Director of Connecting Ministries – Chicago – Illinois

Date Posted: April 30, 2025

Organization: Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago & Chicago Lights

Job Type: full time

Position Type: Nonprofit Organization Staff

Presbytery: Chicago Presbytery

Salary: $68,000

Organization Website: https://www.fourthchurch.org/

Congregation Size: Over 1500

Community Type: Urban

Certification/Specialized Training Requirements: N/A

Position Description PDF:

Position Details:

Summary Description
The Director of Connecting Ministries steers Fourth Presbyterian Church’s system for making and growing meaningful personal connections among members and with our neighbors. This includes helping to shape invitational messaging to the public, personally inviting into and shepherd people through the new member process and helping connect people to meaningful engagement opportunities.

Fourth Presbyterian Church is a progressive and inclusive Presbyterian Church USA located on Chicago’s vibrant Michigan Avenue. The complex of historic and modern buildings welcomes hundreds of people each day, including members, guests, church staff, and others. Programs offer services to those who seek faith and guidance or are active in one of our many community programs or participate in one of our associated mission programs.

Schedule:
The role is a full-time, 40-hours-per-week position. Evening and Sunday hours will be required; otherwise, the schedule is flexible. On-site and work remote days are to be negotiated with the Supervisor based on job activity.

Robust Benefits Package
• Medical insurance (church pays 85% of employee monthly premium and 75% of eligible dependents)
• Optional dental and vision insurance plans
• Generous 17 days of PTO plus 11 paid holidays
• 403b retirement plan (employer contributions after one year of employment)
• FSA for unreimbursed medical and dependent daycare expenses
• Mass transit and commuter parking benefits
• Life and short-term disability insurance, optional life insurance, and long-term disability plan

Essential Functions:

Planning and Logistics (approximately 25%)
• Design a calendar of congregational events to foster connection among members and neighbors.
• Create detailed plans for weekly and seasonal Connecting events, such as Sunday coffee hours and congregational picnics.
• Participate as a member of the church’s ministry staff, including attendance at regular planning meetings.

Program Leadership and Coordination (approximately 50%)
• Coordinate all aspects of Connecting Ministry events, including setups, procurement of supplies, and food orders.
• Oversee the church’s integration of new members, reaching out to prospective members and inviting them to participate in new member classes.
• Lead ongoing and seasonal public outreach, in collaboration with the Communications office.

Community Building (approximately 25%)
• Recruit and equip volunteers to support Connecting Ministry events.
• Support the work of the Connecting Ministries Committee as it plans and evaluates programs and events, including budgeting.
• Initiate personal connections with new worshipers, serving as the “face” of Fourth to guests.

Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree and experience in theology, ministry, or related field of study.
• At least three years of experience in staffing and running congregational programming.

Required Skills and Abilities
• Strong interpersonal skills, including excellent listening and clear, compelling verbal communication.
• Strong written communication skills.
• Strong management skills to handle complex, multifaceted projects resulting in measurable successes and program growth.
• The ability to design programs with clear and measurable outcomes.
• Flexibility to change approaches or methods based upon circumstances to achieve the desired results.
• High degree of emotional intelligence and flexibility in a dynamic culture.
• The ability to relate to and interact appropriately with members, guests, and colleagues.
• Handle high-stress situations with calm competence.
• Budget planning and oversight
• Commitment to equity and social justice and proven ability to thrive in a diverse, equitable, just, and inclusive environment.
• Time management with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Compensation:
This is a full-time salaried position with an annual salary range of $68,000–$73,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with different abilities to perform essential functions.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15-25 pounds at times.
• Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization’s facilities.
• Smoke- and drug (illegal or recreational)-free environment.
• Fourth, Chicago Lights aims for accessibility in any off-site location that we have control of, but some of them may not be fully accessible.
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and scanners. An employee is regularly required to communicate effectively via computer, via phone, and in person.
• Fourth Presbyterian Church’s/Chicago Light’s office is located in downtown Chicago.

EEO Statement
Fourth Presbyterian Church/Chicago Lights is committed to equal employment opportunity for all qualified persons, without regard to race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status or familial status, veteran status, military status, source of income, political affiliation, or any other factor protected by law. Fourth Church/Chicago Lights seeks to build and retain a diverse staff and is committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone is treated as a respected and valued member of the team. Fourth Church/Chicago Lights is committed to elevating the voices of women, young people, people of color, Native people, immigrants and refugees, low-income people, LGBQ+, and transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary people, people with disabilities, and young parents. We encourage people from these communities to apply.

Address: 126 E Chestnut St, Chicago, Illinois 60611, US