Grand Rapids Kroc Center - Youth Ministry and Mission Specialist

Position Summary: As the Youth Ministry and Mission Specialist, your primary focus will be to create engaging and missionally aligned moments for the youth in Kroc Church and the Kroc Corps Community Center. You will play a vital role in discipling young minds through Christ-centered learning opportunities, providing them with a safe and nurturing environment to grow and flourish in their faith. Your responsibilities will involve coordinating and overseeing all youth ministry and mission efforts, integrating these goals into various programs, trainings, relationships, and operational aspects.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Youth Ministry and Mission Programming
• Embrace and support the Salvation Army doctrine, mission, and practices.
• Foster strong relationships with both youth and adult leaders by actively participating in Salvation Army worship services and events.
• Develop and implement engaging programming for Sunday school, junior church, youth group, and mid-week activities.
• Collaborate closely with the Congregational Life Officer to create impactful and mission-oriented
• Provide leadership in developing, implementing, and monitoring a yearly youth ministry and mission plan and annual operating plan for youth ministry and mission initiatives, including a program calendar, age-appropriate discipleship pathway, measurable goals, program goals, staffing/volunteer plan, risk management considerations, and evaluation schedule aligned with the mission of Kroc Church and the Kroc Corps Community Center; recommend program expansions or modifications based on results.
• Exercise independent judgment to select, adapt, and implement curriculum, learning modalities, and outreach strategies that best meet the needs of youth while maintaining mission alignment.
• Develop and execute an annual youth outreach and communications strategy, ensuring effective promotion of programs through social media, weekly emails, church bulletins, and video loops during services, including targeted campaigns and evaluation of engagement metrics to inform program adjustments.
• Organize and prepare all necessary materials and resources for seamless class experiences.
• Uphold Safe from Harm protocols and promptly report any concerns to the appropriate supervisor; ensure Safe From Harm compliance for youth programming by verifying required training, background screening, supervision expectations, and documentation; coordinate timely reporting and corrective actions through the chain of command as needed.
• Safeguard all facilities, supplies, and equipment related to the Kroc Center, maintaining a comprehensive inventory and a safe working environment.
• Plan, manage, and monitor youth ministry program budgets and expenditures; make routine procurement decisions within approved limits, maintain required documentation, and provide budget updates and recommendations to leadership.
• Create and maintain an inviting atmosphere that encourages youth engagement.
• Stay updated with the latest trends, techniques, and best practices in youth mission ministries programs by engaging in various training seminars, staff meetings, and community gatherings to stay connected and informed.
• Establish and monitor measurable objectives and key performance indicators for youth ministry and mission programs (e.g., attendance, retention, volunteer engagement, and safety metrics); prepare periodic reports with analysis and recommendations.
• Conduct regular program evaluations (participant/parent feedback, volunteer debriefs, and outcome measures) and implement continuous improvement actions, including adjustments to curriculum, delivery methods, and schedules.

Kroc Corps Community Center

• Act as the Youth Ministry and Mission Integration ambassador for the Kroc Corps Community Center, fostering intentional connections with youth in all areas of the facility; lead cross-department coordination to integrate youth mission and discipleship opportunities throughout the facility; establish clear pathways for connection to Kroc Church programs and monitor participation trends to guide improvements.
• Integrate the mission of The Salvation Army into the daily activities and routines of the Kroc Corps Community Center, infusing Christ-centered values in all aspects.
• Represent Kroc Church and build relationships with youth during the summer Day Camp and larger community events.
• Partner with Day Camp leadership to design, implement, and evaluate faith-based components (devotions, character development, and service-learning) and to coordinate post-programs.
• Follow-up that supports retention and ongoing engagement.
• Collaborate with program volunteers to facilitate smooth transitions for children and families into Kroc Church programs and activities, fostering increased engagement with the Church.

Volunteer Coordination

• Train, oversee, and schedule volunteers for Sunday school, junior church, and youth group; recruit, screen, onboard, and assign volunteers; ensure completion of required Safe From Harm training and background screening; ensure appropriate placement based on program needs and risk considerations; provide day-to-day leadership for youth ministry volunteer leaders and mentors; delegate responsibilities, set expectations, and provide feedback to support program quality.
• Plan and participate in local staff recruitment fairs and potential participant resource fairs to attract dedicated volunteers.
• Provide day-to-day work directions for seasonal/temporary youth program staff or interns (as assigned), including training, task delegation, schedule coordination, and performance feedback, communicating staffing needs and recommendations to leadership.

Youth Ministry Program Administration and Leadership

• Cultivate partnerships with local schools and organizations to extend the reach of Kroc Church programming and mission initiatives; represent Kroc Church and the Kroc Corps Community Center through community partnerships that support youth development and programming (schools, nonprofits, and community groups), maintaining regular communication and coordinating joint events and outreach efforts.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records for youth participation, volunteers, and program outcomes; ensure timely and accurate reports, registrations, rosters, and documentation to support internal reporting and compliance requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Additional Responsibilities: As the Youth Ministry and Mission Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the spiritual growth of young individuals, fostering engagement through creative and purposeful programming, and ensuring the mission of The Salvation Army remains at the core of all activities. Your dedication and passion will inspire and empower the youth to embrace their faith and become active participants in the Kroc Church and Corps Community Center community.

Qualifications:

Education/Experience:

• Minimum two years experience working in children's programming or education required.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

• Maintain strict confidentiality
• Must be highly organized, motivated and a self-starter with the ability to multitask and be creative.

Computer Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365
• Working knowledge of TEAMS and SharePoint
• Experience working with Pro Presenter, Planning Center and Mac Products preferred.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Current CPR/AED/First Aid certification or must obtain within 45 days.
• Complete Safe From Harm training 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)

This position is a ministry position and requires the candidate to be a committed Christian and be in agreement with and supportive of The Salvation Army's mission, doctrines and practices.