Director of Youth Ministry

Job Overview

Job Title: Director of Youth Ministry
Reports To: Associate (to be hired) Pastor

Position Summary:

This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits, for an exemplary individual who will guide and encourage faith formation of middle and high school youth. This person is part of a collaborative Children, Youth, and Family ministry team. Building relationships, mobilizing, and equipping adult volunteer leaders, and outreach to youth in the surrounding community are important, as is intergenerational connection. The individual must be dependable with a professional attitude, who is passionate about the call to serve with youth. Bachelor’s degree in religion, education or related field preferred. Volunteer or professional experience is expected.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Faith Formation and Volunteers

• Develop a scope and sequence of faith formation that meets the needs of youth (11-18)
• Organize and execute dynamic & transformational groups and events for youth including confirmation, Confirmation Camp, Sunday classes/gatherings, summer missions/service for middle and high school, youth group, retreats, Bible studies, small groups, youth program music and worship opportunities, special events and service/mission opportunities.
• Prioritize building relationships with and among the youth and adult leaders.
• Help youth and parents identify giftedness for service.
• Oversee youth volunteer training/reporting in collaboration with the children, youth, and family ministry team.
• Oversee recruitment/training of volunteer staff and youth peer leaders.
• Be responsible for knowing and following the Child and Youth Safety Policy and the Safety Procedures. This includes personnel policies listed in the Personnel Manual and the Child and Youth Safety and Supervision Procedures. Ensure volunteer staff and Assistant for Youth Ministry know and follow the policies and procedures in the Child and Youth Safety and Supervision Procedures.

Leadership

• Primary advocate for youth and family ministry to the Board and congregation.
• Collaborate with the children, youth, and family ministry team, including the Associate Pastor, to create transformational classes, gatherings, and age-appropriate milestone programs and events.
• Collaborate with staff on intergenerational events, home resources, and parent training.
• Attend and engage with full-staff meetings and retreats, and regular meetings with the Children, Youth and Family Team. Be in prayer with and for the team.
• Actively worship at St. Matthew. Be a person of prayer and devotional life for yourself, the team, the faith family, especially youth, and our community.
• Additional duties as assigned by your supervisor
• Support the thriving and full expression of ministry in the congregation.
• Facilitate the participation of youth in ministry participation, including but not limited to the Board and Committees, and ministry teams in the congregation.

Administration

• Oversee fund raising, budget, and major purchases for Youth Ministry.
• Document purchases per church procedure and ensure the total expenditures are within the established budget and are allowable expenses for the youth ministry.
• Organize and facilitate strategic planning, and evaluation of youth ministry.
• Provide opportunities for youth, parents, and volunteers to give feedback and input.
• Communicate regularly with youth and parents regarding upcoming events.
• Maintain and regularly update the yearly youth calendar.
• Provide communication and information as needed for the congregation at large regarding youth events and activities in the Messenger and weekly bulletin.

Relationships

• Provide a safe, welcoming environment that encourages youth to grow in faith, challenges them to build faith resilience and equips them to serve God.
• Provide feedback and consultation to students and parents as needed or requested.
• Follow up with visitors and absences.
• Lead youth in building relationships in the community.
• Refer parents and youth as needed for pastoral care or counseling.

Qualifications and skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in religion, education or related area preferred.
• Understand the mission of the church. Value and support Lutheran theology.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Understand adolescent development and faith formation.
• Teaching, equipping, team-building, and administrative abilities.
• Teachable and able to work productively in team ministry.
• Personable, having the combination of tact and character that inspires.
• Verifiable references. Must clear background check. CPR certification.

Expectations:

• Maintain a healthy and growing spiritual life that will encourage youth and volunteers to do the same.
• Flexibility and availability for weekend and evening work as needed.
• Maintain regular office hours to be accessible to our congregation.
• Maintain confidentiality, but also follow Oregon law regarding as a Mandatory Reporter.
• Pursue continuing education through approved conferences, classes and on-line communities.
• Plan for personal and ministry improvement.
• Integrity in communications and in the use of social media as appropriate to a ministry professional.

St. Matthew Lutheran Church values our staff who serve with us in ministry. We, therefore, on our part will:

• Encourage, pray for, and support you as a leader.
• Participate as volunteers in ministry.
• Support you with an appropriate salary and benefits as designated by the Director of Resources and Operations in your hire letter.
• Provide you with an annual review including feedback from your supervisor and congregational members, and the opportunity for you to also provide feedback.
• Encourage your professional growth by supporting your attendance of approved classes/seminars/retreats. Encourage healthy spirituality by allowing and encouraging you to maintain healthy work life boundaries.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who is :

• A spiritually grounded, relational leader who is passionate about walking with youth (ages 11–18) in their faith formation and daily lives.
• An experienced organizer and teacher who can design and lead transformational programs—confirmation, retreats, service trips, small groups, and intergenerational events.
• A collaborative team player who equips and mobilizes adult volunteers, communicates well with parents, and works seamlessly within a Children, Youth & Family ministry team.
• A dependable, professional, and personable presence who understands adolescent development, values Lutheran theology, and models healthy boundaries and integrity.
• A capable administrator who can manage budgets, maintain communication channels, oversee safety policies, and engage in strategic planning and evaluation.

Compensation and Full Time SMLC Employee Benefits:

• $57,000- $60,000 DOE. This is a full-time position.
• Employer Paid - Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• 2 Weeks Paid Accrued Vacation per Year
• 30 hours Sick Paid Leave per Year
• 11 Paid Holidays per Year
• Paid Bereavement Leave available
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan

With a heritage that spans over 80 years, St. Matthew Lutheran Church is a large, multigenerational congregation dedicated to sharing the Gospel and growing together as faithful followers of Jesus Christ. Members of all ages participate in the planning of worship and work side by side with clergy and staff. Each worship service, whether traditional or contemporary, incorporates Lutheran theology and tradition. Currently an average of 300 people attend our two Sunday worship services at 8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. with opportunities for learning and fellowship in between services. Understanding the need for continuous renewal and transformation, the community of SMLC has been actively involved in a process of long-range planning that has now culminated in a renewed commitment to the strengthening of ministries, an improvement of the building and grounds, and a three-year stewardship campaign.

Interested applicants please send a cover letter and resume by April 6, 2026 to:

St Matthew Lutheran Church
Attn: Steve Cecil, DRO
10390 SW Canyon Rd.
Beaverton, OR 97005503-644-9148 Or by email: stevec@smlcfamily.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $57,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $57,000 - $60,000