Kids Director (Temporary)

Mariners Church • Santa Ana, CA

95d

About The Position

The Kids Director will lead and implement a dynamic Kids Ministry for children and families at one of our Mariners congregations. This person will work closely with the Mariners Kids (Irvine) ministry team to ensure the vision and strategy for Mariners Kids is effectively executed, including the implementation of curriculum, resources, and events. The ideal candidate will be passionate about creating a relationally engaging and safe environment for children to grow in their faith, while also developing volunteers and fostering strong partnerships with families. This position reports to the Lead Congregation Pastor. A full-time position, the schedule generally includes weekend services, meetings at our office in Irvine, and additional time during the week for a total of 40 hours. This position is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This will be a temporary position from February 1, 2026 - June 1, 2026.

Requirements

• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, develop, and empower volunteers.
• A passion for children’s ministry and helping kids grow in their faith.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Experience in kids’ ministry or a similar leadership role, particularly in a church setting.
• Familiarity with the Lead Small philosophy and best practices in relational ministry.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teams across the church and across the Mariners organization.
• A commitment to safety and excellence in ministry operations.
• Ability to manage conflict and navigate challenging situations with grace and maturity.
• Relational and approachable with a heart for kids and families.
• A strong team player who collaborates well with others and values community.
• A servant-hearted leader who is passionate about developing others and fostering leadership in others.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to juggle multiple responsibilities.
• A proactive self-starter who takes initiative and is solution-focused.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of a vibrant, engaging Kids Ministry that serves kids and families, creating an environment where children can grow spiritually and emotionally.
• Partner with the Mariners Kids team to unpack and implement the Mariners Kids strategy, ensuring that curriculum and resources are effective, age-appropriate, and aligned with the mission.
• Cultivate a strong volunteer team by developing and maintaining a pipeline for volunteer growth, providing leadership opportunities for preteens, junior high, and high school students.
• Empower and intentionally develop volunteer ministry coaches who are responsible for leading and caring for teams of volunteers, ensuring they feel supported and equipped.
• Champion the 'Lead Small' philosophy by ensuring that every child is placed in a consistent small group with a dedicated leader.
• Foster a relationally engaging environment, where both kids and volunteers feel known and valued.
• Partner with parents to ensure they are resourced, encouraged, and equipped for their role as the primary spiritual leaders in their children’s lives.
• Champion key faith milestones for children and families, including leading experiences such as 'I Believe' classes, baptisms, and child dedications.
• Attend and participate in Mariners Kids special events, training meetings, and other ministry-wide events like VBS and Winter Camp.
• Collaborate with the Mariners Kids staff across the Mariners organization to share resources, ideas, and best practices.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable laws, church policies, and best practices related to children’s ministry.
• Uphold the highest standards for safety and security within the ministry.

Benefits

• Health insurance (medical, dental and vision)
• 403b Retirement Saving Plan
• Paid vacation
• Paid time off to serve
• Discounts at the Mariners Cafe and Bookstore
• Tuition discount for Mariners Church Preschool
• Opportunity to attend ministry events and conferences
• Working alongside a community of supportive, like-minded believers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees