Job Description
The Director of Youth Ministry will be responsible for creating, coordinating, and administering an effective and comprehensive program for youth between grades 6-12 in a joint ministry of The Falls Church, an Episcopal parish, and Dulin United Methodist Church. The Director will work collaboratively with the clergy team and staff of both parishes, and report to the Director of Formation and Family Ministries of The Falls Church and the Pastor of Dulin United Methodist Church. This is a full-time position with a flexible schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and multi-day summer trips. The Falls Church will employ the Director, with eligibility for benefits through the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia. Successful candidates will undergo a background check and complete the Episcopal Church Safeguarding programs and The United Methodist Safe Sanctuary Program.
This joint ministry is a new initiative of two neighboring parishes in a tightly knit community, and we are looking for someone willing to dream it into existence, with both initiative and patience to work out the details and with full support of both parish clergy and formation teams.
Responsibilities:
● Create a single ministry of two parishes and two denominations dedicated to working together.
● Oversee the design and implementation of ministry activities for youth in 6th to 12th grades.
● Coordinate weekly Christian formation for middle and high school students in consultation with the Director of Formation and Family Ministries of The Falls Church and the Pastor of Dulin UMC.
● Oversee confirmation preparation in partnership with clergy.
● Plan a sustainable rhythm of youth ministry events in addition to weekly gatherings (monthly special events, quarterly retreats/service projects), and nurture a culture of service to others in the youth.
● Be present at youth events, fostering relationships and pastoral support for youth and their families.
● Foster prayer and spiritual growth among adult leaders and youth, enabling further discovery of the riches of each theological tradition.
● Build supportive relationships with youth and their families, offering encouragement and care in coordination with parish clergy.
● Encourage participation in diocesan and annual conference youth activities, including nurturing leadership for both.
● Maintain healthy and transparent lines of communication with youth, families, clergy, and staff
● Collaborate with children's ministry staff to ensure a focused transition of 5th graders into youth ministry.
● Recruit and train a team of adult volunteers.
● Attend staff meetings and other relevant parish committee meetings.
● Actively participate, cultivate relationships, and collaborate in diocesan and annual conference youth ministries, as well as denominational professional associations.
Qualifications:
● Faithful, progressive Christian with a heart for youth and families with demonstrated commitment to inclusivity, justice, and empowerment of youth as fully contributing members of the community.
● Experience in youth ministry in parish, diocesan/conference, and/or related setting.
● Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
● Confident, self-motivated, creative, and dedicated to creating and growing an unique and innovative youth program.
● Strong organizational and communication skills.
● Willingness and flexibility to work as a part of two parish teams in one ministry.
● Appropriate understanding of pastoral sensitivities and healthy boundaries.
● Familiarity with Episcopal and United Methodist traditions.
Compensation:
This is a full-time position and reports to the Director of Family Ministries of The Falls Church and the Pastor of Dulin United Methodist Church. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and diocesan/conference guidelines and in the range of $72,000-$75,000. The churches will reimburse reasonable relocation expenses.
How to Apply:
Submit letter of interest, resume, and list of references to Lauren Breeden, Director of Formation and Family Ministries, [email protected]. Receiving names through 15 September 2026 with rolling interviews; desire to begin work by 30 October 2026.
About us:
The Falls Church - https://www.thefallschurch.org/
The Falls Church, an Episcopal congregation, is a vibrant and welcoming parish in the heart of Falls Church, Virginia, with a history spanning almost 300 years. Deeply rooted in the Episcopal/Anglican tradition, we are committed to worship, lifelong formation, community outreach, and the arts, creating opportunities for people of all ages to grow in faith and serve others. Our congregation values radical welcome, the pursuit of justice, creativity, and meaningful relationships as we seek to build the Kingdom of God.
Dulin United Methodist Church - https://www.dulinchurch.org/
Dulin United Methodist Church is a welcoming and historic congregation in the heart of Falls Church, Virginia, with roots dating back to the 18th century and a longstanding commitment to worship, Christian formation, outreach, and service. Guided by the United Methodist mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, Dulin seeks to be a caring community empowered by the Holy Spirit to share God's love through worship, fellowship, and compassionate ministry. The church serves both its local community and the wider world through programs for all ages, partnerships with nonprofit organizations, and a strong emphasis on justice, hospitality, and outreach.
Pay: $72,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
