Youth & Family Ministries Director

Position Summary: The Youth and Family Ministries Director leads and oversees discipleship programs that support the spiritual growth of youth and families. This role plans and implements ministry activities, develops strategic pathways from community outreach into corps life, and provides pastoral care through strong relationship-building with youth and parents. The Director recruits and equips volunteers, collaborates on curriculum development, and manages key programs, events, and communications. Active participation in worship, leadership meetings, and divisional initiatives is essential, along with oversight of facilities and seasonal programs, including summer day camp and Angel Tree.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Plan, coordinate, supervise and execute discipleship ministries for youth and families. Coordinate and oversee the various corps youth ministries, such as Sunday School, nursery, character building activities, and Vacation Bible School
• Develop a strategic plan for ministry and spiritual development to youth and family.
• Lead efforts to bridge youth and families from community activities (e.g., outreach events, day camp, and social services) into discipleship ministries and the life of the corps.
• Provide pastoral care to youth and families. Build relationships with corps and community young people by taking an active interest and part in all aspects of their lives through visitation both inside and outside the corps building
• Build and maintain a healthy rapport with the parents of program/corps youth.
• Recruit, provide training, coordinate, and give oversight to youth leaders and volunteers.
• Work with corps leadership to develop Christian education curriculum for programs
• Oversee planning, coordination, and volunteer recruitment for youth and family special events
• Promote, coordinate, and attend Divisional and Territorial events as assigned. Attend conferences and/or continuing education as deemed necessary or prudent
• Fully participate in Sunday morning worship, discipleship/small groups, and other activities as assigned
• Participate in corps council meetings and prepare regular reports on youth ministry.
• Attend and participate in staff development meetings.
• Provide timely, creative communication using various methods such as Facebook, email, flyers, posters, announcements, and periodic newsletter articles/information
• Provide support for seasonal projects, and assist in leading the Angel Tree program at Christmas.
• Assure proper care of facilities used by youth program participants.
• Plan and execute Day Camp program each summer, including hiring and overseeing day camp counselors.

Qualifications:

Education/Experience:

• Associate degree or higher in Ministry preferred; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
• 2+ years' working with youth or ministry

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

• Demonstrate an active faith in Jesus Christ, as well as ongoing personal spiritual development and an ability to effectively deliver a personal testimony of active faith
• Strong Bible knowledge and understanding of Christian principles
• Actively attend the Traverse City Corps (church) including Sunday School, worship services, corps activities, and special events
• Demonstrate a genuine love for and good rapport with young people, have a passion for youth ministry, and have an understanding of current youth culture
• An ability to teach and lead people of all ages
• Demonstrate acceptance of cultural, racial, and economic diversity
• Have experience using various applications software to aid in communication with youth and families
• Ability to work evenings and weekends or for extended periods as needed
• Maintain strict confidentiality

Computer Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365
• Working knowledge of TEAMS and SharePoint
• Willingness to learn new software as needed

Certificates and Licenses:

• Complete Safe From Harm training, and keep current as needed
• Must have and maintain a current valid driver's license and pass The Salvation Army Motor Vehicle Record check (MVR)