Director of Student Ministries

Position Summary: The Director of Student Ministries serves as a spiritual mentor, organizer, and leader within the corps, dedicated to guiding students and young adults in their faith journey while fostering a vibrant community of discipleship, service and community outreach. This role oversees youth programs, Bible studies and special events while coordinating volunteers, managing administrative tasks, and partnering with corps officers to strengthen student ministries and encourage future church leadership.

Essential Responsibilities:

Relationships:

* Develop and maintain relationships with students by providing spiritual support and direction through youth fellowship programs

* Provide a method of individual visits with young people to determine their spiritual status, areas of interest and personal goals for the future. Discipleship leading to encourage soldiership (church membership), as well as officership or local officership to the students

* Work with the Community Center Director and Character Building leaders for outreach and evangelism to unchurched students involved in these programs

* Interface with corps officers, program leaders and other employees, community activity groups and program participants

* Keep in contact with college students and young adults through communication such as emails, texts, cards, care packages, communicating prayer requests and updates to officers and congregation

Leadership:

* Recruit and coordinate parents and volunteers needed to support the student ministries of the corps

* In conjunction with the YPSM, develop, schedule and chair the Youth Pastoral Care Council to meet at least 2 times per year

* Maintain contact with all youth leaders involved in corps youth work and encourage and develop new leadership training/mentorship of leaders

Activities:

* Work closely with the YPSM and other youth leaders to plan the calendar for each year being sure to obtain a balance in each of the ministry areas listed in basic functions

* Provide leadership for corps Student Ministry programs

* Oversee and communicate with the volunteer leaders for Youth Night Activities

* Plan for youth participation in camps, mission events, retreats, community events, divisional events and other spiritual growth activities

* Conduct a regular Bible Study for college students and young adults (career)

* Plan and communicate special events, fellowships, trips, leadership training, camps and job opportunities within The Salvation Army for college students and young adults (career)

* Provide support and leadership for divisional youth events. Responsible for arranging leadership as well as transportation details in keeping with the Safe From Harm requirements

* Participate as a member of the day camp staff as appropriate and needed (approved by the Corps Officer)

Administrative:

* Prepare a Student Ministries Calendar of events

* Handle all correspondence relating to Royal Oak Citadel student ministries

* Responsible for recording and processing information relative to statistics and finances of the youth groups

* Organize fundraisers for special projects and trips

* Attend staff meetings and other meetings as requested

* Serve as a member of Corps Council

* Be involved in conferences and other youth-related opportunities (as approved by the Corps Officer) for education and growth, and encourage other leaders to do the same

* Meet with the Corps Officer on a regular basis to keep him/her informed of the student activities and ministry

Additional Responsibilities:

* Perform other duties as assigned

* Uniform wearing Salvationist and become a soldier of the Royal Oak Salvation Army Corps

Qualifications:

Education/Experience:

* Bachelor's degree in youth or ministry related field; or equivalent combination of education and practical experience in Christian ministry and youth work

* Demonstrate an active faith in Jesus Christ, as well as ongoing personal spiritual development

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

* Effective communication across diverse age groups (students, young adults, parents, church leadership)

* Ability to maintain strict confidentiality

* Compassion and cultural sensitivity in ministry outreach and counseling for spiritual guidance

* Ability to lead a Bible Study

* Creativity in developing youth activities and fellowships

Computer Skills:

* Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 and other productivity tools

* Working knowledge of TEAMS and SharePoint

* Experience with social media platforms

* Willingness to learn new software as needed

Certificates and Licenses:

* Complete Safe From Harm train the trainer, and keep current as needed

* Must have and maintain a current valid driver's license and pass the Salvation Army Motor Vehicle Record check (MVR)