Children’s and Youth Program Manager

The Oceanside Sanctuary (OSC) is a thriving progressive Christian church community in Oceanside, CA. We are growing with young families and seeking an energetic, organized, kid-focused leader to serve as our Children’s and Youth Program Manager. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in relational leadership, loves creating meaningful experiences for children and youth, and is excited to support families within an inclusive, justice-oriented faith community.

What you’ll do
1. Plan and lead engaging, age-appropriate children and youth programming on Sundays.
2. Recruit, train, schedule, and support volunteer teams.
3. Partner with families to foster connection, trust, and belonging.
4. Manage special events and seasonal programming for kids and youth (Advent, Easter, family gatherings, service projects, etc.).
5. Maintain systems including calendars, supplies, check-in and safety protocols, and communication workflows.
6. Work with the overseeing pastor to utilize a curriculum that aligns our children and youth programming with OSC’s progressive theology and values.
7. Co-lead with the Youth Events Coordinator to plan and execute outside youth experiences that balance fun, community, and justice oriented outreach.

Skills and Qualifications
-Experience in children or youth programming required (church, school, nonprofit, camp, or recreational settings).
-Demonstrated effectiveness managing volunteers or staff (scheduling, training, follow-up, team culture).
-A degree or certification in child development, education, recreation, or similar field or work equivalent.
-A warm, engaging, and playful presence with children and strong relational and communication skills with adults.
-Strong alignment with progressive Christian beliefs, including gender equality, LGBTQ inclusion, and social justice-centered values.
-Bonus: background in recreation, camp leadership, arts, music, theater, or creative education.
-Must pass a background check and complete any required child-safety training.

Additional skills are welcome but not required:
-Background in recreation, camp leadership, arts, music, theater, or creative education.
-CPR certified.

Hours & schedule:
-18-25 hours per week.
-Sunday and Tuesday mornings in-person required.
-Other hours can be flexible.

Pay & benefits
-$24-$28/hour based on experience.
-2 weeks of PTO.
-Supportive, collaborative staff culture.

To apply
Please submit the below materials to jobs@oceansidesanctuary.org. The position will remain open until filled.
1. Resume
2. Cover letter, including the following:
-Describe your experience with children or youth and volunteer coordination.
-Provide a short reflection on your own faith story and why The Oceanside Sanctuary and progressive Christianity are a meaningful fit for you.
3. Provide 2-3 professional references.