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

• Support social media and public relations for The Salvation Army Harbor Light Community Center and The Salvation Army Freedom Center in collaboration with site leadership and divisional communication guidelines.
• Assist with developing and posting approved program highlights, photos, stories, and announcements that reflect the mission and values of The Salvation Army.
• Promote youth programs, mentoring initiatives, special events, and community activities through approved communication channels.
• Ensure all media, photographs, and stories follow The Salvation Army brand standards, media consent requirements, and youth protection policies.
• Assist with collecting program success stories, testimonials, and outcomes for use in reports, community outreach, and public engagement.

Compliance, Safety, and Documentation

• Ensure adherence to all Salvation Army policies, youth protection standards, and site procedures.
• Maintain accurate attendance records, mentoring documentation, and incident reports.
• Uphold all Safe from Harm policies.
• Assist the Program Director with program data collection and reporting for internal, funding, and accreditation purposes.

Additional Duties

• Assist with family engagement activities, outreach events, and seasonal programming.
• Maintain professional and appropriate communication with parents, guardians, and caregivers.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director or Harbor Light Leadership.

OTHER DUTIES

• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Education: Minimum Associate's degree with 2 years' experience or 5 years' experience working with children and adolescents. Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Experience: Experience working with at-risk or diverse youth populations. Experience with basic social media is preferred

Skills/Abilities

• A demonstrated ability to manage staff, projects, priorities and programs in a constantly changing environment.
• An interpersonal style that builds significant relationships with staff within the community center.
• A commitment to supporting the work of the Army.
• Exceptional leadership, communication and relationship building skills

JOB LIMITATIONS

• This individual will only commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
• This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position. The individual will keep the Program Director informed of all critical issues relating to their area of responsibility.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position is required to do light physical work.
• To successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment including a PC.
• The work environment for this position includes an office environment with a moderate to high noise level.
• Ability to stand, walk, and participate in indoor and outdoor activities for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 25lbs.

COMPETENCIES

• Maintain a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors.
• Ability to supervise youth, staff, and volunteers in a structured environment.
• Ability to actively engage with youth in classroom, recreational, and group settings.
• Resolve conflicts in a positive manner.
• Treat staff, clients, and visitors with courtesy.
• Respect others' property and people.
• Use professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors and subordinates.
• Support the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every contact and colleague with respect and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• This position reports to the Program Director.
• This position supervises program staff and volunteers.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

• Achievement of annual and long-term goals.

POSITION LIMITATIONS

• The individual will only commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
• The individual will keep the Program Director informed of all critical issues relating to their area of responsibility.
• This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.

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.