Youth Ministries Director

THE SALVATION ARMY

North and Central Illinois Division

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Youth Ministries Director

LOCATION/DEPT: Chicago Temple

REPORTS TO: Corps Officer(s)

PEOPLE MANAGER: Yes

FLSA CATEGORY: Exempt, Full-Time.

PAY GRADE: 206

PAY RATE: $52,591-$63,109

WHO WE ARE

At The Salvation Army, we are dedicated to "Doing the Most Good". We are made up of thousands of officers, soldiers, staff, volunteers, donors, and partners working together to holistically meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. We do this through programs designed to combat homelessness and hunger, provide safe spaces for youth after school and on the weekends, achieve and maintain sobriety, and give hope to the hopeless. The Salvation Army North and Central Illinois Division provides these services to people in need.

JOB SUMMARY

The Youth Ministries Director oversees all youth programming at The Salvation Army Chicago Temple Corps, with a primary focus on launching and managing a new after-school program for students in grades 6-12.

This position is responsible for developing engaging, mission-aligned activities that promote academic success, personal growth, and character development in a safe and supportive environment.

The Youth Ministries Director will recruit and supervise staff and volunteers, build relationships with schools and community partners, and ensure program quality and compliance with Salvation Army standards while fostering positive connections with youth and their families.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• PROGRAM LAUNCH AND RECRUITMENT (45%)
  
  
  
  • Develop, implement, and oversee an after-school program for grades 6-12, including design of daily schedules, curriculum themes, and activity plans that promote academic, spiritual, physical, and social growth.
  • Build relationships with local schools, churches, and organizations to promote enrollment and referrals.
  • Conduct community outreach and recruitment efforts in collaboration with Corps Officers to attract students, volunteers, and community partners.
  • Develop promotional materials and social media content to raise awareness of the program.
  • Recruit, train, schedule, coach, and supervise staff and volunteers for program implementation, including participation in volunteer screening and staff hiring processes as appropriate.
  • Oversee program setup, logistics, and compliance with Salvation Army policies, including Safe From Harm requirements, background checks, volunteer and staff screening, mandated reporting requirements, and other applicable child protection standards.
  • Implement appropriate behavior management practices and respond to behavioral concerns, emergencies, injuries, and other incidents involving youth.
  • Complete required incident documentation and ensure appropriate communication with Corps Officers, parents/guardians, and other appropriate parties following significant incidents.
  • Establish and track measurable program goals related to participation, engagement, program impact, and other identified outcomes to support program improvement, grant reporting, and long-term sustainability.
  
  
  
  
• YOUTH PASTORAL CARE & PROGRAMMING (25%)
  
  
  
  • Spearhead a youth discipleship committee that can best meet the spiritual needs of the youth both in church programming and after school programs.
  • Provide direct leadership for students involved in the after-school program and corps youth ministries.
  • Assist corps officers in identifying and developing future leaders from the current youth base.
  • Develop weekly devotions, mentoring opportunities, and leadership activities that help youth (K-12^th grade) grow in faith and character.
  • Plan, lead, and/or support youth group meetings, service projects, and fellowship events that integrate participants from the after-school program into broader corps life.
  • Support/lead Sunday morning youth Christian Education ministries as assigned (Sunday School, Junior Soldiers, Junior Church, etc.).
  • Cultivate positive relationships with parents and families, provide support and encouragement for youth spiritual growth and engagement in corps activities.
  • Participate in Sunday services and other youth ministry activities as needed and appropriate, including evening and weekend programming.
  • Participate in occasional overnight youth activities, including camps, retreats, conferences, or other approved ministry events, as assigned.
  
  
  
  
• LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT (15%)
  
  
  
  • Recruit, train, schedule, coach, and manage the leadership team and volunteers for youth and after-school programming, including participation in volunteer screening and staff hiring processes as appropriate.
  • Organize regular training and team meetings for youth ministry leaders and volunteers, and provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and leadership development.
  • Participate in staff performance evaluations and development planning, in coordination with Corps Officers and Human Resources as appropriate.
  • Identify and mentor emerging youth leaders within the program to serve in corps ministries.
  
  
  
  
• ADMINISTRATIVE EXPECTATIONS (15%)
  
  
  
  • Manage budgets, supplies, and statistical reporting related to all youth and after-school programming, ensuring accurate and timely data collection.
  • Track attendance, participation, and measurable program outcomes; submit reports to Corps Officers and Divisional Headquarters as required.
  • Handle program communications, including correspondence with families, volunteers, and community partners.
  • Assist in grant writing, donor communication, and reporting by providing accurate program data and outcomes to support ongoing funding and long-term program sustainability.
  • Help corps officers with seasonal Christmas programs such as toy shop, Red Kettle campaign, etc as appropriate.
  
  
  
  

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Education:

Bachelor's degree in youth ministry, education, or a related field preferred. Significant related experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Experience:

Two to three years of related experience in program development, community outreach, and/or youth ministry preferred.

Skills/Abilities

• Bilingual skills preferred (especially French) but not required.
• Musical ability (guitar, piano, vocal) and willingness to participate in praise team as needed preferred but not required.
• Spiritually mature Christian who is comfortable adhering to The Salvation Army's doctrines and theology.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience or capacity to demonstrate positive interpersonal skills and work as a cooperative team member.
• Ability to recruit, motivate, and supervise volunteers and staff.
• Close attention to detail and a high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to multi-task several projects concurrently.
• Must have an interest and ability to work with people of diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds in a sensitive and culturally appropriate manner.
• Ability to establish and implement policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated awareness of budget resources and cost control, as well as planning and administering budgets.
• Proficiency in computer software applications, including demonstrated experience in using email, MS Office applications.

JOB LIMITATIONS

• This individual will only commit resources of The Salvation Army that have been allocated or approved.
• This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position. The individual will keep the designated Supervisor informed of all critical issues relating to their area of responsibility.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position may require light to moderate physical activity associated with youth programming, including standing, walking, bending, reaching, and assisting with the setup and breakdown of program activities.
• To successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment, including a computer, and may be required to make public presentations or participate in group activities.
• The work environment may include office, classroom, gymnasium, outdoor, and community-based settings, with noise levels that may vary depending on program activities.
• This position may require local travel and occasional travel related to youth programming and ministry responsibilities. A valid MVR is required.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• This position reports to the corps officers with considerable freedom to plan, schedule, and carry out responsibilities within established policies and procedures.
• In the context related to this position's duties, this individual will interact with a wide range of contacts both internal and external. In these contacts, he/she will act as a representative of The Salvation Army and its mission.
• The Youth Ministries Director will provide oversight and supervision of youth staff, including seasonal and non-seasonal employees, as well as youth ministry and after-school program volunteers.

COMPETENCIES

• Maintain a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors.
• Resolve conflicts in a positive manner.
• Treat staff, clients, and visitors with courtesy.
• Respect others' property and person.
• Use professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors and subordinates.
• Support the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every donor, contact and colleague with respect and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

• This individual will be evaluated on how effectively the outcomes and responsibilities of this position are achieved. Performance will include the timeliness and accuracy of assigned work, quality of service provided, achievement of established program goals, and measurable outcomes related to youth participation and program impact. Performance will also be evaluated through statistical reporting, weekly staff meetings, monthly reports, and other outcome information used to support program improvement, grant reporting, and long-term sustainability.

POSITION LIMITATIONS

• This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.

THE SALVATION ARMY MISSION STATEMENT

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church.

Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach

the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.