Center for Social Justice & City Mission Director

The Salvation Army Central Territory • Chicago, IL

7d

About The Position

The Director of the Center for Social Justice + City Mission (CSJ+CM) works alongside the Territorial Social Justice and City Mission Secretary to develop and implement programs and strategies advancing The Salvation Army’s social justice and city mission initiatives throughout the Central Territory. The role provides subject matter expertise and works on initiatives addressing current and emerging issues, including human rights, human trafficking, gender equity, immigration, racial justice, xenophobia, and community empowerment and development.

The Director consults with and supports divisions, the College for Officer Training, the Adult Rehabilitation Center Command, institutions, corps, and other units. This support helps officers, employees, soldiers, volunteers, and program participants understand the social, economic, psychological, and spiritual dynamics associated with social justice issues. The role leads the Center, develops and evaluates programs, provides education and training, builds partnerships, manages operations and grants, and coordinates human-trafficking education, referrals, and resources. The position provides initial intake, resource navigation, coordination, and referrals, but does not provide clinical counseling, therapy, or direct case management.

The position supervises interns and janitorial staff. It involves occasional travel throughout the Central Territory, approximately four times per year, and occasional travel to national meetings, conferences, and training events. Work is performed in a typical office environment and may require some weekend and evening work.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in practical theology/ministry, intercultural studies, psychology, public policy, public health, social work or a related field, and community/international development; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Three years of experience in public relations, social work, grants/government contracts, project management and program development, and youth/young-adult Christian leadership development.
• 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 collaborate with diverse populations, organizations, and community partners.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and provide consultation and subject matter expertise across the Territory.
• 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.
• Ability to operate typical office equipment and electronic communication devices, communicate effectively, and travel throughout the Territory by car, train, or airplane.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree.
• Extensive experience in social justice/city mission and working with marginalized, at-risk populations.
• Experience with social justice programming, community engagement, education, training, social media, content development, data management, or grant writing.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact and Director of the Center for Social Justice + City Mission, providing leadership for the Center.
• Educate the Central Territory about 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 Center and across the Territory.
• Provide ongoing training, education, consultation, and technical support related to social justice initiatives.
• Develop program standards and best practices based on individual community needs.
• Represent the Center at conferences, training seminars, writing and speaking engagements, and other educational opportunities.
• Build and maintain partnerships with churches, community organizations, external agencies, faith-based organizations, and other mission-aligned groups.
• Identify emerging community needs and opportunities and develop initiatives supporting the Center’s mission and goals.
• Oversee the Center’s daily operations 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.
• 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.
• Serve as the Territorial Contact Person 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; assess initial needs and connect individuals with appropriate Salvation Army or community resources.
• Coordinate referrals to qualified service providers and organizations offering counseling, case management, housing, legal services, and other specialized support.
• Provide education, resources, and guidance to divisions and local units on appropriate responses to human-trafficking concerns.
• Promote Fight for Freedom, The Salvation Army’s 10-year plan to combat human trafficking through awareness and training, prevention and outreach, survivor services and recovery, and advocacy and partnerships.
• Advise divisions on 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 on the North American Anti-Trafficking Council and coordinate communications and resources with territorial and national partners.
• Monitor policy and legislative developments related to human trafficking and communicate relevant information to territorial leadership and partners.
• Provide direction to supervised staff, assign work, and monitor performance.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits.
• Paid time off including vacation, holidays, sick, and personal days.
• Retirement benefits including a 403(b) plan with employer contributions for eligible employees.
• Opportunities for professional growth, learning, and career development.
• Supportive culture that encourages work-life balance.
• Competitive compensation within the nonprofit sector.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director