Assistant Program Director

THE SALVATION ARMY

North and Central Illinois Division

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

JOB TITLE:                              Assistant Program Director                   

LOCATION/DEPT:                     Harbor Light

REPORTS TO:                          Program Director

PEOPLE MANAGER:                Yes

FLSA CATEGORY:                   Exempt

PAY GRADE:                            206

PAY RATE:                               $50,813 - $60,975

 

WHO WE ARE

At The Salvation Army, we are dedicated to “Doing the Most Good”. We are made up of thousands of officers, soldiers, staff, volunteers, donors, and partners working together to holistically meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. We do this through programs designed to combat homelessness and hunger, provide safe spaces for kids after school and on the weekends, achieve and maintain sobriety, and give hope to the hopeless. The Salvation Army North and Central Illinois Division provides these services to people in need.

 

JOB SUMMARY

The Assistant Program Director supports the overall planning, coordination, and delivery of comprehensive youth development and mentoring services for approximately 50-60 youth, ages 6 through 18, served through The Salvation Army Harbor Light program.

 

This position provides daily operational leadership to youth activities, supervises program staff and volunteers, ensures safe and developmentally appropriate programming, and supports structured mentoring initiatives designed to promote academic success, life skills development, social-emotional growth, and positive relationships.

 

In addition, this position supports social media engagement and public relations efforts for The Salvation Army Harbor Light Community Center and The Salvation Army Freedom Center, in alignment with The Salvation Army branding, mission, and communication standards.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Leadership and Operations

• Assist the Program Director in the daily operation and administration of the Harbor Light Youth Program and Mentoring Program
• Support the planning, coordination, and implementation of appropriate age programming for youth ages 6-18.
• Assist in organizing youth into appropriate age group divisions to ensure safe supervision and effective programming.
• Support daily program flow including attendance, transitions, activities, and closing procedures.
• Serve as acting lead for the program as assigned by the Program Director.

Mentoring Program Development and Oversight

• Coordinate and support structured mentoring opportunities for participating youth, including group-based and individual mentoring when appropriate.
• Assist with recruitment, onboarding, and placement of volunteer mentors in collaboration with the Program Director.
• Support mentor training, orientation, and ongoing engagement.
• Monitor mentoring activities to ensure program standards, boundaries, and safety requirements are met.

Youth Supervision and Engagement

• Maintain a safe, welcoming, and structured environment for all youth participants.
• Supervise youth during program activities and special events.
• Assist with conflict resolution and behavior interventions.
• Complete required documentation related to youth participation and incidents.

Staff and Volunteer Support

• Assist the Program Director with day-to-day supervision and support of youth program staff and volunteers.
• Support scheduling and staff coverage to maintain appropriate supervision ratios.
• Assist with onboarding and training of new staff and volunteers.

Social Media and Public Relations