Director, Pathfinders and Adventurers

Job Summary:

The Director of Pathfinders & Adventurers Ministries provides visionary, spiritual, and administrative leadership for the Florida Conference Pathfinders and Adventurers programs. This role is responsible for developing and advancing a Christ-centered ministry that supports local churches, equips volunteers, develops young leaders, and strengthens the spiritual growth of children, youth, and families throughout the Conference. The Director collaborates with pastors, churches, volunteers, Conference leadership, and regional church entities to fulfill the mission of the Florida Conference and the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Benefits Summary:

Monthly Pay Rate: $5,961.00 
Monthly Cost of Living: $1,344.36
Monthly Travel Budget: $1,245.00
Professional Development: $400 annually
Monthly Cell Phone Allowance: $150
Retirement Plan: 5% base employer contribution plus up to 3% employer matching contribution
Insurance: Medical, Dental and Vision - effective date of hire
Paid Time Off
Holiday Pay
Vacation Employee Assistance Program
Moving and Dependent Tuition Subsidy

Skills, Education, and Experience Required:

• Knowledge and Skills Required
  • In-depth knowledge of the beliefs, policies, governance, and organizational structure of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and the Florida Conference
  • Comprehensive understanding of, and experience in Pathfinder and Adventurer Ministries philosophy, programming, and leadership development.
  • Strategic leadership with a participative, team-oriented management style
  • Results-driven while maintaining a strong pastoral, service-oriented philosophy
  • Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to manage confidential and sensitive matters
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
  • Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills across departments and constituencies
  • High degree of integrity, loyalty, and alignment with Conference leadership and mission
• Education and Experience Required
  • Master’s degree in Religion, Theology, or a related field required
  • Seven to ten (7–10) years of pastoral and leadership experience required
  • Demonstrated experience in church administration, evangelism, leadership development, and personnel management
  • Strong oral and written communication skills in English
  • Proficiency in standard office software and systems

Job Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership & Vision
  • Partner with the Associate Director and volunteer leadership teams to establish and implement a shared vision for Pathfinder and Adventurer Ministries.
  • Provide spiritual, strategic, and operational leadership for all Conference-sponsored Pathfinder and Adventurer initiatives.
  • Develop ministry goals, objectives, and annual plans that align with the mission, values, and strategic priorities of the Florida Conference.
  • Foster a culture of spiritual growth, discipleship, leadership development, and service among children, youth, volunteers, and ministry leaders.
• Program Administration & Operations
  • Oversee all departmental operations, including budget management, calendar planning, event coordination, volunteer administration, websites, social media, store operations, warehouse management, equipment oversight, and departmental systems.
  • Ensure compliance with Florida Conference, Southern Union, North American Division, and General Conference policies related to youth and club ministries.
  • Administer background check processes and maintain oversight of Youth Ministries Management System (YMMS) records and reporting.
  • Develop and implement effective administrative processes that support ministry growth and operational excellence.
• Volunteer Development & Leadership Training
  • Recruit, equip, mentor, and retain Officially Appointed Volunteers (OAVs) and other ministry leaders.
  • Develop and facilitate leadership training events, certification programs, workshops, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
  • Establish succession planning strategies that cultivate future leaders for Pathfinder and Adventurer Ministries within the Conference and beyond.
  • Build strong relationships with volunteers by providing encouragement, coaching, accountability, and recognition.
• Church & Pastor Support
  • Assist pastors and local churches in developing, strengthening, and training Pathfinder and Adventurer club leadership teams.
  • Provide consultation, resources, and guidance to churches seeking to establish or enhance club ministries.
  • Explore and implement initiatives that increase pastor engagement and support within club ministries.
  • Serve as a resource to churches in addressing ministry challenges and opportunities involving club programs and youth engagement.
• Event & Program Management
  • Lead the planning, organization, and execution of Conference-wide Pathfinder and Adventurer events in partnership with volunteer leadership teams.
  • Ensure all events are conducted professionally, safely, and in accordance with church policies and risk management standards.
  • Evaluate program effectiveness and implement continuous improvements to enhance participant experiences and ministry outcomes.
• Team Leadership & Staff Management
  • Supervise and develop departmental staff, including the Associate Director, Administrative Assistants, Store Coordinator, and other assigned personnel.
  • Conduct regular staff meetings, establish clear expectations, delegate responsibilities effectively, and promote a collaborative team environment.
  • Review and approve schedules, timesheets, and departmental workflows.
  • Foster a culture of unity, accountability, communication, and servant leadership within the department.
• Organizational Collaboration
  • Collaborate closely with Conference administration, department directors, pastors, schools, and local church leaders to advance the mission of the Florida Conference.
  • Build and maintain productive partnerships across departments and ministry areas.
  • Support Conference-wide initiatives and strategic objectives as assigned by leadership.
• Representation & External Relations
  • Represent the Florida Conference at Southern Union, North American Division, and other denominational meetings and events.
  • Maintain positive working relationships with regional and national club ministry leaders.
  • Promote best practices and innovative ministry approaches that strengthen club ministries throughout the Conference.
• Specialized Ministry Development
  • Maintain a working understanding of Medical Cadet Corps ministries and seek opportunities to develop service-oriented leadership experiences for older youth and young adults.
  • Encourage ministry pathways that create opportunities for belonging, discipleship, leadership development, and community service. Leadership Expectations
  • Demonstrate a vibrant and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
  • Model Seventh-day Adventist beliefs, lifestyle, and values.
  • Lead with integrity, humility, accountability, and servant leadership.
  • Inspire volunteers, staff, pastors, and church leaders through vision casting and relational leadership.
  • Foster an environment of collaboration, inclusion, and spiritual growth.
  • Exercise sound judgment when addressing complex ministry, personnel, and organizational matters.