Divisional Youth Director

THE SALVATION ARMY

NORTH AND CENTRAL ILLINOIS DIVISION

Youth Department

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Divisional Youth Director

LOCATION/DEPT: Youth Department

REPORTS TO: Divisional Youth Secretary (DYS)

FLSA CATEGORY: Exempt

STATUS TYPE: RFT

PAY GRADE: 207

PAY RANGE: $58,656 - $70,387

POSITION SUMMARY

Divisional Youth Director serves as the senior operational leader of the Youth Department, reporting directly to the Divisional Youth Secretary.

OUTCOMES

This position provides strategic oversight, leadership, and administrative management of youth and young adult ministries across the division. Supervises departmental staff, including the Divisional Youth Ministries Discipleship Director and the Divisional Young Adult Ministries Director, ensuring alignment with The Salvation Army's mission and territorial priorities. This role is central to cultivating a Christ-centered culture that promotes spiritual growth, discipleship, and leadership development in young people.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide strategic leadership and administrative oversight for all youth and young adult programming across the division.
• Supervise departmental team members and oversee the planning and execution of major divisional events, including Youth Councils, summer camps, retreats, and training conferences.
• Lead the implementation and training of territorial initiatives such as the Youth Development Model, the Good Soil Initiative (GSI), and The Salvation Army Outdoors (TSAO).
• Maintain regular communication with corps youth leaders, supporting the effectiveness of local programming and leader development.
• Coordinate and monitor compliance and reporting for programs including Corps Cadets, Junior Soldiers, Sunday School, and Vacation Bible School.
• Develop and manage departmental systems for organizing digital and physical records of programming, attendance, resources, and reports.
• Draft and oversee internal and external communication materials including promotional content, reports, and correspondence.
• Assist the DYS with corps visit planning and leadership development efforts, with a focus on youth and young adult engagement.
• Support recruitment and mentorship efforts to encourage future officers and young adult leaders.
• Represent the department at divisional and territorial meetings and serve as liaison when designated by the Divisional Youth Secretary (DYS).

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports to the Divisional Youth Secretary (DYS).

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

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

This individual will be evaluated on how effectively and efficiently the outcomes of this position are achieved, as well as the timeliness, accuracy and completeness of accomplishing assigned goals.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree in education or related field preferred.
• Minimum 7-10 years of leadership experience in youth ministry or organizational leadership, preferably within The Salvation Army.

COMPETENCIES

• A committed Christian with a strong alignment to the mission and values of The Salvation Army.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and develop a team, manage multiple projects, and lead complex initiatives.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills, with keen attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with ministry-based databases.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility to travel throughout the division and work evenings/weekends as needed.
• Must pass background check and comply with Salvation Army child safety standards.

POSITION LIMITATIONS

• This individual will only commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
• This individual will keep the Divisional Youth Secretary (DYS) informed on all critical issues relating to her/his area of responsibility.
• This individual will adhere to all Army policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 25lbs. for event set up and transport of materials.
• Ability and willingness to travel within the division and occasionally beyond.
• This position is required to do light physical work. In order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment and PC.
• The work environment for this position includes an office and outside environment with a low to medium noise level.

THE SALVATION ARMY 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.