Youth Development Director

Youth Development Director

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.

This position includes membership on the Mission Council of the Corps.

Specific tasks will include:

• 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

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.

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.

All other duties as assigned.

This position reports to the Corps Officers with considerable freedom to plan, schedule, and carry out responsibilities within established policies and procedures.

In contacts related to this position's duties, this individual acts as a representative of The Salvation Army and its mission.

This individual will be evaluated on how effectively the outcomes of this position are achieved as well as the timeliness, accuracy, and completeness of accomplishing assigned goals. A 30, 60, and 90-day performance review will be conducted.

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 individual will only commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved. This individual will keep the Corps Officers informed on all critical issues relating to their area of responsibility. This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.

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.

This position is required to do moderate physical work. In order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment and a PC. The work environment for this position includes an office environment with a low noise level. Maintain positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors. This would include but not be limited to such actions: resolution of conflicts in a positive manner; courteous treatment of staff, clients, and visitors; respect for others' property and person, professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors, and subordinates. Support the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every donor, contact and colleague with respect and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind.

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Do you want to use your skills and talents to make a lasting difference in the world? The Salvation Army is the fourth largest charity in the United States and is an international organization based on Biblical principles created to help people in need. We are mission-driven, diverse, collaborative, and focused on positive results for people. Join us in making a difference.

The Salvation Army offers a competitive benefit package for eligible employees which may include the following 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.

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for this position, please contact the Human Resources department.

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minority/Female/Veterans/Disabled. Candidates who are back-to-work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice system, and/or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.