Brecksville United Methodist Church is in search of a Youth Director committed to creating safe space for young people to grow with God and one another. In youth ministry, safe space looks like making room for curiosity and wonder; making memories and creating genuine communities where students feel supported and loved. Safe space is letting students show up when they can and always feel comfortable being completely themselves. It’s knowing it’s okay to not be okay, and authentically exploring whatever life stage students might be living through. “Safe space” means love no matter what.

Are you called to youth ministry in an open and affirming church? Do you want to be part of a caring and growing congregation in suburban Cleveland, Ohio? Read on!

Position Overview – Youth Director (Part Time. 30 hours per week)

Pay range $35-38,000

The Youth Director cultivates meaningful, life-giving relationships with middle and high school students (grades 6–12), creating safe, inclusive spaces where youth are known, valued, and invited to grow spiritually. This role focuses on helping youth explore faith authentically and discover how their lives connect to God’s work in the world. The Youth Director is encouraged to shape ministry creatively and responsively—adapting to students’ needs, gifts, questions, and contexts while remaining aligned with our church’s Christian .

Primary Goals

• Build trusting, caring relationships with youth where they feel safe to ask questions, express doubt, and explore faith. Help students grow in their understanding of God, themselves, and their place in the world.
• Develop and facilitate opportunities for youth to engage faith in ways that are relevant, thoughtful, and embodied, helping them to connect belief with daily life.
• Help youth and congregation to see youth as vital members of the wider congregation.
• Partner with parents and caregivers as they navigate the complexities of raising adolescents today. Offer encouragement, resources, and pastoral presence as appropriate.
• Regularly assess what is working in youth ministry and what may need to change, adapting approaches as students’ interests, needs, and life circumstances change.
• Lead through collaboration with church staff, volunteers, and community partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and lead opportunities for youth that align with the church’s mission and values.
• Provide leadership for Confirmation, with flexibility in structure and approach.
• Maintain consistent communication with youth, families, staff, and congregation.
• Create and care for physical and virtual spaces where youth gather.
• Support youth by attending extracurricular activities and create opportunities for others to do the same.
• Encourage participation in service and justice-oriented opportunities locally and beyond.
• Support denominational and connectional opportunities as appropriate.
• Facilitate fundraising and stewardship related to youth mission experiences as needed.
• Participate in staff meetings and worship as part of the shared ministry of the church.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, participation, and program outcomes to evaluate effectiveness.

Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• High school diploma or equivalent (required).
• Bachelor degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• Christian faith background
• Alignment with The United Methodist Church’s theology and a Reconciling ministry context.
• Committed to Brecksville UMC’s vision, mission, and goals.
• Ability to serve with enthusiasm as a member of a mission-driven team.
• Ability to respect confidentiality and deal skillfully with sensitive information.
• Must pass a background check.

Skills

• Ability to organize details.
• Strong computer and technology skills, with ability to learn new technologies.
• Ability to read, write, and understand English.
• Skilled at both verbal and written communication.
• A deep commitment to creating inclusive, affirming, and safe spaces for all youth.
• Strong relational skills and emotional intelligence with adolescents and adults, including but not limited to care, compassion, empathy, and positivity.
• Comfort in engaging questions of faith, doubt, justice, and identity.
• Creativity, adaptability, and willingness to experiment.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Accountability

Regular updates with the Senior Pastor and Leadership Board regarding essential job functions and areas of responsibilities within the church.