Youth Development Director

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory; Norridge (IL); On-site; USD 59,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division seeks a dedicated Youth Development Director for the Norridge Citadel Corps. This exempt, full-time role leads all aspects of youth ministry from infancy through high school, partnering with Youth Program staff, volunteers, and families to deliver biblical programs and disciple young people.

You will oversee leadership development, worship and education activities, camp planning, and community outreach, while managing budgets and staff,

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in youth ministries, Christian education, or related field preferred.
• 5 years of experience in Christian youth work considered in lieu of related degree.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Will lead youth development across infant through high school within the corps.
• Coordinate governance with Mission Council and youth leadership teams.
• Manage budgets, staffing, and program logistics for youth activities and day camps.
• Oversee Sunday School, youth programming, and family ministry efforts.
• Evaluate programs and report progress through corps leadership.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Initiative

Attention to detail

Positive attitude

Mission-driven

Education

Undergraduate degree in youth ministries, Christian education, or related field preferred

Job description

THE SALVATION ARMY

NORTH & CENTRAL ILLINOIS DIVISION

NORRIDGE CITADEL CORPS

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE

Youth Development Director

LOCATION/DEPT

Norridge Citadel Corps

REPORTS TO

Corps Officers

FLSA CATEGORY

Exempt

STATUS TYPE

RFT

PAY GRADE

207

PAY RANGE

$58,656 - $70,387

OUTCOMES

Direct the overall youth ministry of the Norridge Citadel Corps for all children (Infant through high school seniors). The position will require collaborative efforts with YPSM(s), youth leaders, parents, and staff. The ministry opportunities will focus on Leadership Development, Administrative Duties, and Youth Pastoral Care & Programming.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This position includes membership on the Mission Council of the Corps.

Specific tasks will include:

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Recruit, train, and manage leadership team for youth ministry (infants through high school). With local officers, provide leadership to all Corps youth programs, events, fundraising, and discipleship with the overall purpose for youth to join together to seek and glorify God, grow to be obedient followers of Christ, proclaim the gospel, demonstrate God's love and discover their role in the body of Christ.

1. Work with and resource character building, youth musical group leaders, and Christian Education leaders (Girl Guards, Adventure Corps, Moonbeams, Cherubs, Youth Bands, Singing Company, Children's Worship, Junior Solders, Corps Cadets etc.) to plan and lead their programs and events.
2. Work closely with all volunteer youth leaders to plan the calendar for each year, being sure to include opportunities in each of the ministry areas (in coordination with Mission Council).
3. Develop, schedule and chair Youth Nurture Team to meet 4 times per year. Maintain close contact with all youth leaders and offer assistance in facilitating as needed.
4. Along with the senior leadership team, recruit and develop new leaders as needed.
5. Provide encouragement and training/mentoring resources for youth leaders and meet with leaders individually as needed.
6. Be involved in conferences and other youth-related training opportunities (as approved by the Corps Officers) for education and growth. Encourage corps youth leaders to participate in opportunities as they are available

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES

Responsible for recording and processing information related to statistics, finances, communications, and evaluation for all Corps youth programs. (Finances/Statistics will be processed through the Corps Business Manager for inclusion on monthly reports.) Evaluate programs and systems for administrative/ministry tasks regularly.

1. Evaluate all youth programming and visioning as it relates to Corps review.
2. Coordinate with staff and appropriate councils (worship/spiritual life/business) to connect youth to the gospel efforts of the vision and mission of the corps.
3. Process information, forms, and payments for all youth camps. Provide and/or coordinate transportation.
4. Write letters/emails, make phone calls, and handle all correspondence relating to Norridge Citadel youth work. Develop, produce, and distribute a parent handbook, participation guidelines, and emergency form and update as needed for congregational and community programs. Hold parents' meetings at least twice a year to review policies.
5. Provide leadership and/or secure leadership, transportation, etc., for divisional and territorial youth events.
6. Work with corps officer to prepare and submit all youth reports to divisional headquarters.
7. Hire and supervise nursery workers, summer day camp staff, and any future youth ministries paid positions.
8. Oversee Day Camp program planning, staff training, administrative tasks, and overall program supervision.
9. Responsible for budget management for youth activities and summer day camp.
10. Secure Childcare and gym supervision staff for weekly activity nights and special events as requested.
11. Participate in Christmas effort, when it directly relates to children and families. Organize youth volunteering for Christmas and other fundraising opportunities throughout the year.

YOUTH PASTORAL CARE & PROGAMMING

Provide direct leadership to the discipleship of leaders and youth for overall mission and vision effectiveness.

1. Will use the Youth Developmental Assets to track outcomes and develop program goals.
2. Provide direct leadership to any youth programming as needed.
3. Ensure material used in any programming aligns with Salvation Army doctrinal distinctives and beliefs that regularly reinforce the gospel message.
4. Continue to develop and direct creative evangelism & discipleship programming for 6th through 12th grade. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Youth group, prayer partners, Christian education, corps cadets, missions, and special events.
5. Help connect middle and high schoolers to local officership opportunities and the development of their spiritual gifts and offer regular pastoral care and accountability.
6. Coordinate Sunday morning Youth Christian Education Ministries including but not limited to: Sunday School opening, Children's Messages, Children's Church, Junior Soldiers, and Nursery/Toddler Ministries.
7. Coordinate with corps officer to meet with and provide support to parents as needed, with an effort to encourage and build up family ministry opportunities.
8. Work with Senior local officers to help teens transition to young adult/adult ministries opportunities as they age out of youth ministries.
9. Work with the Community Ministries Director and Corps Officers on evangelistic outreach community events and follow up to reach unchurched families in the community.
10. Cultivate relationships with parents and invite families to overall corps programming and worship.

OTHER DUTIES

1. All other duties as assigned.

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 contacts related to this position's duties, this individual acts as a representative of The Salvation Army and its mission.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

This individual will be evaluated on how effectively the outcomes of this position are achieved as well as the timeliness, accuracy, and completeness of accomplishing assigned goals.

A 30, 60, and 90-day performance review will be conducted.

EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE

• Undergraduate degree in youth ministries, Christian education, or related field preferred.
• 5 years of experience in Christian youth work considered in lieu of related degree.
• This position requires a Valid Driver's license.

COMPETENCIES

• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to use initiative and be a self-starter.
• Strong attention to detail.
• A positive attitude and the ability to be flexible in light of changing job situations/priorities.
• A commitment to uphold and promote the mission of The Salvation Army and an appreciation of faith-based service organizations.

POSITION LIMITATIONS

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

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENT

• This position has an essential role in fulfilling the full mission of the Salvation Army. Because of the integral nature of this responsibility, active soldiership in the Norridge Citadel Salvation Army Corps is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position is required to do moderate physical work.
• In order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment and a PC.
• The work environment for this position includes an office environment with a low noise level.
• Maintain positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors. This would include but not be limited to such actions: resolution of conflicts in a positive manner; courteous treatment of staff, clients, and visitors; respect for others' property and person, 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.

THE SALVATION ARMY MISION 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.