Positions Open

a.  Help identify, solicit and train lay and clerical youth leaders in deaneries and congregations.

b.  Equip congregations and deaneries to organize fellowship opportunities for youth, where appropriate.

c.  Encourage, plan, publicize and help implement all diocesan youth events, including Happenings, conventions, rallies, provincial participation and other youth gatherings. Serve as principal resource for youth programming at Niobrara Convocation.

d.  Develop and share resources for use in youth ministry at all levels of organization, especially to the end that congregations, deaneries and other entities of the diocese are self-sufficient in their capacity to plan and execute activities beneficial to youth, especially in the areas of crisis and other counseling. Create a network of congregational youth ministry leaders.

e.  Administer programs designed to maximize the offering of quality youth camping experiences, especially utilizing Thunderhead Episcopal Camp, and coordinate such camping programs with the Director of Thunderhead Episcopal Camp.

f.  Serve as staff assistant to the Youth Ministry Council, providing guidance, education and support.

g.  Report youth ministry opportunities and concerns to the Bishop, Diocesan Council and to others in the Church in South Dakota, as appropriate.

h.  Manage funds related to youth ministry programs wisely and control expenditures responsibly.

i.  Advocate youth ministry in the diocese.

j.  Emphasize that all youth programs conform to diocesan policies regarding health, safety and sexual conduct, and require each person, whether in diocesan, deanery or congregational programs, to undergo an adequate background check before being permitted to teach or advise in activities pertaining to children and youth.

k.  Perform other such tasks as may be directed by the Bishop or others with such authority.

l.   Attend continuing educational and professional conferences that will advance incumbent’s capacity to provide effective leadership.

1.    Be a devoted follower of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2.    Be knowledgeable about Scripture, the Prayer Book and the faith.

3.    Have personal awareness of God’s love and forgiveness.

4.    Have well developed verbal and written communication skills.

5.    Be trained in leadership development and group dynamics.

6.    Understand and address the developmental needs of youth.

7.    Be adventurous and spontaneous, possessing good humor.

8.    Be sensitive to cultural differences, with skills at cross-cultural reconciliation.

9.    Demonstrate management abilities that assure successful completion of tasks.

10.  Possess initiative, commitment to task and ability to work without direction.

11.  Have some facility in Dakota/Lakota language, or commitment to develop same.

12.  Possess a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel.

13.  Although ordination to a licensed ministry is not essential, candidates who qualify as ordered clergy are desirable.