Family Ministries Director

ABOUT VILLAGE GRACE CHURCH
At Village Grace Church, we believe Jesus is with, in, through, and for us all. Our mission is to live in Christian community committed to shalom as a response to Christ's love and sacrifice, and to participate in God's ongoing work in our lives, our city, and our world by loving and serving others. We desire to be a church where people encounter Jesus, experience authentic community, and join God's work of restoration in every area of life.

As a growing, multi-generational church in southwest Portland's Multnomah Village, we're seeking a Family Ministries Director who shares this vision and is passionate about helping the next generation know Jesus, grow in faith, and become lifelong disciples.

ABOUT THE ROLE
The Family Ministries Director provides vision, leadership, and oversight for Village Grace Church's ministries serving children and students (birth through 12th grade). This role exists to help children, students, and families encounter Jesus, grow as His disciples, and become active participants in the life of the church. This position recruits, equips, supports, and shepherds a volunteer-led ministry by creating safe, welcoming, and engaging environments where children and students are known, loved, and encouraged in their faith. This position works collaboratively with the pastoral staff, Operations Director, and volunteers to cultivate healthy ministry systems and meaningful relationships with families.

The Family Ministries Director reports to the Associate Pastor.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Ministry Leadership
-Provide overall leadership and oversight for all Family Ministries, including Nursery, Children's -Ministry, Middle School, and High School.
-Develop and implement a discipleship strategy that aligns with the mission, vision, and values of Village Grace Church.
-Foster an environment where children and students are introduced to Jesus, invited to follow -Him, and encouraged to grow in lifelong faith.
-Build strong relationships with children, students, parents, volunteers, and pastoral teams.

Volunteer Leadership
-Recruit, train, schedule, and equip volunteers to serve effectively across all Family Ministries.
-Provide ongoing coaching, encouragement, appreciation, and spiritual care for volunteer leaders.
-Develop healthy volunteer systems that promote sustainability and shared leadership.
-Identify and mentor emerging leaders within the ministry.
Program Development
-Coordinate age-appropriate curriculum in collaboration with the pastoral team.
-Plan and oversee weekly Sunday ministry programming.
-Organize seasonal events, retreats, service opportunities, and family-focused activities throughout the year.
-Plan and lead an annual youth summer camp experience, with the long-term goal of expanding camp opportunities for upper elementary students.

Safety & Administration
-Ensure all Family Ministries operate in accordance with the Village Grace Church Child and Youth Protection Manual.
-Maintain current background checks and volunteer compliance requirements.
-Partner with the Operations team to ensure Sunday check-in procedures operate smoothly.
-Oversee classroom readiness, organization, cleanliness, and age-appropriate supplies.
-Coordinate the purchase and replenishment of ministry supplies and snacks with the Operations team.

Pastoral & Community Engagement
-Participate in church life by attending appropriate youth and children's activities within scheduled work hours.
-Partner with parents as the primary spiritual influencers of their children.
-Collaborate with pastors and staff to support the overall ministry of Village Grace Church.

QUALIFICATIONS
Required
-A growing and mature personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
-Commitment to the mission, vision, and theological convictions of Village Grace Church.
Ability to recruit, develop, and lead volunteer teams.
-Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
-Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with staff and volunteers.
-Flexible, adaptable, and able to manage multiple priorities.
-Commitment to maintaining healthy spiritual rhythms, including regular Sabbath rest.
-Willingness to become or remain a member of Village Grace Church.
Preferred
-Five (5) or more years of experience serving or leading children and/or youth ministry.
-Bachelor's degree or equivalent ministry experience.
-Formal training in children's ministry, youth ministry, education, spiritual formation, theology, or a related field.
-Understanding of child and adolescent development.
-Experience leading volunteer-based ministry teams.

SCHEDULE
This is a full-time exempt position averaging approximately 40 hours per week.
The schedule includes Sunday ministry responsibilities, weekly staff meetings, occasional evenings, camps, retreats, and church-wide events.

CHURCH-WIDE RESPONSIBILITIES
All Village Grace Church staff are expected to participate in church-wide events, including planning, setup, hospitality, participation, and cleanup, unless otherwise approved by the Lead Pastor. Work hours associated with special events may be balanced through schedule adjustments during the same workweek, subject to supervisor approval.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Family Ministries Director is encouraged to pursue ongoing professional and spiritual development through conferences, workshops, retreats, and continuing education opportunities approved by church leadership.

To apply, please submit the following: cover letter, resume, and three professional or ministry references.