Youth and Community Ministries Director

At The Salvation Army our employees are the heartbeat of our mission. We foster a community of passionate people dedicated to changing lives and bringing hope to those who need it most.

Position Summary: The Youth and Community Ministries Director provides leadership and oversight for all youth and community programs at The Salvation Army Kalamazoo Citadel Corps, ensuring that activities foster spiritual growth, personal development, and meaningful community engagement. Working in collaboration with Corps Officers, staff, volunteers, schools, and local organizations, this role manages daily operations of the community center, develops and implements dynamic programming for children, teens, and families, and cultivates partnerships that strengthen outreach efforts. The Director also guides the spiritual life of youth attendees through Bible-based teaching and discipleship, while stewarding resources responsibly, supervising staff and volunteers, and actively attending Sunday worship services and programming to advance the mission of The Salvation Army.

Essential Responsibilities:

Program Management:

• Oversee the daily activities of the community center, including leagues, rentals, and community events
• Provide programming for all ages, for families and individuals of all backgrounds
• Evaluate needs related to space, budget and resources for youth and community activities
• Plan, develop and coordinate seasonal programming which would include (but not limited to) Vacation Bible School (VBS), Summer Day Camp, Spark Program and activities at The Salvation Army Echo Grove Camp

Youth Development:

• Lead and enhance existing youth programs, including Sunday School and youth night
• Develop engaging activities and spiritual programming for all youth ages 0 – 18 years old
• Plan and execute one youth night each month to foster community and spiritual growth
• Implement and evaluate curriculum as directed and/or provided by the Corps Officer

Community Engagement:

• Actively work with local schools and community groups to promote participation and support for youth programs, including Sunday morning activities
• Communicate the needs and successes of the community center programming to various stakeholders, including Corps Council, service clubs and media to garner outside support

Budget Management:

• Evaluate funding needs of the community center including determining program registration fees for events and leagues and ensuring compliance with approved budgets and policies
• Develop and submit budget proposals for new ministries
• Monitor expenditures based on funding allocations

Volunteer Recruitment and Development:

• Identify, recruit, train and supervise volunteers from the corps and soldiers to support various programs
• Handle volunteer registration and background checks as needed

Supervision:

• Over the Community Center Coordinator position, program assistant position and nursery worker position
• Oversee scheduling of community center staff as well as give direction and oversight to their responsibilities
• Perform other duties as assigned

Additional Responsibilities:

• Assist during the Christmas Red Kettle Campaign and other seasonal events as directed by the Corps Officer

Qualifications:

Education/Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a child-related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• 2 years’ experience in working directly with children, youth ministry, programming
• Prior work in a faith-based organization is preferred
• At least 1 year experience supervising staff

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities: 

• Must have documentation to show current TB test
• Be able to drive a 12-passenger van
• Must have current Blood Borne pathogen, First Aide and CPR/AED training
• Excellent written and verbal communication and promotion of programs and events

Computer Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365
• Working knowledge of TEAMS and SharePoint
• Strong understanding of social media platforms
• 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 chauffeur’s license and pass the Salvation Army Motor Vehicle Record check (MVR); or gain it within 30 days

Qualifications:

The Salvation Army offers the following benefits:

• Health Care Benefits which include:
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Hearing
• Flexible spending accounts
• AFLAC
• Voluntary life insurance benefits
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability options
• Pet Insurance
• Pension contributions (currently 6.0% of your earnings) begin the first quarter after 1 year of employment.
• Vesting starts after three years of employment, 100% vested after five years of employment
• The Salvation Army also offers a 403(b) voluntary retirement savings plan in which you may participate immediately, with approved vendors. There is currently no organizational match for 403(b) contributions.
• Employee Discounts
• Paid Time Off which includes:
• Sick days begin accruing the first of the month following 30 days of employment and you may begin to use accrued sick days once available. 
• Up to (6) earned sick days per year may be used as discretionary days.
• Vacation begins accruing the first of the month after one full calendar month after employment begins, and you may begin to use vacation days after (90) days of employment. 
• The accrual rate is based upon years of service and approved hours worked.
• You will receive up to 2 personal days per year based on date of hire.
• Birthday off with pay.  
• Paid holidays are effective immediately.

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer.  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.

Mission Statement:

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.