Associate Director of High School… at Highland Park… · Dallas

Associate Director of High School Ministry – Grades 9-12

Department: Next Gen Ministry

Exempt or Non-Exempt: Full Time, Exempt

Reports to: Pastor of High School Ministry

Direct Supervisor of: N/A

Tier: Implementation Tier

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 Next Gen Department seeks to advance and support this vision through proclaiming the Gospel, equipping and resourcing families for life and godliness, and discipling the next generation of believers to be Christ followers.

The Associate Director of High School Ministry will co-lead and support a dynamic and impactful ministry for students in 9th - 12th grade.

This role prioritizes relational discipleship, engaging programming, transformational trips and events, and collaboration with the Next Gen Team to ensure cohesion and create a thriving ministry environment that meets the unique needs of high school students.

This role requires an outgoing, passionate, creative leader committed to fostering spiritual growth, biblical understanding, and personal development in students during this pivotal stage of their faith journey. The Associate Director of High School Ministry will execute ministry programming, support volunteer leaders, and implement the vision and strategy of High School Ministry to foster a culture where students encounter Christ, grow in their faith, and actively engage in the life of the church. This leader demonstrates consistent relational presence and proactive engagement with students, encouraging them to find and follow Jesus.

The Associate Director of High School Ministry reports to the Pastor of High School Ministry and partners with volunteers, parents, and the broader Next Gen Team to ensure families experience consistent discipleship and community throughout their high school years.

DESIRED RESULTS/IMPACT OF THIS POSITION

Relational Discipleship: Students experience consistent relational care and discipleship through meaningful connections with leaders and peers. This is evidenced by:

• Consistent engagement with Scripture, prayer, worship, and spiritual habits.
• Growing ability to articulate biblical beliefs, ask thoughtful questions, and model faith in word and deed.
• Development of healthy, Christ-centered relationships with peers and adult mentors.

Engaging Ministry Environments: Weekly gatherings create welcoming and spiritually formative environments for high school students. This is evidenced by:

• Programs that are organized, engaging, and developmentally appropriate.
• Students actively participating in worship, teaching, and small group discussions.
• New students and guests are welcomed and integrated into the ministry community.

Transformational Events: Retreats, mission trips, service projects, and seasonal events contribute to long-term faith formation. This is evidenced by:

• Increased student participation in retreats, events, and service opportunities.
• Service experiences that cultivate compassion, missional awareness, and alignment with church mission partners.
• Seniors graduate with demonstrated spiritual ownership, consistent spiritual habits, and clarity about next steps in church involvement as they transition into adulthood.

Volunteer Support & Recruitment: Volunteers are equipped, valued, and supported. This is evidenced by:

• A fully staffed and reliable roster of small group leaders and ministry volunteers.
• Clear expectations, regular training, and intentional leadership development.
• A volunteer culture marked by joy, unity, and shared ownership of ministry outcomes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Relational Ministry & Outreach

• Cultivate meaningful relationships with students through consistent presence and intentional engagement both inside and outside of the church.
• Maintain a regular rhythm of student contact work outside of formal programming.
• Partner with local schools, community organizations, and parachurch ministries to expand ministry reach.

Volunteer-Driven Ministry Development

• Help recruit, train, and equip volunteers to lead small groups, mentor students, and facilitate events.
• Provide encouragement, communication, and support for volunteers.
• Assist with volunteer scheduling and coordination for weekly programming and events.

Teaching & Programming

• Assist in planning and executing weekly High School Ministry gatherings with biblically sound and developmentally appropriate teaching.
• Help create engaging environments that integrate worship, teaching, games, and small group discussion.
• Support the planning and execution of retreats, trips, and seasonal ministry events.

Ministry Administration & Organization-in partnership with Department Coordinator

• Assist in maintaining ministry calendars and event planning.
• Support registration, attendance tracking, and ministry logistics.
• Help ensure compliance with child protection and safe ministry policies.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILL, ABILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Spiritual & Theological: A deep love for Jesus, a clear calling to student ministry, and a commitment to ECO theology.·
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Experience: 1-2 years of experience in Children’s or Student Ministry or related field, preferred but not required.
• Skills: Relational discipleship, effective teaching, Microsoft office, relentless pursuit of students
• Abilities: Frequent lifting under 30 lbs.; ability to maintain composure under pressure.

WORKPLACE EXPECTATIONS

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