Plymouth Church, Des Moines, is seeking a candidate who is passionate about helping children and teens develop their faith in today's world. The ideal candidate will artfully empower children, teens, and families to embody a progressive faith that is both informed and relevant. This is a full-time, in-person, salaried position.
Intergenerational connections and spiritual formation are important to the fabric of Plymouth's community and will be an essential goal. Additional attention should focus on developing a program that offers a range of engagement opportunities, providing low-entry and accessible avenues of involvement for time-pressed families while simultaneously providing avenues where sustained growth and theological development can occur.
The successful candidate will understand pedagogical goals, the importance of habits and rituals, and how to successfully integrate children, teens, and families into the broader life and ministry of Plymouth. The successful candidate should also be able to work with and value the many diverse household structures represented at Plymouth. We seek to be a place where children and teens can grow, learn, and ask questions in a faith environment that is loving, accepting, and fully inclusive. Collaborating and reporting to the Pastor for Faith Formation and Social Justice, the Director of Children, Teens, and Families will carry out a compelling vision for family ministry while developing and caring for volunteers.
Responsibilities
· Collaborate with and report to the Pastor for Faith Formation and Social Justice to provide spiritual formation and seamless transitions at critical junctures in the lives of children, teens, and their families.
· Supervise the Associate Director of Children, Teens, and Families.
· Collaborate with music and arts staff for integrated and holistic programming.
· Collaborate with and assist the Youth Executive Council.
· Direct Church School and community-building programs.
· Attend the Board of Children, Teens, and Families meetings as the primary staff liaison.
· Administer education spaces and classrooms, including setting up for weekend services, and creating a safe, clean, and engaging environment.
· Recruit, develop, lead, and equip volunteers.
· Assist pastors in providing holistic support.
· Administrate all volunteer and fundraising efforts.
· Assist the Director of the Matins Choir with planning the annual Matins tour.
· Serve as the staff liaison and board member representative for Plymouth Nursery School.
· Other duties, as assigned, pertaining to Plymouth's overall ministries, strategic plan objectives, programs, administration, and collaborative goals.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Plymouth is an actively growth-seeking congregation and welcomes candidates from various denominational backgrounds. Plymouth values diversity in all facets, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, or veteran status.
Qualifications
· A bachelor's degree is required. A master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., education, theology, social work, etc.) is preferred.
· Ordination or previous ministry experience is a benefit but not required.
· Organizational and administrative skills.
· Strong influence and communication skills.
· Experience with staff supervision.
· Fluency with current technology, social media trends, and digital media best practices.
Intangibles
· We value collaboration and teamwork.
· We care about one another and work to achieve common goals.
· We share failures and successes.
· We speak well of one another.
· We prize creativity, imagination, and having fun!
Compensation
· Base salary of $55,000 to $65,000
· 403b contribution of 14% of base salary
· 90% of employee's health insurance premium
· 90% of employee's dental insurance premium
· 90% of employee's vision insurance premium
· 4 weeks of paid vacation
· 4 additional weekends off per year
· Week after Christmas and week of July 4th off
Additional Background
Plymouth Church first gathered in 1857, the same year Des Moines was named the state capital. Throughout our history, the people of Plymouth have appreciated progressive theology, social justice, and community engagement. In 2023, Plymouth celebrated being open and affirming for 30 years. Plymouth is one of the largest congregations in the United Church of Christ, with an active membership of more than 2,500. Plymouth has more than 20 full-time pastoral and program staff members and more than 20 part-time staff members. These part-time positions support Plymouth's dynamic and expansive children and adult music and arts programs.
Application Process
Ideally, the successful candidate will join Plymouth's pastoral staff as early as June 1, and no later than August 1, 2024.
The priority deadline for this position is May 17, 2024. Applications will be reviewed until the position has been successfully filled.
To apply, please submit a letter of interest and resume to Rev. Dr. Jared Wortman, emailing these materials to ******** .
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
403(b)
403(b) matching
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance
Schedule:
Monday to Friday
Weekends as needed
Ability to Relocate:
Des Moines, IA 50312: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
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