Youth Ministries Director

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory • Chicago, IL

1d • $52,591 - $63,109 • Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Ministries Director oversees all youth programming at The Salvation Army Chicago Temple Corps, with a primary focus on launching and managing a new after-school program for students in grades 6–12. The role develops engaging, mission-aligned activities that promote academic success, personal growth, and character development in a safe and supportive environment.

The director recruits and supervises staff and volunteers, builds relationships with schools and community partners, and ensures program quality and compliance with Salvation Army standards while fostering positive connections with youth and their families. The position also provides youth pastoral care, supports discipleship and leadership development, manages program administration and reporting, and assists Corps Officers with seasonal programs. It reports to the Corps Officer(s) and supervises youth staff and volunteers.

Requirements

• Two to three years of related experience in program development, community outreach, and/or youth ministry preferred.
• A bachelor's degree in youth ministry, education, or a related field is preferred; significant related experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Spiritually mature Christian comfortable adhering to The Salvation Army's doctrines and theology.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work cooperatively as a team member.
• Ability to recruit, motivate, and supervise volunteers and staff.
• Close attention to detail and a high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to manage several projects concurrently.
• Ability to work sensitively and culturally appropriately with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Ability to establish and implement policies and procedures.
• Awareness of budget resources and cost control, and ability to plan and administer budgets.
• Proficiency with email and MS Office applications.
• Valid MVR required.
• Adhere to The Salvation Army policies and procedures and act in support of its mission without discrimination.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual skills, especially French.
• Musical ability (guitar, piano, or vocal) and willingness to participate in the praise team as needed.
• Bachelor's degree in youth ministry, education, or a related field.
• Two to three years of related experience in program development, community outreach, and/or youth ministry.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and oversee an after-school program for grades 6–12, including schedules, curriculum themes, and activity plans that promote academic, spiritual, physical, and social growth.
• Build relationships with local schools, churches, and organizations to promote enrollment and referrals; conduct community outreach and recruitment with Corps Officers.
• Develop promotional materials and social media content to raise awareness of the program.
• Recruit, train, schedule, coach, and supervise staff and volunteers, and participate in volunteer screening and staff hiring processes as appropriate.
• Oversee program setup, logistics, and compliance with Salvation Army policies, Safe From Harm requirements, background checks, screening, mandated reporting, and child protection standards.
• Implement behavior management practices and respond to youth behavioral concerns, emergencies, injuries, and other incidents; complete incident documentation and communicate with relevant parties.
• Establish and track measurable program goals related to participation, engagement, impact, and other outcomes.
• Lead a youth discipleship committee and provide direct leadership to students in the after-school program and corps youth ministries.
• Assist Corps Officers in identifying and developing future youth leaders; create weekly devotions, mentoring opportunities, and leadership activities for youth from kindergarten through grade 12.
• Plan, lead, or support youth group meetings, service projects, fellowship events, Sunday morning youth Christian Education ministries, and other youth activities as assigned.
• Build positive relationships with parents and families and encourage youth spiritual growth and engagement in corps activities.
• Participate in Sunday services and youth ministry activities as needed, including evening and weekend programming and occasional overnight camps, retreats, conferences, or other approved events.
• Organize training and team meetings for youth ministry leaders and volunteers and provide coaching, feedback, and leadership development.
• Participate in staff performance evaluations and development planning with Corps Officers and Human Resources as appropriate.
• Manage budgets, supplies, statistical reporting, attendance, participation data, program communications, and required reports to Corps Officers and Divisional Headquarters.
• Assist with grant writing, donor communication, and reporting by providing accurate program data and outcomes.
• Assist Corps Officers with seasonal Christmas programs, including the toy shop and Red Kettle campaign, as appropriate.
• Commit only Salvation Army resources that have been allocated or approved, follow applicable policies and procedures, and keep the designated supervisor informed about critical issues.

Benefits

• Competitive benefit package for eligible employees, which may include medical, dental, vision, hearing, disability, and life insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• 403(b) retirement accounts.
• Company-funded defined contribution (pension) plan.
• Generous time-off policies.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed