Our Story
Oxford University United Methodist Church is a healthy and vibrant Christ-centered Church that participates in the mission of God to heal and renew all things by practicing the way of Jesus together. Located in the heart of Oxford, Mississippi, we serve 700 people over three services on Sunday morning. OU has a long history of partnering with families to raise the next generation in the way of Jesus.
Director of OU Kids Ministry
Job Type: Full Time
Reports to: Pastor of Discipleship
Supervises: Administrative Assistant: OU Kids, Ministry Coordinator for Nursery and Special Needs, servant leaders, ministry residents, and interns
Position Summary:
The Director of OU Kids Ministry provides vision and execution to build a thriving ministry to kids and families that aligns with the vision and mission of OU. This person ensures that kids from birth-6th grade are incorporated into the full life of the Church through worship, spiritual formation, fellowship, and service. The Director actively seeks resources, tools, and training to equip OU Kids Serve Team and empower engagement of kids and their families.
Responsibilities, Education, Competencies, Hours of Work
Specific Responsibilities
Relational Leadership
- Commit to practicing the way of Jesus.
- Commit to OU’s mission, vision, staff team covenant, and strategic pathway.
- Provide vision, oversight, direction, and training for OU Kids staff team, interns, and servant leaders.
- Oversee OU Kids Staff team and Council to ensure alignment with vision and appropriate delegation of responsibilities.
- Build an intergenerational serve team culture where adults and youth love to serve through actively assessing needs, recruiting, orientation, placement, onboarding, and training.
- Empower and equip parents to be actively involved in the faith development of their kids.
- Represents OU Kids to the rest of staff and leadership team.
- Provide pastoral care to kids and families in times of transition and crisis.
- Pray daily for this church, its people, its needs, and its faithfulness.
Program Development
- Develop and lead 56 Ministry for older elementary kids.
- Oversee and maintain an engaging Sunday School program.
- Curate age-appropriate curriculum to ensure Biblically and theologically sound resources that align with the teaching of OU.
- Recruit, equip, and schedule teachers for preschool-6th grade classes.
- Work with Administrative Assistant to deliver teaching material and supplies on a teacher-friendly schedule.
- Oversee Nursery and Special Needs Ministry to ensure a safe, loving environment for all of our kids and their families.
- Oversee the planning and implementation of church-wide and community events for kids and families (Vacation Bible School, Fall Festival, Christmas Pageant, Created by God, etc.)
- Oversees the organization of volunteers for ministry execution on Sunday morning, Wednesday nights, and special events.
- Work with worship-planning teams to involve children in worship.
- Work Collaboratively with Discipleship Team to align and integrate kids
Administration
- Execute a consistent communication plan with parents, utilizing social media, email, and print forms. Work with Communications team to ensure the church is informed of OU Kids Ministry events.
- Oversee and direct the recruitment, training and scheduling of volunteers.
- Oversee and ensure implementation of Safe Sanctuaries policies and training, obtain volunteer background checks, enforce compliance and procedures appropriately.
- Develop, oversee, and manage the annual OU Kids Ministry budget.
- Maintain the resource rooms (supplies, games, curriculum, Bibles, etc.)
- Work with the Director of Operations and Trustees to maintain a welcoming, safe environment for OU Kids Ministry.
- Participate in regular staff team meetings.
- Maintain regular contact and coordination with other staff members.
- Attend weekly staff meetings.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in related field.
- Experience working with a large group of volunteers and/or 2 years of experience (volunteer or paid) in children’s ministry.
- Understanding of Wesleyan/Methodist theology is preferred.
Essential Competencies
- A calling to teach kids how to practice the way of Jesus in an intergenerational Church.
- A passion and a heart for the spiritual formation of children.
- Proven leadership, teamwork, and interpersonal skills with the ability to maintain healthy and encouraging relationships with supervisors, coworkers, and volunteers.
- Relational skills and an enthusiastic presence for leading children and ministry team; willingness to be “face of the program.”
- Team player (hungry, humble, smart) who can contribute to and lead in a team environment with assertiveness, gentleness, and emotional intelligence.
- Excellent organizational and delegation skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong verbal, written, and technological communication skills (e.g., church management software, social media).
- Ability to handle sensitive information with the highest degree of integrity and confidentiality.
- Adaptable and flexible in a changing work environment.
- Self-starter who takes initiative and anticipates needs.
Expected Hours of Work
Days and Hours of work are Sunday to Thursday, 40 hours per week. Position requires Sunday and Wednesday evening hours during school calendar and additional evening and weekend hours for certain events and projects.
To apply for this position, please submit your cover letter, resume, and three references to ouumc@ouumc.org.
First Discoveries Assistant Teacher
Job Type: Part Time
Monday-Thursday, 8:10 AM-12:30 PM
September 3-May 14 (following the Oxford School District calendar)
First Discoveries is a ministry of Oxford University United Methodist Church. We provide a quality and nurturing environment for children while giving parents and other caregivers a regular block of time to meet personal and family needs. First Discoveries provides opportunities for toddlers and preschoolers to interact with a small group of children their own age on a regular basis and to enjoy happy learning experiences at church. Children and Teachers of all nationalities and religions are accepted and welcome.
Position Summary:
Assist Lead Teacher with daily activities and duties for children 20 months to 3 years old. Must love to work with and care for young children and align with the vision and mission of OU Preschool Programs.
To apply for this position, please fill out the Teacher/Assistant application and submit it to Dusti Maroney, Director of Preschool Programs
Teacher/Assistant Application:
Employment Application
Contact:
Dusti Maroney, Director of Preschool Programs
dds@ouumc.org
662-550-0719 (cell)
662-234-3371 (office)
Digital Media Coordinator
Job Type: Full Time
At the heart of our work at Oxford University United Methodist Church is our commitment to making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world (Matthew 28.16-20). Part of our vocation is to equip the saints, particularly the next generation, for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4). The Digital Media Coordinator works with the Communications Director to ensure that our avenues of digital engagement are being optimally utilized.
Position Summary:
The Digital Media Coordinator will be responsible for the creation of content for the ministries and sub-ministries of OU. This includes, but is not limited to, social media, website, internal communications, print materials, and Sunday morning production/streaming. This person will need to be experienced in graphic design, photography, and videography. Copywriting experience is preferred but not required.
Special consideration will be given to someone who also brings a musical skill set.
Required Skill Sets, Responsibilities, and Qualities
Required Skill Sets:
- Graphic design
- Photography
- Videography
- Fluent use of the Adobe Suite
Responsible for:
- Gathering/creating content for social media and other platforms
- Writing copy
- Scheduling media for release (social media, podcasts, etc…)
- Identify new ways of taking advantage of digital outlets and trends
- Other responsibilities as needed
Candidate Will Ideally Possess The Following Qualities:
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Strong communication skills
- Highly organized
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work both within a team and alone
- Self-starter
- Education/work experience in marketing communications
To apply for this position, please submit your cover letter, resume, and three references to ouumc@ouumc.org.