DIRECTOR OF YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

About the role

Fountain City United Methodist Church is a vibrant, mission-focused community in North Knoxville that draws more than 500 people each week across four distinct worship experiences. We are rooted in God’s love and committed to transforming lives. Our ministries include age-level discipleship, intergenerational small groups, Sunday School, a large Celebrate Recovery program, and hands-on local and global mission. We believe faith comes alive in action. Fountain City UMC is uniquely positioned to help students and young adults discover a relationship with God and understand their place in the world. We are not simply a church with youth programs. We are a community where every generation is seen, loved, and equipped to make a meaningful difference.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a meaningful and varied portfolio of ministry programming, including Crosswalk (Tuesday Nights), Wednesday Nights (Traditional Youth Group), Sunday Morning Discipleship, Open Gym, and anchor events such as Resurrection and Summer Mission Trips.
• Supervise the Crosswalk staff, two licensed clinical social workers, and help coordinate their needs and support.
• Develop and sustain volunteer relationships and training.
• Build genuine relational trust with students through consistent presence and listening.
• Discern and implement structures that best serve the young adult demographic.
• Collaborate with the full staff of the church, including working on the overall life of the church.

Requirements

• Led student or young adult ministry in a church or similar setting.
• Built genuine relational trust with adolescents and young adults over time through being present in life not just church events.
• Recruited, trained, and sustained volunteers.
• Worked within Safe Sanctuaries or equivalent youth protection guidelines.
• Navigated digital communication and social media.

Qualifications

• Relational leader who earns trust by showing up consistently including: at events, at games, at open gym nights, and in ordinary moments.
• Genuinely listens to students.
• Humble about their gifts, but confident enough to lead youth, young adults, families, and a dedicated team of volunteers.
• Creative, organized, and innovative.
• Passionate about spiritual growth for people exploring faith, those who are unchurched, and those deeply rooted in tradition.
• Sees every student as a whole person worthy of care including students with special needs.

Skills

• Ability to hold structure and spontaneity at the same time.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with digital communication and social media.

Benefits

A comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and/or stipend for employee.

Pay

$50,000 - $65,000 starting salary, commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Full-time position.