Position Summary: The Kids Ministry Director provides departmental leadership and oversight for UPPERROOM Kids, stewarding the vision and culture of the ministry in alignment with the overall UPPERROOM mission and values. This leader is responsible for implementing and cultivating a vision for children’s spiritual formation that invites kids into encounter with God, discipleship, and community in ways that are developmentally appropriate and engaging. The Kids Ministry Director leads volunteers and teams to create safe, Spirit-led, and well-organized environments where children, families, and volunteers can grow in their relationship with God together. This role combines leadership, team development, and operational oversight to ensure the ministry reflects the heart and culture of UPPERROOM.
Responsibilities: Leadership & Vision
Implement and steward a clear vision for UPPERROOM Kids that aligns with the broader UPPERROOM mission, values, and culture of prayer and discipleship.
Cultivate environments where children can encounter the Presence of God, learn Scripture, and grow in spiritual formation in age-appropriate ways.
Provide leadership and care for volunteers, and children within the ministry.
Partner with church leadership and other departments to ensure alignment and collaboration across ministries.
Foster a ministry culture marked by safety, joy, belonging, prayer, and discipleship.
Program Oversight
Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of all UPPERROOM Kids events including Sunday gatherings, classes, and special ministry events (such as VBS, Baby Dedications, and family gatherings).
Ensure weekly environments are well-prepared, spiritually intentional, engaging, and developmentally appropriate for each age group.
Oversee Classroom Leads, volunteer teams, and Kids ministry preparation, ensuring each environment reflects excellence and care.
Continually evaluate and improve ministry systems and structures to better support children, families, and volunteers.
Volunteer Leadership & Development
Recruit, screen, and onboard volunteers in alignment with church safety and training policies.
Provide ongoing encouragement, spiritual support, and development for volunteer teams.
Cultivate a healthy volunteer culture marked by honor, collaboration, and shared mission.
Build strong relationships with volunteers and regularly recognize and celebrate their contributions.
Maintain communication within the UR Kids Volunteers and update ministry resources as needed.
Safety & Culture of Care
Champion a culture of safety, trust, and accountability within UPPERROOM Kids.
Enforce all child safety policies, including background checks, the two-adult rule, and allergy/medical protocols.
Ensure all ministry environments are safe, clean, welcoming, and accessible for children and families.
Partner with church leadership to continually strengthen best practices in child protection and care.
Administration & Ministry Support
Manage weekly registration systems and check-in processes.
Communicate important updates and preparation details to volunteer teams ahead of weekend services.
Coordinate room reservations and facility needs to ensure ministry environments are ready and well-maintained.
Support ongoing ministry organization, planning, and communication to ensure smooth and effective operations.
Partnership with UPPERROOM Academy for Spiritual Formation
Collaborate with the URA Director to establish a scope and sequence for the Bible curriculum for the school year.
Assist URA Director to train URA staff on integration of biblical curriculum and UPPERROOM culture and values.
Collaborate with URA Director to help plan and execute a yearly training / seminar for parents.
Education & Experience:
Preferred degree in Christian Education, Early Childhood Development, Ministry, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
Experience recruiting and leading volunteer teams.
Experience in an administrative role
Qualifications & Requirements:
A prayerfully growing, authentic relationship with Jesus Christ and alignment with UPPERROOM’s statement of faith.
1–3 years of experience in children’s ministry, education, or related field.
Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
Ability to lead both kids and adults with warmth, clarity, and enthusiasm.
Proficient in Google Workspace and comfortable with church management software (Planning Center, Church Center app, etc.).
Agreement to and compliance with child protection policies (background check required).
Able to lift up to 30 lbs (supplies, equipment, small children).
Able to stand, sit on the floor, and move actively with children for extended periods.
Loves kids and finds joy in their energy and curiosity.
Team player who collaborates well with other leaders
Flexible, proactive, and calm under pressure.
Discreet, trustworthy, and pastoral in demeanor.