Associate Director of Elementary

Associate Director of Elementary

Department:               Highland Kids

Classification:            Full Time, Exempt

Reports to:                 Director of Elementary

Direct Supervisor of: Volunteers

Tier:                            Implementation

Work Schedule:         Sunday - Thursday

Our vision: leading all generations to find and follow Jesus for the flourishing of our city and beyond

PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION

The Highland Kids Department seeks to advance and support the church’s vision by proclaiming the Gospel, equipping and resourcing families, and discipling the next generation to be faithful followers of Jesus.

The Associate Director of Elementary exists to help children find and follow Jesus by creating engaging weekly environments, equipping volunteers, partnering with parents, and cultivating a ministry culture where children are known, loved, and discipled.

This role provides hands-on leadership for weekly ministry environments, volunteer teams, and special events while advancing the vision and strategy of the Elementary Ministry (1st-4th Grade), established by the Director of Elementary. The Associate Director helps ensure that children experience a Christ-centered, biblically grounded, and age-appropriate ministry where they grow in their understanding of God, God’s Word, and God’s Church.

The Associate Director partners closely with volunteers, parents, and the broader Kids and Student Team to foster meaningful relationships, create excellent ministry experiences, and support families in the discipleship of their children throughout the elementary years. The ideal candidate is passionate about children's ministry, gifted in developing volunteers, and possesses strong organizational and event-planning skills.

DESIRED RESULTS/IMPACT OF THIS POSITION

• Children experience a Jesus-centered, biblically grounded ministry that fosters spiritual growth and helps them find and follow Jesus.


• Sunday environments and ministry events are welcoming, engaging, and well-executed, strengthening faith, relationships, and connection to the church community.


• Volunteers are recruited, trained, equipped, and encouraged to confidently disciple children and lead with joy and excellence.


• Parents feel supported, equipped, and valued as partners in their child's faith journey. The church and homework together to foster spiritual growth and discipleship.


• Strong collaboration exists among church leadership, families, and the broader Kids and Student Team, resulting in a cohesive and thriving elementary ministry.

By achieving these desired results, the Associate Director of Elementary will contribute to the overall mission of the church, fostering the spiritual growth of children and supporting the church’s vision to engage families and make disciples.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Weekly Ministry (Sunday and Wednesday)

• Partner with the Director of Elementary to execute the vision and strategy for the Elementary Ministry (1st–4th Grade).


• Lead the execution of weekly ministry environments, ensuring lessons are engaging, interactive, biblically grounded, and age-appropriate.


• Equip and train volunteers to effectively teach curriculum, lead small groups, and build meaningful relationships with children.


• Evaluate curriculum and ministry effectiveness, making adjustments as needed to support children's spiritual growth and engagement.


• Maintain and organize curriculum materials, teaching resources, and classroom supplies.


• Resource parents with information related to weekly curriculum and developmental milestones so they can continue faith conversations at home.


• Create and manage a visitor follow up process for children who visit Elementary Ministry programs for the first time. 

Events and Discipleship Experiences

• Partner with the Director of Elementary to plan and execute key ministry events including VBS, Come to the Table Class, 3rd Grade Bible Sunday, Advent Family Experience, seasonal programs, and other discipleship opportunities.


• Collaborate with the Creative Team and other ministries to create engaging experiences that reinforce ministry goals and foster spiritual growth.


• Coordinate event logistics, volunteer assignments, communication, and follow-up.


• Ensure events are welcoming, safe, and provide meaningful opportunities for children and families to connect and grow in faith.

Volunteer Recruitment and Development

• Recruit, onboard, train, and encourage volunteers serving in the Elementary Ministry.


• Develop volunteers to confidently teach curriculum, shepherd children, and serve with joy and excellence.


• Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, encouragement, and feedback to volunteers.


• Utilize digital platforms, social media, and email to promote events and encourage participation.


• Foster a culture of ownership, teamwork, and spiritual growth among volunteer leaders.


• Assist in identifying and developing future volunteer leaders within the ministry.

Parent Partnership and Administration

• Build meaningful relationships with parents and equip them with resources that support faith development at home.


• Communicate regularly with families regarding curriculum, ministry opportunities, and upcoming events.


• Maintain accurate records of attendance, volunteer participation, and ministry engagement for evaluation and reporting.

• Maintain volunteer records, background checks, and training materials.


• Ensure all child safety and protection policies are followed at all times.


• Actively participate in staff meetings and collaborate with the Director of Elementary, Pastor of Kids, and the broader Kids & Student Team to advance the mission and vision of Highland Kids.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIREMENTS

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in education, theology, child development, or related field is preferred but not required.


• Experience: Preferred 3 years of experience in Children’s or Student Ministry or related field


• Skills: Microsoft office, financial management software, database management


• Abilities: frequent lifting under 30 lb; ability to maintain composure under pressure

WORKPLACE EXPECTATIONS

• Loves Jesus, the people of HP Pres, the city of Dallas and the world


• Affirms and supports ECO (our denomination) Essential Tenets


• Acts as an advocate of the culture and vision of HP Pres


• Commits to and exhibits our Team Culture Values:
  
  
  
  • Deeply abiding in Jesus
  
  
  • We > Me
  
  
  • Defiant joy in the trenches of ministry