Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministry (P/T)

Part-Time Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministries

Church of St. James the Less, Scarsdale

About St. James the Less, Scarsdale

St. James the Less is a welcoming and diverse Episcopal parish serving neighborhoods in middle and southern Westchester and the Bronx. We are committed to joyful worship, lifelong faith formation, and meaningful community life. Rooted in the Anglican tradition, the parish places a strong emphasis on children, youth, and families as an essential part of the present and future of the church. Through thoughtful liturgy, strong pastoral relationships, and active lay involvement, St. James seeks to partner with parents and families as the primary faith educators of their children, while offering engaging, age-appropriate programming that nurtures spiritual growth, service, and belonging.

Position Overview

The Part-Time Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministries will serve as a key pastoral and programmatic leader for families with children and youth from pre-kindergarten through high school. Often the first point of contact for young families exploring St. James, the Director will create a warm, organized, and engaging ministry environment that supports faith formation, community building, and integration into the wider parish.

This role requires a relational, organized, and collaborative leader who can sustain strong existing programs while strengthening youth engagement—particularly through intentional Junior and Senior Youth Group programming—and effective partnership with parent volunteers. The Director reports directly to the Rector and works closely with clergy, staff, and lay leaders.

Position Details

• Part-time position averaging 20 hours per week
• In-person Sunday mornings from 9:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m., including holidays that fall on Sundays (e.g., Easter and occasionally Christmas)
• Flexible weekday hours for preparation, communication, volunteer coordination, and administrative work
• Position follows the school-year calendar (late August through mid-June)
  • Late June, July, and most of August typically do not require work hours; dates to be confirmed annually with the Rector
  • Additional hours may be required for major seasonal programs (e.g., Christmas Pageant), as agreed in advance
• Compensation: $40/hour, with three pre-approved vacation Sundays per calendar year, in addition to the summer break

Key Responsibilities

Church (Sunday) School Leadership

• Teach or coordinate teaching for a mixed-age Sunday School class (Pre-K through 4th grade), held during the 10:30am service, using the Story Makers (or other approved) curriculum
• Prepare and support volunteer Sunday School teachers and high school teaching interns through lesson plans, materials, and clear weekly communication
• Serve as the primary point of contact for visiting families and parishioners interested in Church School

Youth Formation Programs

• Coordinate and teach elementary grade Holy Communion class on days and times that work best with families’ schedules
• Oversee, schedule, and attend the 5th–6th Grade “Red Door Explorers” program - approximately 4-5 sessions throughout the school year, including recruiting and supporting volunteer teachers
• Coordinate the 7th–8th Grade Confirmation program, taught by the Rector and lay volunteers, by managing calendars, parent communication, field trips, and sponsor coordination

Junior & Senior Youth Group Ministry (Grades 6–12)

• Organize, coordinate, and help lead Junior and Senior Youth Group events, including social, service projects, and outreach activities
• Work closely with active group of parent volunteers to develop meaningful, well-organized, and consistent programming
• Collaborate with parents to identify interests, plan events, manage logistics, and encourage broad participation
• Foster a safe, welcoming environment that encourages connection, leadership development, and spiritual exploration among youth

Family & Volunteer Engagement

• Partner with parents as collaborators and leaders in children’s and youth programming
• Recruit, train, schedule, and support parent and parishioner volunteers across all age groups
• Maintain clear communication and build sustainable volunteer structures that support program continuity

Sunday Worship & Acolyte Program

• Recruit, train, and schedule youth acolytes for Sunday worship
• Maintain weekly schedules and send timely reminders to families

Scheduling & Administration

• Recruit and schedule high school interns and parent volunteers to ensure Safe Church compliance (two caregivers present each Sunday)
• Manage family and youth records in the church database, including:
  • Registration forms
  • Parent contact lists
  • Grade levels and birthdays
  • Email and text communications

Operational Responsibilities

• Maintain tidy and organized classroom spaces
• Purchase program supplies within budget and following the church’s financial protocols
• Coordinate with the church office regarding timely payment of high school interns
• Ensure Safe Church training compliance for all volunteers working with children and youth

Seasonal & Special Programs

• Oversee and coordinate the annual Christmas Pageant
• Collaborate with clergy on the Children’s Good Friday service
• Plan and support a Welcome Back dinner in late summer/early fall and an end-of-year celebration in May/June

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to create engaging, age-appropriate learning environments for children and youth
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
• Comfort working collaboratively with clergy, staff, parents, and volunteers
• Willingness to complete Safe Church training (provided upon hire)
• Basic knowledge of first aid procedures
• Reliable transportation
• Prior experience in children’s or youth ministry preferred but not required

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume to The Rev. Astrid Storm, Rector, Church of St. James the Less, Scarsdale.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Responsibilities may evolve to meet the needs of the parish. All staff are subject to background checks and must comply with Safe Church policies upon employment.

mid-June through mid-August off, plus additional specified Sundays off during the year