Director of Children's Ministry | City Church SF | San Francisco, CA
About City Church San Francisco
Join a dynamic, inclusive community that is creative, future-oriented, and values the spiritual intelligence of children. At City Church San Francisco, children are not the church of tomorrow. They are members of the church today, and their wonder, questions, and faith shape the life we share.
Our vision is to be a Jesus-centered community, attuned to the activity of the Holy Spirit, so that we might courageously participate in God's work of transformative love throughout San Francisco. We follow Jesus with our heads, our hearts, and our hands, and we hold an anti-racist commitment as we seek to introduce or reintroduce people to God. We welcome folks right where they are, whatever their age, race, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or stage of belief, and we hope to offer something sturdy, good, and joyful to the world that points toward God's vision of wholeness of life for all.
The role and who we're looking for
The Director of Children's Ministry seeds, stewards, and nurtures the spiritual imaginations of children from birth through 5th grade, always in ways that ensure safety and welcome. We believe children are integral members of this church and that the Holy Spirit is at work in their lives right now. Through developmentally informed Bible stories and play, our children come to know God's character, find space to wonder and question, build community, and are invited to bring their whole selves as they grow into a lifelong faith.
You might be our person if you have:
At least five years of experience working with children, ideally in children's ministry or education
Successful experience managing volunteers
A bachelor's degree (preferred)
A clear background check, plus California Mandated Reporter Training and Safe Sanctuaries Training upon hire
And if you are:
Highly organized and attentive to detail
A sturdy protector of children's dignity and safety
A strong communicator and collaborator who is also a resourceful problem-solver
A community builder with a compassionate heart
Full of joy and passion for nurturing the spiritual imaginations of children and honoring their theological questions, while caring deeply about teaching the stories of scripture
Someone who nurtures their own faith, drawing nourishment from the teachings and ministry of Jesus, the work of the church, and the story of God's liberating love across generations
Rooted in a deep faith that the Holy Spirit works in bodies and in the world, especially in children's bodies, from the moment they are born
Familiar with the unique challenges and opportunities of raising children in an urban context
What your days will hold:
Your time is spread across six kinds of work, with the heart of it in children's spiritual care, volunteers, Sunday mornings, and families.
Spiritual attention to children (20%)
Attend to the spiritual ways children learn across cognitive ages and stages.
Stay curious: explore new children's ministry resources and faith formation research, and offer seasonal resources so children and families can practice faith together.
Offer spiritual hospitality, compassion, and friendship to children, and journey with families who hold diverse theological perspectives while staying anchored in City Church's commitments and convictions.
Welcome children into the family of faith, teach other children to welcome, and offer prayer and blessing to children during communion.
Show care in small, meaningful ways, like birthday cards and school year blessings.
Volunteer and staff care (20%)
Recruit, train, nurture, and appreciate long-term volunteers.
Ensure a trained, dependable, and trustworthy nursery staff.
Sunday morning operations (20%)
Work with the Director of Operations to ensure worship and learning spaces for three classes and the nursery.
Oversee the nursery, connecting with the Nursery Coordinator as needed.
Lead a volunteer team check-in.
Greet new families, connect with regular attendees, and ensure an orderly, hospitable, and secure check-in experience for children and families.
Keep supplies stocked and orderly.
Family support ministries (20%)
Communicate regularly with families, offering resources, updates, and guidance on using the curriculum to support faith formation at home.
Maintain an accurate and relevant database.
Resource families practically (biannual educational events, guidance on faith-informed parenting and raising children in the city, meal coordination) and spiritually (prayer and encouragement).
Cultivate community through events like our annual camping trip and harvest festival, model a posture of welcome on Sunday mornings, and build pathways of connection for new families.
Foster interdependence among families by making intentional connections, and guide parents to research, resources, and child development information.
Administration (15%)
Supervise and direct the Children's Ministry Associate and nursery staff, including annual reviews.
Steward the Children's Ministry budget and process payroll for nursery workers.
Ensure background checks for everyone who works with children.
Collaboration with colleagues (5%)
Work alongside colleagues on shared ministry projects, helping ensure holistic community care.
Represent children's voices and perspectives when staff plan together.
Help design and carry out the church's strategic vision alongside staff colleagues.
Work with pastors and staff to identify gifts in the congregation that can support and strengthen children's ministry.
How to Apply
Send the following to office@citychurchsf.org:
Your resume, CV, or Ministerial Information Form
A cover letter, in written or video form, that responds to these questions:
Describe your sense of call to children's ministry.
What core truth about God do you want children to know?
What impact do you feel called to make in the lives of children?
How does your experience intersect with the skills and qualifications listed above?
