K-8 Spiritual Formation Advisor

K–8 Spiritual Formation Advisor

Valley Christian is seeking a K–8 Spiritual Formation Advisor to help oversee and cultivate a vibrant, Christ-centered spiritual life program across the K–8 campus in collaboration with the Director of Spiritual Life and school leadership. This role engages students, staff, parents, and the broader community through chapels, ministry development, retreats, service initiatives, and partnerships with families and local organizations, equipping culture changers for Christ.

The K-8 Spiritual Formation Advisor (SFA) is responsible for directly and indirectly giving oversight of the spiritual life program on the K-8 campus, under the advisement and direction of the Director of Spiritual Life. The SFA interacts with students, staff, parents, and our extended community, helping to create, maintain, and improve a decidedly Christian culture at VCS. This position works closely with the Director of Spiritual Life and other school leadership, working alongside and supporting many departments at VCS. Under the direction of the Director of Spiritual Life, the SFA provides a particular focus on K-8 chapels, Ministry Development, trips and retreats, our expanding ENGAGE and Christian service program and supporting students and staff in their spiritual formation at the K-8. As needed, the SFA will also support our partnership with parents through Parent University, and relationships with local churches and parachurch organizations.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Provides strategic and day-to-day oversight for all chapels at the 5-8 and K-4, including working with chapel coordinators or Ministry Development teams on each campus, theme development, securing speakers, and creative content. Additionally, provides direct support for 5-8 chapels by participating regularly in the Ministry Development class
• Oversight for all aspects of spiritual life trips and retreats at the K-8, including the 8th grade trip (August) and Spiritual Emphasis Week (February)
• Oversight for the expansion of the ENGAGE & Christian Service program to the K-8, working collaboratively with members of the Spiritual Life department and administration to establish and expand this program
• Works alongside ENGAGE Manager to oversee daily K-8 ENGAGE operations, including coordination with volunteers, chaperones, and partnerships, trip selection, strategic direction, chaperone training, leadership training, travel logistics, ENGAGE Handbook, financial processes, and more
• Alongside the Spiritual Life Director, Head of School, and Campus Principal, acts as one of the school's lead speakers/preachers/teachers at spiritual life and special VCS community events. Examples include chapels, retreats, conferences, and special events like Night of Worship, Christmas productions, graduation ceremonies, Parent University events, etc. Likely to average 10-20 speaking opportunities per school year
• Leads pastoral-like guidance and spiritual formation for students on an individual basis, through small group mentorship, and fostering Biblical leadership across grade levels.
• Works to ensure a robust spiritual culture among staff, which may include devotions, surveys, Bible studies, mentorships, training (Foundations of the Faith), etc.
• Collaborate with Campus Principal, Spiritual Life Director, Bible Teachers (K-8), and Curriculum department regarding Bible curriculum, spiritual development, and theological issues for K-8 classes (especially Bible classes)
• Work alongside Spiritual Life Director and other VCS leadership to administer, review, and impact measurements around the spiritual growth of students (most notably through the administration of the Flourishing Faith Index and other resources)
• Collaborate with other VCS leadership to provide resources and training opportunities for VCS parents, primarily through Parent University.
• Acts as a secondary point of contact for any and all ways in which the school partners with local churches
• Adhere to Valley Christian policies, procedures/processes, and codes
• Performs other related assigned duties

Requirements:

Qualifications and Skills:

• Demonstrates a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that is a consistent testimony to others
• Agrees to uphold Valley Christian's Mission & Beliefs
• Faithfully attends and financially supports a local church whose beliefs are in agreement with our school
• Excellent ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbally
• Must have and maintain a valid level one IVP fingerprint card
• Must have and maintain a valid Arizona driver license
• Must have excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Ability to multi-task with organization
• Ability to exercise initiative and sound judgement and to react with discretion under varying conditions
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and appropriate relationships with outside vendors and businesses

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelors degree required; advanced degree preferred (Master of Divinity, Master of Biblical Studies, Master of Theological Studies, Doctor of Ministry, etc.)
• 3+ years of experience in professional ministry, school-based spiritual leadership, or a closely related context

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience in a school setting

Physical Requirements:

• Use a computer (visual and keyboarding) for long periods of time
• Able to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) 50% of the time
• Occasionally lift up to 25 pounds
• At times requires stooping, bending, turning, pushing, pulling, reaching and climbing stairs (2-story)
• Use of hands, fingers, arms to reach, grip and maneuver objects
• Must be able to respond quickly to sounds (fire/security alarms)
• Work in noisy and crowded school environment
• Able to work a flexible schedule including weekends and evenings when needed
• Frequent walking throughout the campus
• Must be able to travel in state between campuses, to vendors, and to related events

Background Check Statement:

VCS conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

About Valley Christian Schools:

Valley Christian Schools offers students in Kindergarten through 12th Grade big school opportunities in a small school environment. Established in 1982, VCS provides 1100+ students a distinctly Christian education with excellent academics, championship athletics, award-winning fine arts and a supporting community that encourages spiritual growth and the success of our students in and out of the classroom across our two East Valley campuses. Valley Christian is ranked as one of the Top 50 Christian high schools in the U.S., the #1 Christian High School in Arizona, and as one of the Top 125 Places to Work in Arizona. For more information visit valleychristianaz.org.

PLEASE NOTE: Subject to the Constitution of the United States and all applicable state and federal laws, Valley Christian Schools does not discriminate against applicants or students on the basis of race, color, and national or ethnic origin in its admissions or in the administration of its education policies, programs, or activities. In addition, subject to Subject to the Constitution of the United States and all applicable state and federal laws, Valley Christian Schools does not discriminate in its employment practices. Valley Christian Schools is a Christian education institution and, in compliance with Title VII of Civil Rights Act of 1964, reserves the right to give preference in employment based upon religion. It is our desire to build an employee community of individuals who are currently living out their Christian faith that agree with our Statement of Faith, beliefs, philosophy, and qualifications.