Young Adult and Leadership Development Specialist

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory • Chicago, IL

2d

About The Position

The Young Adult and Leadership Development Specialist position oversees the divisional support for the young adult ministries and programs across the NCI division by equipping, training, and resourcing corps leaders to strengthen the local mission impact and development of emerging leaders across the division. This role operates with a high level of ownership and exercises independent judgment in planning, prioritizing, and executing initiatives, ensuring alignment with divisional youth related goals and established guidelines by the Divisional Youth Department leadership.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Salvation Army experience and church involvement are preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience leading, coordinating, and planning young adult and youth ministry programs, including leadership development initiatives, training opportunities, recruitment efforts, and large-scale events, with demonstrated ability to equip emerging leaders and support diverse ministry contexts.
• Valid Driver’s license/MVR clearance

Responsibilities

• Consult corps to assess the current young adult ministries to evaluate and measure their effectiveness, offering solutions and resources for advancement in recommended areas.
• Establish and manage the divisional young adult databases that include contact information, college enrollments organizing touchpoints throughout the year on behalf of the youth department.
• Develop and execute a plan for young adult ministries where they do not exist in the division.
• Establish and utilize effective young adult resources for corps leaders and offer trainings throughout the division to maintain a growing effectiveness, including ministering through specific transition years and major life events.
• Coordinate and conduct on-site visits to all NCI corps to participate in ministry programming, offering feedback, encouragement, and strategic next steps.
• Promote and attend Salvation Army approved young adult conferences.
• Develop resources, training, and divisional touchpoints that equip local leaders to guide young adults through major life transitions.
• Participate in the monitoring and maintenance of social media and websites.
• Develop conceptual plans for divisional young adult events in partnership with the Divisional Youth Department Leadership and submit proposals for approval in alignment with divisional event guidelines.
• Oversee approved young adult events, coordinating logistics including speakers, contracts, schedules, and program elements.
• Support and participate in the planning and implementation of all divisional Youth Department events as part of the broader divisional Youth Department team.
• Create a 6–8-week conceptual plan for Summer Staff community engagement and oversee the implementation of the approved plan.
• Participate in the planning and implementation of all summer camps.
• Identify and provide leadership development resources for divisional and corps use.
• Collaborate with divisional departments to create and provide training opportunities that cultivate leadership skills.
• Promote, support, and participate in approved leadership trainings and conferences.
• Promote and assist with the application process of divisional and territorial loans, scholarships, and grants awarded for higher education.
• Support and promote the divisional internship and leadership training opportunities for emerging leaders throughout the division.
• Partner with Wonderland Camp to coordinate and participate in college recruitment visits for ministry opportunities in NCI, inviting the local Salvation Army leader to participate when possible.
• Provide spiritual leadership as needed in ministry settings, including leading Bible studies, devotionals, and prayer opportunities during visits, events, and camps.
• Maintain a positive work atmosphere through appropriate conflict management, courteous demeanor, and professional and appropriate communication practices.
• Maintain compliance with The Salvation Army’s “Safe from Harm” Certification.
• Perform other duties as assigned as related to the needs of the position.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision, hearing, disability and life insurance, flexible spending accounts, 403(b) retirement accounts, a company-funded defined contribution (pension) plan and generous time off policies

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees