Youth Development Director

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory•Norridge, IL

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
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.
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.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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).
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.
Along with the senior leadership team, recruit and develop new leaders as needed.
Provide encouragement and training/mentoring resources for youth leaders and meet with leaders individually as needed.
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.
Evaluate all youth programming and visioning as it relates to Corps review.
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.
Process information, forms, and payments for all youth camps. Provide and/or coordinate transportation.
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.
Provide leadership and/or secure leadership, transportation, etc., for divisional and territorial youth events.
Work with corps officer to prepare and submit all youth reports to divisional headquarters.
Hire and supervise nursery workers, summer day camp staff, and any future youth ministries paid positions.
Oversee Day Camp program planning, staff training, administrative tasks, and overall program supervision.
Responsible for budget management for youth activities and summer day camp.
Secure Childcare and gym supervision staff for weekly activity nights and special events as requested.
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.
Will use the Youth Developmental Assets to track outcomes and develop program goals.
Provide direct leadership to any youth programming as needed.
Ensure material used in any programming aligns with Salvation Army doctrinal distinctives and beliefs that regularly reinforce the gospel message.
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.
Help connect middle and high schoolers to local officership opportunities and the development of their spiritual gifts and offer regular pastoral care and accountability.
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.
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.
Work with Senior local officers to help teens transition to young adult/adult ministries opportunities as they age out of youth ministries.
Work with the Community Ministries Director and Corps Officers on evangelistic outreach community events and follow up to reach unchurched families in the community.
Cultivate relationships with parents and invite families to overall corps programming and worship.
OTHER DUTIES
All other duties as assigned.