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Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries

Countryside Community Church UCC, Omaha, NE, United States


Title:

Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries Reports to:

Associate Minister for Care, Connection & Formation Collaborates with:

Senior Minister; Associate Minister for Care, Connection & Formation; Director of Worship & Arts; church staff; Board of Christian Education & Spiritual Growth; and a team of volunteers. Employment status:

Full-Time, exempt (40-50 hours per week). Regular Sunday mornings, Wednesday evenings, and occasional evenings and weekends required. Location:

Omaha, Nebraska (Tri-Faith Initiative Commons) Compensation:

Competitive salary commensurate with experience and education. Benefits package included. Position Summary Countryside Community Church seeks a relational, creative, and faith-centered leader to serve as Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries. This full-time position provides leadership and vision for ministry with middle school (6th–8th grade), high school (9th–12th grade), and young adults (ages 18–29). Rooted in progressive Christian theology and the values of the United Church of Christ, this role cultivates spaces of belonging, curiosity, and spiritual growth for young people as they explore faith, community, and purpose. The Director will build vibrant programming that nurtures spiritual formation, service, leadership development, and authentic community. Located on the Tri-Faith Commons, Countryside is deeply committed to interfaith understanding and collaboration. This role will have opportunities to partner with the Tri-Faith Initiative and engage youth and young adults in experiences that deepen relationships across faith traditions and strengthen our shared commitment to justice, service, and community. This role also strengthens connections between youth, young adults, and the wider congregation, helping the next generation engage faith through relationships, service, learning, and shared experiences. Responsibilities Youth Ministry (Middle School & High School) Develop and lead engaging weekly programming for middle school (6th–8th grade) and high school youth. Create environments where young people feel safe, welcomed, and supported in their spiritual growth. Coordinate and support the church’s Confirmation program in collaboration with clergy and mentors. Plan retreats, mission experiences, and service opportunities that deepen faith and community. Build meaningful relationships with youth and families through consistent presence and communication. Encourage youth participation in worship, service, and congregational life. Cultivate opportunities for young adults (ages 18–29) to gather for community, conversation, and faith exploration. Develop occasional gatherings, service opportunities, and learning experiences for young adults navigating early adulthood, vocation, and spiritual questions. Build connections with college students, young professionals, and young families connected to Countryside. Recruit, train, and support a diverse team of adult volunteers and mentors. Equip volunteers with tools and guidance to foster inclusive and supportive youth ministry. Ensure volunteers follow Abuse Prevention policies and maintain appropriate boundaries and supervision. Programming & Community Engagement Plan retreats, service trips, and special events that deepen relationships and spiritual formation. Support youth and young adult involvement in justice initiatives, service projects, musical opportunities, and community engagement. Foster intergenerational connections within the congregation through shared experiences and mentorship. Partner with the Tri-Faith Initiative and other interfaith opportunities on the Commons to create educational, service, and relationship-building experiences for youth and young adults. Communication & Administration Maintain clear communication with youth, young adults, parents, and volunteers. Create engaging communications across print and digital platforms—including newsletters, flyers, video, and text/app tools—to connect with students and families. Utilize digital platforms and social media to communicate ministry opportunities and support youth engagement. Maintain program records, forms, and participation information in the church’s database system. Attend staff meetings and collaborate with staff and boards involved in formation ministries. Manage the youth and young adult ministry budget in coordination with church leadership. Ensure compliance with Countryside’s Abuse Prevention policies and public health requirements. Competencies and Characteristics Ability to build authentic relationships with youth and young adults. Strong leadership and organizational skills. Creativity and adaptability in developing engaging ministry programs. Ability to recruit and mentor volunteers. Strong communication skills with youth, families, and staff. Comfort using digital communication tools and social media platforms. Commitment to the inclusive theology and mission of Countryside Community Church. Qualifications Background in education, theology, social work, or a related field preferred. Experience working with youth and/or young adults. Demonstrated ability to lead programs, organize events, and build community. Demonstrated commitment to justice, equity, and the full inclusion of all people. Must pass required background checks. Physical Demands Must have the ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time. Exhibit manual dexterity to dial a phone and type on a keyboard. Must have the ability to see and read a computer screen and printed material. Must have the ability to hear and understand speech at normal levels; speak in audible tones so that others may understand. Must have the physical agility to lift up to 50 pounds; and to bend, stoop, climb stairs, and reach overhead. To Apply Please submit a resume and cover letter to: Dan Loven-Crum, Director of Administration at danl@Countrysideucc.org Learn more about us at: www.countrysideucc.org | www.trifaith.org About Countryside Community Church is an Open and Affining congregation of the United Church of Christ located on the Tri-Faith Commons in Omaha, Nebraska. We affirm the full participation of LGBTQIA2+ persons in the life and leadership of the church and seek to live our faith through commitments to racial equity, environmental stewardship, accessibility for all, and welcoming immigrants and refugees. At Countryside, we are committed to nurturing belonging, cultivating spiritual growth, and engaging the world with compassion and courage through worship, learning, service, and partnerships across faith traditions. Our Mission: We are an inclusive, open and affirming family of faith, welcoming all to God’s table of love and acceptance. We are diverse, yet united by Christ’s example. We care for one another, support one another, and challenge one another to become all that God creates us to be. We work together to nurture our community and to promote peace, equality, and justice in our conflicted world. Countryside Community Church is an Open and Affining congregation and an equal opportunity employer. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and identities. It is the policy of Countryside Community Church to grant equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, or handicap – if such handicap or disability may be accommodated without undue hardship. The recruitment and selection process will be based on job‑related, objective qualifications, in accordance with the job requirements of the position being filled. All employees must be able to perform the essential functions of their jobs as set forth in the employee’s individual position description. Reasonable accommodation will be made, in accordance with applicable state and federal laws, to assist employees with disabilities in performing the essential job functions. Countryside Community Church is organized for religious purposes and is supported by a religious body, the United Church of Christ. As a religious organization, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 exempts churches from the prohibition on religious discrimination; consequently, our hiring practices may require faith as a job-related, objective job qualification for some specific positions.

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