Center for Social Justice & City Mission Director

The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 109,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division seeks a Director of the Center for Social Justice + City Mission to lead programs and partnerships advancing social justice and city mission initiatives in the Central Territory. You will coordinate education, resources, and strategic initiatives to empower communities and promote human dignity.

Collaborating with territorial leadership, you will develop and implement programs, secure funding, and guide staff, interns, and partners to address

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field; master’s degree preferred.
• Three years of experience in public relations, social work, grants/government contracts, project management and youth/young-adult Christian leadership development.
• Extensive experience in social justice/city mission and with marginalized populations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary point of contact and Director of the Center for Social Justice + City Mission (CSJ+CM).
• Educate the Central Territory on The Salvation Army’s calling and approach to social justice and city mission.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate social justice and city mission programs, initiatives, and campaigns within the CSJ+CM and across the Territory.
• Develop and provide ongoing training, education, consultation, and technical support related to social justice initiatives.
• Develop program standards and best practices based on community needs.
• Represent the CSJ+CM through conferences, training seminars, writing, speaking engagements, and other educational opportunities.
• Build and maintain partnerships with churches, community organizations, and other groups aligned with The Salvation Army’s mission.
• Identify emerging community needs and develop initiatives that support the CSJ+CM’s mission.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Written communication

Verbal communication

Presentation skills

Training facilitation

Strategic thinking

Project management

Relationship building

Organizational skills

Grant writing

Community engagement

Content development

Data management

Social media

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Are you passionate about advancing social justice, strengthening communities, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others? The Salvation Army is seeking a Director of the Center for Social Justice + City Mission to lead initiatives that address important social issues, empower communities, and promote human dignity. Working alongside territorial leadership, this individual will develop programs, build community partnerships, provide education and resources, and help advance The Salvation Army’s mission through social justice and city mission efforts throughout the Central Territory. This is an opportunity to turn compassion, leadership, and a commitment to service into meaningful impact.

The Salvation Army Mission

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

Compensation Range: $109,429 to $136,787/yearly, based on experience.

Job Objective

Work alongside the Territorial Social Justice and City Mission Secretary to develop and implement programs and strategies that advance The Salvation Army’s social justice and city mission initiatives in the Central territory. This position provides subject matter expertise and will work directly on a broad range of initiatives that address current and emerging social issues, including but not limited to human rights, human trafficking (HT), gender equity, immigration, racial justice, xenophobia, and community empowerment and development. This position also provides consultation and support to the Central Territory, including its divisions, College for Officer Training (CFOT), the Adult Rehabilitation Center Command (ARC), institutions, corps and other units for the purpose of educating, equipping and engaging officers, employees, soldiers, volunteers and program participants to understand the social, economic, psychological and spiritual dynamics associated with social justice issues in society.

Responsibilities

Programming – 40%

• Serve as the primary point of contact and Director of the Center for Social Justice + City Mission (CSJ+CM), providing leadership for the Center.
• Educate the Central Territory on The Salvation Army’s calling and approach to social justice and city mission.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate social justice and city mission programs, initiatives, and campaigns within the CSJ+CM and across the Territory.
• Develop and provide ongoing training, education, consultation, and technical support related to social justice initiatives.
• Develop program standards and best practices based on the needs of individual communities.
• Represent the CSJ+CM through conferences, training seminars, writing, speaking engagements, and other educational opportunities.
• Build and maintain partnerships with churches, community organizations, and other groups aligned with The Salvation Army’s mission.
• Identify emerging community needs and opportunities and develop initiatives that support the mission and goals of the CSJ+CM.

Operations & Administration – 40%

• Oversee the daily operations of the CSJ+CM and provide leadership to interns and janitorial staff.
• Oversee social media accounts and website content, including content development and updates.
• Identify funding opportunities and lead the development and completion of grant applications.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with external agencies, faith-based organizations, and community partners.
• Represent The Salvation Army with federal and state agencies, peer organizations, and other external partners.
• Develop and maintain program documentation, standards, resources, and best practices.
• Track and communicate program activities, outcomes, and impact.
• Manage multiple projects, priorities, deadlines, and territorial initiatives.
• Participate in divisional, territorial, and national events, trainings, and meetings as assigned.

Human Trafficking Education & Resource Coordination – 20%

• Serve as the Territorial Contact Person (TCP) for human trafficking and chair the Territorial Anti-Human Trafficking Council.
• Serve as an initial point of contact and intake resource for individuals seeking assistance related to human trafficking.
• Conduct initial intake to understand individual needs and connect individuals with appropriate Salvation Army or community resources.
• Coordinate referrals to qualified service providers and organizations that provide counseling, case management, housing, legal services, and other specialized support.
• Provide education, resources, and guidance to divisions and local units regarding appropriate responses to human trafficking concerns.
• Promote Fight for Freedom, The Salvation Army’s 10-year plan to combat human trafficking through Awareness & Training, Prevention & Outreach, Survivor Services & Recovery, and Advocacy & Partnerships.
• Advise divisions in assessing, developing, and implementing anti-trafficking initiatives.
• Represent the Central Territory at anti-trafficking events and through partnerships with government agencies, peer organizations, and community organizations.
• Serve as a member of the North American Anti-Trafficking Council (NAATC) and coordinate communication and resources with territorial and national partners.
• Monitor relevant policy and legislative developments related to human trafficking and communicate information to appropriate territorial leadership and partners.

This position provides initial intake, resource navigation, coordination, and referrals but does not provide clinical counseling, therapy, or direct case management services.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in practical theology/ministry, intercultural studies, psychology, public policy, public health, social work or related field and community/international development. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience

• Three years of experience in public relations, social work, grants/government contracts, project management and program development and youth/young-adult Christian leadership development.
• Extensive experience working in the field of social justice/city mission and marginalized, at-risk populations preferred.

Or - any combination of education and experience that produces the required skills and abilities.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong Microsoft Office and computer skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication, presentation, training, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to think creatively, critically, and strategically; solve complex problems and make sound decisions.
• Ability to develop, implement, and manage projects and initiatives from beginning to end.
• Ability to build effective relationships and work collaboratively with diverse populations, organizations, and community partners.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and provide consultation and subject matter expertise across the Territory.
• Experience with social justice programming, community engagement, education, training, social media, content development, data management, or grant writing is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and organizations from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
• Ability to represent The Salvation Army professionally in community, organizational, and public settings.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervises interns and janitorial staff assigned to the Center for Social Justice + City Mission. Responsible for providing direction, assigning work, and monitoring performance.

Travel

Occasional travel throughout the Central Territory, approximately four times per year, as well as occasional travel to national meetings, conferences, and training events.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the duties of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of this job. Must be able to operate typical office equipment and communicate with others effectively and operate electronic communication devices to travel throughout the territory via car, train or airplane;

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a typical office environment. Full-time position; may require some weekend and evening work.

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for this position, please call 847-294-2166.