Lower Elementary Director at Cherry Hills Community Church – Highlands Ranch, Colorado

POSITION SUMMARY

The Lower Elementary Director at Cherry Hills Community Church provides spiritual, strategic, and relational leadership for CHCC’s 1st-3rd grade ministry. This role helps kids explore deeper faith questions, navigate growing relational dynamics, and take steps toward spiritual ownership. The Director equips volunteers to lead with empathy and depth, and disciple young learners and partners with families to support kids in a critical stage of development.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create programming that fosters spiritual ownership, deeper questions of faith, and peer-group engagement
• Train volunteers to facilitate meaningful discussions and navigate increased emotional and relational complexity
• Develop leadership opportunities for kids to serve, lead, and grow in confidence before entering Middle School Ministry
• Coordinate with Upper Elementary Director to support kids transitions—both relationally and logistically—into their next phase of discipleship
• Provide spiritual and strategic leadership for the weekend ministry experience—ensuring the environment is safe, welcoming, and developmentally appropriate
• Ensure all volunteers are equipped and trained in safety protocols, child development best practices, and CHCC’s standards of care for ministry with kids
• Recruit, train, schedule, and care for volunteer teams—building a culture of unity, encouragement, excellence, and spiritual growth
• Design and deliver age-specific programming that is gospel-centered, engaging, and relationally formative
• Partner with parents by offering resources, support, and clear communication that equips them to disciple their kids at home
• Collaborate with Kids Ministry staff to align curriculum, vision, and events across age levels, while tailoring to developmental needs
• Lead the planning and execution of special events, outreach efforts, and ministry milestones specific to your age group
• Ensure classroom environments are prepared, well-stocked, and operating within CHCC safety protocols—including check-in/check-out systems and emergency procedures
• Regularly assess ministry health, volunteer engagement, and family feedback—making strategic improvements as needed
• Serve as a pastoral presence before, during, and after services—offering prayer, encouragement, and relational care to kids, families, and volunteers
• Exercise independent judgment and discretion in decision-making, problem-solving, and managing ministry initiatives in alignment with church values and strategic goals.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead, supervise, and develop any direct reports, including setting goals, offering regular feedback, and completing bi-annual performance reviews in partnership with Organizational Development
• Partner with ministry leadership and HR to make staffing decisions—including hiring, onboarding, coaching, transitioning, and releasing team members when necessary
• Manage the annual ministry budget—forecasting needs, tracking spending, and stewarding resources in alignment with church financial guidelines
• Oversee administrative systems related to curriculum, scheduling, database upkeep, and internal communication—ensuring ministry is well-supported and information flows smoothly
• Participate in church-wide leadership rhythms, staff meetings, and cross-ministry collaboration that supports CHCC’s mission and team culture

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support and uphold CHCC’s mission with a Christ-centered, servant-hearted attitude.
• Communicate promptly and professionally, responding to emails, voicemails, and requests in a timely manner.
• Maintain confidentiality and communicate with sensitivity, care, and discretion.
• Complete assignments with excellence, efficiency and attention to detail.
• Actively participate in staff and department meetings, Chapel, Teachings, and church-wide events as needed.
• Steward church resources responsibly, including technology and office tools.
• Adhere to CHCC policies and ethical standards, reflecting our six core staff values: exalt, praise, accountable, effort, empathy, and unity.
• Receive feedback with humility and pursue ongoing growth and development.
• Provide a warm, welcoming presence to guests and ministry partners.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support team and church needs.

SPIRITUAL EXPECTATIONS

• Represent CHCC’s theological convictions and ministry philosophy consistently in teaching, decision-making, and spiritual influence
• Affirm and support CHCC’s Statement of Faith and mission.
• Pursue personal spiritual growth through regular time in Scripture, prayer, and engagement in the life of the church.
• Reflect the Fruit of the Spirit in character, conduct, and relationships.
• Love and serve others within the church and broader community with humility and care.
• Foster Christ-centered relationships with staff, volunteers, and congregants.
• Lead by example in prayer, mentorship, and servant-hearted leadership.
• Uphold a servant-leader mindset consistent with a Christ-honoring workplace culture.
• Live out CHCC’s six staff values—exalt, praise, unity, empathy, effort, and accountability—through a spirit of humility, a commitment to excellence, and a heart to serve both God and others.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in education, ministry, child development, or a related field required; equivalent ministry experience may be considered
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in children’s ministry or related leadership, with demonstrated success in leading teams and developing age-appropriate programming
• Experience supervising staff or leading large volunteer teams preferred
• Church-based ministry experience strongly preferred

QUALIFICATIONS and COMPETENCIES

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills—able to lead with clarity, build trust, and collaborate across teams and ministry levels
• Proven ability to lead and develop others—volunteers, staff, and children—with grace, accountability, and alignment to church values
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams); able to utilize standard tools for documentation, communication, and task coordination.
• Demonstrate proficiency with common office technologies, including email, printers/copiers, shared drives, and organizational software platforms; able to troubleshoot basic issues and learn new tools quickly.
• Capable of managing multiple tasks and working under pressure.
• Available for evenings, weekends, or holidays as required.
• Must be located in commutable distance to Highlands Ranch, Colorado, United States
• Must pass a CHCC background check.