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Program Director

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory
United States, Illinois, Chicago
May 16, 2026

THE SALVATION ARMY

NORTH & CENTRAL ILLINOIS DIVISION

Adele and Robert Stern Red Shield Community Center

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Program Director

LOCATION/DEPT: Adele and Robert Stern Red Shield Community Center

PEOPLE MANAGER: Yes

REPORTS TO (TITLE): Corps Officer

FLSA CATEGORY: Exempt

STATUS TYPE: RFT

PAY GRADE: 209

PAY RANGE: $72,850

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.

JOB SUMMARY

The Program Director will work with a team to provide coordination of services in the areas of recreation, education, community networking, and program marketing. This individual is responsible to ensure that the Adele and Robert Stern Red Shield Community Center is used to its full capacity, its programs are financially sustainable and the overall Corps' budget is fiscally sound. This position will also ensure that the mission of the Salvation Army is carried out in all community center programs and special events. All related duties will be performed with a spirit of excellence, in a professional manner and in accordance with Salvation Army policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Community Center



  1. Provide primary leadership of programs and service management in order to develop high quality programs within a sound fiscal structure and in-line with the Corps' mission and ministry objectives. This includes:

    1. Program operational needs.
    2. Purchasing, supply and equipment requirements.
    3. Staffing needs.
    4. Program evaluation and quality control.


  2. Diversify programs to meet age and ethnic demographics.

    1. Programming for pre-school, youth, teen, adult, senior, families, special needs.
    2. Offer programs that celebrate cultural diversity.
    3. Programming will be offered in the areas of Sports, Fitness, Cultural Arts, Outdoor Recreation, General Programs, and Special Events.


  3. Provide 3-5 new or improved classes or programs each program season; followed by ongoing program development and program maintenance.
  4. Develop/update annually both short and long term outlines for program and service priorities. Included in this will be to identify required staff, funding and fees.
  5. Develop program and fees in line with the fee continuum pyramid.

    1. Assist in the development of a formal fee policy which will guide program and service fee determinations.
    2. Lead the development and execution of membership growth strategies, ensuring strong recruitment, retention, and overall community engagement.
    3. Design, implement, and evaluate high quality programs, membership, and fitness experiences that align with organizational goals, meet community needs, and promote a welcoming, inclusive environment.


  6. Ensure maintenance and inventory of gym and community center equipment and supplies.

    1. Report all facility problems to Corps Officers.
    2. Ensure attractive appearance and cleanliness of the facility.
    3. Establish an on-going preventative maintenance program for assigned areas.
    4. Replace equipment and order supplies as budgeted and with CO's approval.




Community Outreach



  1. Oversee all marketing efforts for the center.

    1. Create and distribute a recreation program brochure (Summer/Fall/Winter-Spring).
    2. Manage all online information to ensure current promotional materials.
    3. Update information monitors, outside electronic sign, and in house bulletin boards.


  2. Partner and network with other agencies and program providers.

    1. Prevent program or service duplication.
    2. Identify opportunities for other agencies to use our space to create revenue.


  3. Represent the Salvation Army events at public gatherings including local schools, churches, other organizations and agencies.


Oversight and Administration



  1. Provide leadership in ensuring the development of sound programming.

    1. Comprehensive programs are offered in sports, fitness and health (including leagues, tournaments, classes and organized activities and rentals.).
    2. Identify and develop innovative service programs such as after school, day camp and home school programs.
    3. Evaluate program effectiveness in light of ministry and fiscal objectives.
    4. Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.


  2. Give oversight and supervision to the Corps Community Center team and volunteers.

    1. Ensure all positions are recruited and hired in accordance with policies, procedures, and child safety guidelines (Safe from Harm).
    2. Ensure that staff and volunteers are trained and supervised in a way that results in a motivated team focused on program and ministry objectives.

      1. Provide feedback on performance of duties.
      2. Ensure everyone receive training on customer service.


    3. Provide direction to staff in building maintenance/cleaning/safety and risk management.

      1. Maintain a safe working environment through training of staff and maintenance of equipment.


    4. Ensure effective staff scheduling that provides appropriate service and coverage levels.


  3. Other Duties.

    1. Provide timely responses.
    2. Check lotus notes correspondence and voice messages frequently. Return messages within the day, no later than 24 hours of receipt.
    3. Be present at all staff meetings.
    4. Assist with statistical reporting.
    5. Teach and/or assist in Bible lessons /studies
    6. All other duties as assigned.




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: An Associates or Bachelor's Degree in Recreation or Child Development; comparable experience considered.

Experience:



  • 2 years experience in a similar position including program development and community interaction.
  • Valid Driver's license/MVR clearance.


Skills/Abilities:



  • Willing to promote the mission of The Salvation Army.
  • The demonstrated ability to manage projects, priorities, and staff or volunteers in a constantly changing environment.
  • A willingness to learn and understand other perspectives.
  • The ability to multi-task while keeping a strong awareness of deadlines.
  • An understanding of effective community center ministry, especially in cross cultural and urban environments.
  • Effective written and oral communication skills, especially in public presentations.


JOB LIMITATIONS



  • This individual will only commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
  • This individual will keep the Corps Officer and other pertinent staff members informed on all critical issues relating to their area of responsibility.
  • This individual will not fail to accurately represent the teachings or position statements of The Salvation Army or use this position to pursue self-interests or those of outside groups or individuals
  • This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT



  • 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 participate in community center activities.
  • Must be able to use standard office equipment and a PC, as well as lift or move up to 50lbs.
  • The work environment for this position includes a community center environment with a moderate to high noise level.
  • Must be able to drive and walk stairs.
  • Maintain positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors. This would include but not be limited to such actions: resolution of conflicts in a positive manner; courteous treatment of staff, clients and visitors; respect of others' property and person, professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors and subordinates. Support the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every donor, contact and colleague with respect and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind.


COMPENTENCIES:



  • An interpersonal style that engages people from diverse backgrounds and builds understanding and trust.
  • A communication and management style that display the principles and values of the Army as well as fosters team relationships and effectively communicates information.
  • The ability to anticipate and respond to issues in a positive and timely manner; using the best judgment.
  • A growing knowledge of the history of the Salvation Army, its mission and structure as well as its services, policies, and procedures.


PERFORMANCE MEASURMENTS

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

Timeliness and accuracy of accomplishing assigned goals will be reviewed and an evaluation of how effectively service is provided will be reviewed.

A 30, 60, and 90-day performance review will be conducted.

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENT

This position has an essential role in fulfilling the full mission of The Salvation Army. Because of the integral nature of this responsibility, active attendance and membership in the Salvation Army Englewood Red Shield Corps worship activities is required.

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