south-barrington Work Opportunities ∙ Page 1

Description

We believe kids and students are not just the future of the church, they are the church, and we want to create engaging environments where they can experience God’s love, take steps in their faith, and use their gifts and talents to lead and serve. Willow Creek Community Church is an egalitarian non-denominational, multi-site church in and across Chicagoland passionate about helping people take next steps to love God, love people, and change the world. 

As the Central Willow Kids Pastor you will bring alignment and unity to our ministry for kids (birth–grade 5) across Willow campuses in order to develop impactful programs; train and empower leaders; and support and equip parents, guardians, and families.

The salary range for this position is around $82,000 - $110,000 depending on experience and skill set. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, retirement savings plan with company match, parental leave, generous paid time off, mental health counseling reimbursement, tuition reimbursement and more.

Job Responsibilities

• Champion the vision and strategies for kids' ministry in alignment with the overall mission, vision, and strategies of Willow Creek 
• Set and maintain the standard for quality and execution of Willow Kids across all campuses within the aligned model
• Lead with vision so that staff, volunteers, and parents understand and become co-owners in the vision of the Willow Kids ministry. 
• Oversee, develop, and support the Willow Kids Pastors and Teams both centrally and across all campuses providing ministry-specific guidance and coaching
• Serve on the Executive Team of Willow and speak into the overall direction of the church while championing the values of the Kids’ ministry.
• Be a team member who is one-church focused and gladly jumps in where needed above his or her regular responsibilities.
• Serve as an accessible guide who helps resource staff, volunteers, and parents/guardians on issues relating to the spiritual development of kids 
• Plan, oversee, and manage the budget 
• Create a safe and welcoming environment for all kids by ensuring all safety and security processes and protocols are followed. 
• Oversee the Child Dedications process for all commissioned pastors.

Staff Values:

• Believing the Best | Trust is our default
• Commit to Candor | Kindness is our way
• Embrace Challenge | Grit is our style
• Setting the Tone | Joy is our attitude
• Choose Unity | Diversity is our strength

Success is Defined As…

Thriving kids ministries across all Willow campuses where staff feel supported and resourced, volunteers are equipped and encouraged, and the kids of Willow know they are loved by God and take steps in their faith.

Requirements

Preferred Skills and Experience

Skills/Competencies:

• Leads with vision and purpose
• Ability to support and lead in a Central model with multiple points of operation
• Effective team builder and developer of direct reports
• Excellent problem solver skilled in conflict management
• Strong customer focus (on both kids and adults)
• Quality problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Excellent communication skills with audiences of all ages

Personal Characteristics: 

• Jesus Follower: Lives a life of integrity and pursues a personal relationship with Jesus.
• Loves kids: Feels passionate about ministering to kids and their families
• Self-starter: ability to own a project and run with it.
• Learner: Someone who desires continued growth both personally and for the people they lead
• Innovative: Seeks out new ideas and is unafraid to fail.
• Collaborative Team Player: Loves working with others and willing to navigate complex relational dynamics in order to collaborate with differing values/points of view
• Approachable: Is warm, inviting and easy to get along with.
• High Emotional Intelligence: Intuitive about others emotions and able to respond appropriately.
• Self Aware: Knows their own strengths and weaknesses and is moving towards health, exemplifies humility and confidence
• Encourager: Able to see the good in others and is intentional in affirming it.
• Currently or willing to become a regular attender of a Willow Creek Community Church campus and part of our church family.

Education and Experience:

• Experience in leadership and/or shepherding in a multisite church or organization
• Experience as a children’s pastor/director within a church of over 1000 in attendance
• Undergraduate degree in a related field or 8+ years relevant Kid’s ministry experience