For 207 years Grace Church has served the gospel message of Jesus Christ in the City of New York, offering preaching, teaching, the sacraments, and a place of refuge, peace, and inspiring beauty to all who cross its threshold.

As an active and vibrant part of The Episcopal Diocese of New York, Grace Church provides Christian ministries and outreach to Greenwich Village, the city of New York, and to the fifty thousand visitors who choose Grace Church as a destination each year. Grace Church and its surrounding buildings located at Broadway and 10th Street in New York City are recognized as architectural masterpieces and have received three historic designations: 1) New York City Landmark (1966, 1977); 2) National Register of Historic Places (1974); and 3) National Historic Landmark (1977).

Grace Church, an Episcopal parish of approximately 300 families, is seeking an enthusiastic leader to serve as our Director of Children and Family Ministries. This is a full-time opportunity for a nurturing and dedicated professional who has experience working in children, family and/or youth ministries. The position is an opportunity for someone able to implement existing programs/classes currently in place and also to grow new ministry areas for youth and young adults. The successful candidate will lead and coordinate family events, recruit and develop volunteers, and communicate and develop relationships with parents. The positon requires a commitment to a full-time Sunday through Thursday work schedule.

The Director of Children and Family Ministries will be responsible for all administrative aspects of our vibrant Christian education ministry. The ideal applicant will be a self-starter who has excellent written and verbal communication skills and knowledge of Sunday school programs. He or she should have experience with Christian formation curricula for children, Episcopal Church traditions and theology, biblical knowledge, lesson planning, and event coordination centered on the liturgical life of the Church year. The applicant should possess strong administrative skills and the ability to time manage effectively to accomplish competing deadlines and tasks. Prior experience with elementary education will work to your advantage.

Responsibilities will include:

Oversee all details of our Sunday Church School programs for children aged 4 to 12 years.
Write lesson plans and implement Church School curricula (presently Spark Sunday School and Seasons of the Spirit).
Oversee and implement existing programs/classes focused on family and child development and Christian formation.
Recruit and develop volunteer teachers, volunteers and nursery staff to assist with ministry.
In collaboration with colleagues, parents and volunteers, oversee all aspects of parish-wide events designed for children and families to develop a meaningful understanding of the liturgical life of the church, such as the annual Christmas Pageant, Easter Eve Walk, Youth Confirmations, Baptisms, and Family Communion Classes.
Together with volunteers and parents, coordinate annual family activities such as the Halloween Carnival, Family BBQ’s and Annual Parish Picnic.
With volunteer leadership explore the potential for growing a youth ministry program
Work together with colleagues to support and organize events and service opportunities for young adults within the parish and throughout the city.
Collaborate with the New York University Chaplain to connect Canterbury Downtown events with the parishioners of Grace Church.

Knowledge and Education

Candidates may be lay person or ordained.
A Bachelor’s Degree is required. Theological education and/or prior teaching experience is preferred.
Minimum 3 to 5 years of experience working in the field of Children and Family Ministries, and/or Youth Ministries, in an Episcopal Church or other Christian church.
Ability to commit to a full-time Sunday through Thursday work schedule, and flexibility to work occasional evenings and Saturdays to oversee special events.
Strong knowledge of Church School curriculum and other such resources; familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite including Publisher and related applications.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Must possess the ability to exercise good judgment and to develop good working relationships with parents and volunteers
Ability to work effectively in an autonomous fast-paced environment.
Desire to work as part of a team to develop and share in the leadership and vision of the ministry of Grace Church.
Must have a familiarity with the Episcopal Church, its traditions, theology, and practice.
A background in elementary education is a plus.

How to apply

Please send your cover letter and resume to humanresources@gracechurchnyc.org with “Director of Children and Family Ministries” in the subject line.

Start date: August 3, 2015 or Upon Hire