Youth Director

Company Description

Green's Farms Church, established in 1711, is a vibrant and inclusive congregation in Westport, Connecticut, affiliated with the United Church of Christ (UCC). As the first place of worship in Westport, the church has a rich history and a strong commitment to fostering warmth, hospitality, and community. Each week, members gather in a historic Meetinghouse to cultivate faith and embody Christ's hope, peace, joy, and love. Green’s Farms Church places a high value on intergenerational connections and creating a welcoming space for all who seek spiritual growth.

Role Description

The Youth Director creates vibrant, welcoming faith communities where middle school and high school youth can explore their spirituality, build authentic friendships, and discover who God is calling them to be. This role centers on cultivating a "third space"—beyond home and school—where young people feel safe to be themselves, ask big questions, have fun, and experience Christ’s love through meaningful relationships. The Youth Director balances engaging programming with spiritual depth, ensuring that GFC is a place where faith comes alive through laughter, service, community, discipleship, and genuine connection. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Leads weekly Middle School Youth Group (Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm) and High School Youth Group (Thursdays, 7-8:30pm), creating engaging gatherings that balance faith formation with fun, creativity, and community-building in collaboration with volunteer youth leaders; manages all weekly logistics including programming, communications, and operations
• Develops faith formation curriculum for Middle School Sunday School (9:30-11am) and leads monthly "Hungry Hearts" service projects (every 2nd Sunday, Sep-May), coordinating with volunteer leaders and church staff
• Plans and executes special events throughout the year for both middle school and high school students (retreats, service projects, outings, etc.), managing logistics, communications, registrations, permissions, and transportation
• Organizes and leads the week-long high school mission trip each June, including site selection, participant and chaperone recruitment, fundraising events, logistics and communications with families, travel coordination, on-site leadership, and post-trip reflection 

Secondary Responsibilities

• Works closely with the Associate Minister for Faith Formation through weekly 1:1 meetings for collaboration, mentorship, planning, and problem-solving to ensure strong, well-supported programming across all youth ministry areas
• Collaborates with the Associate Minister for Faith Formation to co-design and facilitate Confirmation curriculum, helping to coordinate special events and lead classes as needed, including the January retreat and Confirmation Families Rehearsal & Reflection Dinner
• Builds authentic relationships and inclusive community where every young person feels seen, valued, and welcomed; provides pastoral support and guidance as youth navigate questions about faith, identity, relationships, and life challenges; and maintains regular communication and an open-door presence with youth and families
• Participates in Tuesday staff meetings, maintaining open communication with pastoral staff, and coordinates with church operations team on facility use, travel, and resources as needed
• Manages Church Planning Center for registrations, attendance tracking, and communications; maintains accurate records, tracks budget, and oversees event logistics including payments, permissions, and volunteer coordination 

Hours and Compensation:

This is a 25 hours/week position compensated at $33 per hour, with on-site hours all day Tuesdays (including staff meetings) and half-day Thursdays, plus Tuesday and Thursday evening youth group commitments and Sunday morning Middle School Sunday School. Additional remote meetings via Zoom or off-site as needed. Weekend and extended hour availability required for special events and retreats during the program year, and the annual week-long high school mission trip in June. 

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree; graduate-level education in theology or equivalent preferred
• Passion for walking alongside young people during formative years of faith and identity development 
• Ability to create fun, engaging environments while fostering spiritual depth and authentic community
• Strong relational and interpersonal skills with ability to connect meaningfully with middle school and high school youth across diverse backgrounds
• Experience in youth ministry, education, mentoring, or related work with adolescents (paid or volunteer)
• Excellent organizational, communication, and time management skills with strong attention to detail
• Creative and flexible approach to program design, curriculum development, and problem-solving
• Self-motivated, collaborative team player with proven event planning and coordination abilities
• Comfort and effectiveness working with pastoral staff, volunteer leaders, parents, and families
• Familiarity with progressive Christian theology and UCC values preferred
• Active participation in or previous experience working within a faith community
• Availability for evening and occasional weekend programming
• Commitment to maintaining appropriate boundaries and adherence to youth protection policies
• All candidates are required to pass a background check