Job Details
Youth Director – Columbia Presbyterian Church (Vancouver, WA)
An Invitation to Lead and Grow with Us
Columbia Presbyterian Church in Vancouver, Washington, is seeking a passionate and faith-filled Youth Director to join our ministry team and help nurture the spiritual growth of our middle school and high school youth.
This position offers an opportunity to build authentic relationships with young people, walk alongside them as they grow in committed Christian discipleship, and create engaging programs that connect scripture, service, and everyday life. We are a welcoming, multigenerational congregation that values curiosity, compassion, and active participation in God’s work in the world.
What makes this position appealing:
- Supportive church community: Our congregation genuinely values youth ministry and encourages creativity, collaboration, and new ideas. The Youth Director is supported by pastoral leadership, committed volunteers, and engaged families. This is a thoughtful, warm, generous, and growing congregation.
- Relational ministry focus: This role emphasizes mentoring and presence—not just programming—allowing the Youth Director to make a lasting impact through trusted relationships.
- Freedom to innovate: We welcome fresh approaches to worship, service projects, retreats, and fellowship that meet youth where they are and invite them deeper into faith. CPC has won several awards for developing creative ventures in youth ministry.
- Balanced scope: The position is well-suited for someone seeking meaningful ministry with flexibility, making it ideal for experienced youth leaders or those discerning a longer-term call to church leadership.
- Location: Vancouver, WA offers access to the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest with close proximity to the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood, and the broader Northwest region (Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Canada)
The ideal candidate will bring enthusiasm for working with youth, a grounded Christian faith in the Reformed tradition (or openness to it), strong communication skills, and a heart for service.
If you are called to help young people walk with Christ, ask big questions, and discover their gifts in a loving church community, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Please see the attached formal job description and compensation range.
Columbia Presbyterian Church
Youth Ministry Director
Purpose: To provide spiritual, administrative, and organizational leadership to the church’s ministry with students and their families.
Accountability: Position reports to the Head of Staff, the PMT, and ultimately to the Session.
Relationships: A full participant in the Program Staff (pastors, ministers and directors) in all strategy, mission, vision, and goals. The position is significantly supported with a ¾ time administrative assistant.
Responsibilities:
- Program leadership, with guidance from the Head of Staff and Youth Team
- Responsible for oversight and development of all Youth Ministries programming and events, which include, but are not limited to: volunteers, curriculum and supplies, budget, communication and promotion
- Event lead on all Middle School/High School events such as youth groups, retreats, mission trips and Middle School/High School Sunday School
- Recruit Leadership for Middle School Ministries (Adults and “Core Leaders”) and High School Ministries (Adults)
- Develop, train, and care for all volunteer leaders for for Youth Ministries.
- Build community amongst CPC youth and their families while guiding students into life long discipleship in Christ. This work is framed by the church’s mission, vision, goals, and values
- Provide and oversee ministerial care issues related to Middle School/High School students and their parents/families
- Regular contact work with students and parents
- Articulate and advocate for youth and families within the context of CPC’s vision.
- Plan and execute the summer internship program for youth - supporting and directing YM interns.
- Oversight over the annual Work Camp Auction
- Participate in worship as directed by Head of Staff
- Attend worship services at CPC
- Work collegially with other members of staff, Session, and the congregation to achieve mission, vision, and goals of CPC
- Pursue professional development pursuant to a plan approved by the Head of Staff.
- Other responsibilities as assigned by Head of Staff, Personnel Ministry Team or Session
Other Responsibilities
- Participate in weekly staff meetings
- Facilitate all Youth Ministry Team meetings with team chairperson.
- Participate in Session meetings and retreats as needed.
Time Commitment: Full Time, Exempt.
Compensation: 70k-90k depending on experience and qualifications. Benefits include medical, 403B matching, generous professional expenses, and professional development resources.
Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s Degree (or better) in a related field of study.
- Experience working with youth/students in a Christian context.
- Proven skills in leading and mentoring/equipping volunteers.
- 3-4 years of previous experience preferred in a church or parachurch organization.
- Musical gifts preferred but not required.
- Devoted commitment to a Christ-centered and biblically centered faith that values direct and active service of neighbor as well as gospel proclamation/relational evangelism.
Evaluation: Your supervisor, with participation of a Personnel Ministry Team member, and a Ministry team member, will conduct annual reviews.
To apply: Send cover letter and resume to katie@columbiapresbyterian.org
