Academy Ministry Leader - Lionheart at Stone Myers

Description

Position Summary

The Academy Ministry Leader (AML) is a unique role in the Early Childhood Education industry and will be responsible for the spiritual outcomes of Lionheart Children's Academy. Lionheart Children's Academy commissions this ministerial position. The AML will develop relationships with the partner church, children, families, and staff while providing strategic ongoing spiritual oversight for the academy. The AML reports directly to the Academy Director and is part of the broader Lionheart Academy Ministry Leadership team. The AML interacts with, receives training from, and is coached by the Executive Director of Academy Ministry and the Chief Spiritual Development Officer. This position is part-time (16-25 hours a week) and is hourly; scheduled hours will vary in concert with other academy leaders.


Connecting with Children

• Ensure the spiritual curriculum for the academy is being fully utilized, including spiritual milestones recorded monthly.
• Lead chapel times weekly. Lionheart calls this Meow Time (with infants and toddlers) and Roar Time (with 2's-PK). The AML will also lead chapel (Base Camp) with our Trailblazers (after-school and summer time).
• Act as the spiritual mentor and encourager for children.

Connecting with Families

• Lead outreach strategy to reach parents and connect them to the church. Be available to meet families on Sunday mornings as they attend the partner church.
• Support the Academy Director in the events calendar where the Lionheart families come together (i.e. Open House, Fall Event, Christmas program, and PK graduation).
• Coordinate and ensure distribution of all parent take-home materials for the partner church's events and activities.
• Be in the lobby/front area, available and visible during pick-up or drop-off times to cultivate relationships with the families and provide daily prayer support.

Academy Leadership

• Provide spiritual oversight for the academy and pastoral/chaplain-like support for staff.
• Lead and manage systems that ensure delivery of spiritual outcomes (curriculum, milestones, Gospel presentations).
• Ensure all events, activities, and communication reflect a clear spiritual purpose (e.g., Pre-K graduation, family Roar Time).
• Track and report spiritual outcomes monthly through the People Impact Report and Stories of Impact.
• Help foster a culture that lives out and celebrates Lionheart's core values.
• Serve on the academy leadership team, possessing a working knowledge of childcare minimum standards and integrating spiritual leadership into relationships with children, families, and staff.

Church Partner Relations

• Strengthen the partnership with the partner church, including the Lead Pastor, Children's Pastor, and designated staff.
• Maintain regular communication with the church through monthly reports, updates, and at least monthly attendance at church staff meetings.
• Coordinate a prayer team from the partner church.
• Collaborate with the church media team to promote ministries and events to academy families.
• Partner with the church to develop a clear discipleship and communication process for all spiritual decisions made by children and families.

Requirements

Background, Experience, and Education

• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in Early Childhood/Children's ministry, ECE/Childcare, or Pre-K/Elementary Education.
• Meets Biblical qualifications for spiritual leadership.
• Deep passion for children and those who serve them. This role is highly focused on working with/ministering directly to children and those who work with children.
• Skilled in child engagement, training, communication, spiritual programming, church polity/operations, leadership, and event planning.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (especially Outlook); Canva experience and tech adaptability preferred.

Critical Gifts/Skills

• Spiritually mature - A committed follower of Jesus, actively serving in a local church.
• Loves children - Experienced in children's or family ministry and/or education.
• Relational leader - Naturally connects with children, parents, and church staff; proven team builder and culture shaper.
• Ministry-minded - Well-versed in partnering with local church leadership and ministries to foster healthy collaboration.
• Evangelistic heart - Passionate about sharing the Gospel with both children and adults.
• Discipleship-focused - Skilled in spiritual development and pastoral care for children, staff, and families; experienced in training and equipping others.
• Energetic and enthusiastic - Brings high energy to a dynamic role.
• Team player - Joyfully collaborates with a leadership team and contributes with a positive, can-do spirit.
• Excellent communicator - Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Highly organized - Effective in managing projects and details with clarity and excellence.