Youth Ministries Director

THE SALVATION ARMY

North and Central Illinois Division

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

JOB TITLE:                          Youth Ministries Director

LOCATION/DEPT:             Champaign

REPORTS TO:                     Corps Officer(s)

PEOPLE MANAGER:        Yes

FLSA CATEGORY:            Exempt, Full-Time.

PAY GRADE:                       206

PAY RATE:                          $46,510 - $55,813 Annually

 

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 youth 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 Youth Ministries Director oversees all youth programming at The Salvation Army Champaign Corps, with a primary focus on launching and managing a new after-school program for students in grades 6–12.

 

This position is responsible for developing engaging, mission-aligned activities that promote academic success, personal growth, and character development in a safe and supportive environment.

 

The Youth Ministries Director will recruit and supervise staff and volunteers, build relationships with schools and community partners, and ensure program quality and compliance with Salvation Army standards while fostering positive connections with youth and their families.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

1. PROGRAM LAUNCH AND RECRUITMENT (60%)

• Develop, implement, and oversee an after-school program for grades 6–12, including design of daily 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 efforts in collaboration with Corps Officers to attract students, volunteers, and community partners.
• Develop promotional materials and social media content to raise awareness of the program.
• Recruit, train, and supervise staff and volunteers for program implementation.
• Oversee program setup, logistics, and compliance with Salvation Army policies, including Safe from Harm standards.
• Evaluate program participation, engagement, and outcomes to ensure continued growth and alignment with corps vision and community needs once it has been established.

 

1. YOUTH PASTORAL CARE & PROGRAMMING (30%)

•  Spearhead a youth discipleship committee that can best meet the spiritual needs of the youth both in church programming and after school programs.
• Provide direct leadership for students involved in the after-school program and corps youth ministries.
• Assist corps officers in identifying and developing future leaders from the current youth base.
• Develop weekly devotions, mentoring opportunities, and leadership activities that help youth (K-12th grade) grow in faith and character.
• Plan, lead, and/or support youth group meetings, service projects, and fellowship events that integrate participants from the after-school program into broader corps life.
• Support/lead Sunday morning youth Christian Education ministries as assigned (Sunday School, Junior Soldiers, Junior Church, etc.).
• Cultivate positive relationships with parents and families, provide support and encouragement for youth spiritual growth and engagement in corps activities.
• Participate in Sunday services as needed/appropriate

1. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT (10%)

• Recruit, train,