Director of Christian Education
Collegiate United Methodist Church/Wesley Foundation
Overview of Duties and Responsibilities
Primary Requirement: The Director of Christian Education (DCE) must be a committed United Methodist Christian with a positive approach in the area of Christian Education. The DCE must have the ability to inspire and assist children, youth, and adults in nurturing their relationship with God and at the same time deepen their discipleship as followers of Jesus Christ. The DCE must have the ability to relate to and empathize with persons of diverse backgrounds, skills, and understanding.
I. Duties and responsibilities
A. Program Leadership (supervisory, advisory, planner/organizer):
1. Management of the organization of classes, programs, events & activities related to Christian Education in children's, youth, and adult ministry.
2. Communicate regularly with and provide mentoring, support, and supervision for the Director of Youth Ministry and the Children's Specialist.
3. Be the primary staff person with responsibility for the Christian Education program in the adult age-levels. These responsibilities include coordination of Sunday School classes and special programs or classes for age-specific or interest-specific groups.
4. Teach classes and/or substitute as time allows.
5. Coordinate and publicize the educational activities of the church/foundation, keeping congregation informed of events, opportunities to serve in Christian Education, and needs (related to building, equipment, materials, & personnel) through communication and publicity, Teacher Invitation Campaign, Teacher Appreciation Lunch, Christian Education Sunday, etc
6. Be present and available to assist during the above activities.
7. Participate in sub-committee, task force and cluster meetings and planning sessions for activities and events related to Christian Education.
8. Make conscious efforts to become acquainted with congregation members and visitors in order to meet their needs and provide opportunities for them to use their talents.
9. Plan and conduct training sessions for teachers as needed.
10. Work with the Nurturing the Faith Program Cluster in program administration & evaluation, initiating new forms of ministry, setting goals and priorities, assessing needs, and encouraging participation in Christian Education.
11. Serve as liaison to the Media Resource Center Committee in giving directions as to the availability of teaching materials, A-V equipment, books and other resources.
12. Review new curriculum resources and provide suggestions & samples of resource materials to teachers.
13. With the Children's Specialist, shares responsibility for hiring caregivers for the Nursery and any child care that is offered.
14. Responsible to see that adequate materials and supplies for above listed programming are provided. Give guidance to those ordering curriculum materials
15. Responsible to see that enrollment and attendance records for Sunday School classes are maintained.
16. Be in regular contact with CUMC/WF Coordinator of Discipleship with regard to cluster member and team leader staffing needs.
17. Responsible for supervision of CUMC/WF computer lab.
B. Child & Youth Protection Policy
1. Is primary person in charge of record-keeping, screening, and training for Child and Youth Protection Policy; responsible for seeing that accurate records and ample training and screening are in place for all teachers and workers with children and youth.
2. Make recommendations to the Administrative Council when changes in the policy are needed.
C. Church Staff
1. Participate as a team member with the entire church staff in weekly & long range staff meetings.
2. Represent staff and actively participate in:
a. Pre-Administrative Council meetings
b. Administrative Council meetings and retreat
c. Nurturing People in the Faith program cluster meetings
d. Meetings of adult, youth, and children's age-level cluster sub-groups
e. White Gifts Service Team
D. Professional
1. Promote cooperation between churches and sharing of ideas through communication with other Christian Educators and church staffs.
2. Serve on District, Conference, and local committees as time, skills, and interest allow.
3. Participate in continuing education opportunities as time, interest, and budget allow.
E. Accountable To:
The Senior Minister of CUMC/WF and the Administrative Council of CUMC/WF through the Staff¬ Parish Relations Committee.
II. Qualifications and Other Information
A. Educational Qualifications
1. Bachelor's degree required; Masters' degree in Christian education preferred and encouraged.
2. United Methodist certification in Christian Education encouraged.
3. Christian Education or teaching experience required.
4. Knowledge and understanding of personal computer systems and various software packages.
B. Work Schedule and Salary
1. Half-time professional program staff.
2. Hours are flexible. However, most Sunday mornings, some evening hours, and some weekend time spent on job-related activities will be necessary.
3. Salaried, not hourly, position, commensurate with education and experience.
C. Benefits
1. Continuing education time and funds available.
2. Travel expense.
3. Pension annuity.
4. Pro-rated, single health insurance, including dental (family plan available as an add-on); or an additional amount goes to pension annuity.
5. Social Security and Medicare as required by federal legislation.
6. Cafeteria/flex plan for medical expenses.
Please send letter of application and résumé by March 24 to:
Beverly Kruempel, Chair
Staff Parish Relations Committee
Collegiate United Methodist and Wesley Foundation
2622 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50014
515-292-6936
or by e-mail to joyce_rasmussen@qwest.net.
