Youth Ministries Director

The Salvation Army Central Territory•Chicago, IL

2d•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 director develops mission-aligned activities that promote academic success, personal growth, and character development in a safe and supportive environment. The role 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 director provides leadership for the after-school program and corps youth ministries, supports youth discipleship and Christian education, and develops young people’s faith, character, and leadership. The position also oversees program administration, including budgets, supplies, communications, statistical reporting, outcome tracking, and support for grants and donor communications. The role reports to the corps officers and supervises youth staff and volunteers. Work may take place in office, classroom, gymnasium, outdoor, and community settings and may involve local and occasional travel, evening and weekend activities, and occasional overnight youth events. This is an exempt, full-time position in Chicago, Illinois. The listed salary range is $52,591–$63,109. The Salvation Army states that its competitive benefits package for eligible employees may include 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.

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 positive interpersonal skills; 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 multiple projects concurrently.
Ability to work sensitively and in a culturally appropriate manner 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 computer software applications, including email and Microsoft Office.
Valid MVR required.
Ability to perform light to moderate physical activity, including standing, walking, bending, reaching, and assisting with program setup and breakdown.
Ability to use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to make public presentations or participate in group activities.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual skills, especially French, are preferred but not required.
Musical ability (guitar, piano, or vocal) and willingness to participate in the praise team as needed are preferred but not required.
Bachelor’s degree in youth ministry, education, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

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