OVERVIEW The Elementary Coordinator provides visionary, relational, and hands-on leadership for Preston Trail’s Elementary Ministry (Kinder–5th grade) in partnership with the TrailKids Pastor. This role exists to help kids find and follow Jesus by creating a discipleship pathway that connects, equips, and empowers both kids and volunteer leaders.
The ideal candidate is a passionate communicator, relational shepherd, and strategic team builder who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative ministry environment. They love elementary students, believe in the power of small groups, and are committed to forming a healthy volunteer culture where leaders are Known, Trained, and Celebrated.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Discipleship & Shepherding
- Champion Preston Trail’s discipleship strategy through a small group–based model that helps kids take consistent next steps toward Jesus.
- Foster a culture where every kid is known by name, cared for by a leader, and connected in authentic community.
- Build relationships with kids and leaders through intentional presence - on Sundays, at events, and during everyday moments that matter.
- Equip kids and leaders to live out their faith through service and missional opportunities.
Leadership & Volunteer Development
- Recruit, train, and shepherd a high-impact volunteer team that embodies the heart of Preston Trail’s Next Gen culture.
- Create leadership pipelines that develop volunteers to become disciple-makers and future ministry leaders.
- Cast clear vision and provide ongoing encouragement, coaching, and celebration for your team.
- Build and shepherd the Elementary Coach team to enable high-capacity, passionate leaders to step up in leadership as they know, train, and celebrate their grade-level small group leaders.
Programming & Teaching
- Collaborate with the TrailKids team to ensure biblically sound, culturally relevant, and high-energy weekly gatherings.
- In partnership with the TrailKids Pastor, develop and lead creative events that facilitate discipleship and parental connection.
Parent Partnership
- Work with the Parent Communications Director to partner with parents (as the primary spiritual influencer in their student’s life) by providing resources, communication, and connection points.
- Collaborate with the TrailKids Curriculum Coordinator to provide parents with intentional resources to extend what is taught on Sundays into the home.
Operations & Administration
- Under the direction of the TrailKids Pastor, develop and manage a ministry calendar, budget, and systems that ensure smooth and strategic ministry operations.
- Work with our Next Gen Connections coordinator to oversee the first time guest experience and transition into a consistent small group.
- Maintain excellence in communication, registration, and safety protocols for all elementary events and environments.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Deep, growing relationship with Jesus Christ that is evident through character, humility, and integrity.
- Alignment with Preston Trail’s mission, beliefs, and values (https://prestontrail.org/about/aboutus).
- Embodies our staff culture values: Self-Leadership, Positive Attitude, Team Mindset, Healthy Relationships, and High Performance.
- Passionate about elementary school students and committed to relational discipleship through small groups.
- Must complete our assessment here within 48hrs of applying
- Strong communicator, both on stage and in conversation, who can connect biblical truth to real-life issues.
- Experienced team builder and relational leader who inspires others to serve with excellence and joy.
- Proven ability to lead within a large, fast-moving ministry context or educational environment.
- Familiarity with child development and the ability to engage with kids at their social, emotional, and cognitive level.
- Thrives in collaboration and finds joy in teamwork across the broader Next Gen staff.
- Bonus: Experience with Apple OS, Planning Center Online, and Adobe Creative Suite.
THE WIN The Elementary Coordinator wins when:
- Every child is known, connected, and taking next steps in their faith.
- Every volunteer is known, trained, and celebrated as a disciple-maker.
- Every program, event, and environment consistently reflects Preston Trail’s culture of excellence, belonging, and spiritual growth.
ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
MINISTRY TEAM: TrailKids Staff and volunteer teams, NextGen
REPORTS TO: TrailKids Pastor
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATIONS
Category: Full-Time
Hours per Week: 40
Classification: Ministerial Exception
Employee Class: Support Staff
Weekends Required? Yes
Commissionable? Yes
Onsite Required: Yes