staff meetings.

Partnership with Family Ministries Team

You'll work closely with the Sr. Director of Family Ministries, Student Ministries Elder, Children's Ministries Director, Director of Westminster Preschool, and other coordinators to align efforts and strengthen family discipleship.

Who We Are

FPGE is a vibrant church family centered on Jesus Christ. Through Bible studies, small groups, and service, we equip individuals to serve in our community and world. We're committed to intergenerational ministry, where students serve alongside adults in God's work.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate will:

• Have a vision for student ministry that aligns with FPGE's family-focused strategy.
• Understand healthy student ministry practices and be willing to innovate.
• Be a self-starter who manages multiple projects, experiments boldly, and incorporates feedback.
• Reach out to all families, planning events that welcome diverse students and foster connections.
• Recruit and utilize volunteers effectively while equipping students to lead.
• Maintain professionalism, communicating clearly with supervisors, co-workers, volunteers, parents, and students.

Qualifications

• A deep love for Jesus and passion for student ministry.
• 2-3 years of youth ministry experience preferred, but not required.
• Familiarity with PC(USA) is a plus.

Ultimate Goals of the position:

• Equip students and their families to be lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ who participate in Christ’s mission in Glen Ellyn, surrounding communities and the world.
• Recruit and empower volunteers to be ministry partners in the discipleship of students and parents.
• Integrate students into the greater life and mission of First Presbyterian Church of Glen Ellyn.

We offer a competitive package based on experience, including salary, health benefits, professional development opportunities, and support for work-life balance in a collaborative environment.

How To Apply:

How to Apply
Submit your resume and cover letter to Jen Bradbury , Sr. Director of Family Ministries. We're excited to hear how your gifts align with our mission—apply today!