Assistant Program Director

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory • Chicago, IL

3d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• Minimum Associate’s degree with 2 years’ experience or 5 years’ experience working with children and adolescents. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience working with at-risk or diverse youth populations.
• 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

Nice To Haves

• Experience with basic social media is preferred

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision, hearing, disability and life insurance, flexible spending accounts, 403(b) retirement accounts, a company-funded defined contribution (pension) plan and generous time off policies.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree