Director of Campus Ministries

Overview

The Director of Campus Ministries (DCM) serves as the senior manager responsible for the comprehensive oversight, administration, and strategic direction of the Campus Ministry program at the College for Officer Training (CFOT). The DCM manages all ministry and care services for youth participants ranging from infants through high school seniors, ensuring a safe, structured, and spiritually formative environment. Operating under the supervision of the Director of Personnel, the DCM is accountable for the successful daily operation of childcare and youth programming, including daycare, afterschool, and youth ministry initiatives. The DCM ensures full compliance with all applicable licensing requirements, Salvation Army territorial policies, and KeepSAfe standards. Communication and direction to parents of all ages is provided by the DCM.

In addition to operational leadership, the DCM is responsible for developing and implementing a holistic vision for ministry that aligns with The Salvation Army’s mission. This includes cultivating a Christ-centered environment that supports the spiritual, emotional, and developmental needs of cadet families. The role integrates operational management, staff leadership, program development, and ministry execution to ensure both excellence in care and integrity in mission delivery.

Responsibilities

Ministry Oversight

· Collaborate with CM stakeholders to prepare and present a comprehensive ministry plan for review by CFOT leadership, incorporating feedback and strategic direction.

· Develop and implement ministry strategies and an environment in CM that advances The Salvation Army’s mission with all Campus Ministry stakeholders.

· Coordinate age-appropriate programming, including all ages from newborn to highschoolers, that cultivates a Christian environment for program participants.

· Support employees providing ministry programming, by providing direct instruction and leadership in Christian education and programming as appropriate.

· Collaborate with the ADCM to develop a ministry oversight plan to all ages.

· Foster an environment that reflects Biblical values.

· Provide pastoral support to all CM participants.

Operational Oversight

· Provide full operational leadership for all Campus Ministry programs.

· Ensure efficient and effective programming.

· Oversee program logistics, facility usage, and coordination with other CFOT departments as needed.

· Identify and resolve operational challenges.

· Ensure supervision and arrangements for scheduled field trips.

· Partner with parents and families to meet the needs of participants and address concerns privately, informing the Director of Personnel of all concerns.

· Lead all CM Parent Meetings in collaboration with the Director of Personnel.

· Carry out duties and tasks as assigned by the Director of Personnel.

Campus Ministries Administration

· Manage and maintain alignment within the Campus Ministries budget.

· Maintain timely submissions of all SmartData purchases.

· Support the school enrollment of all CM participants.

· Provide streamlined communication to all CM parents (newborn to high school) pertaining to ministry, program logistics, expectations, and overall CM vision.

· Create a monthly calendar to be shared with parents at the beginning of each month.

· Ensure all paperwork and handbooks are updated and shared annually for enrollment.

· Coordinate and create staff schedules to maintain required ratios and program continuity.

Staff Leadership and Supervision

· Observe, supervise, coach, and develop Campus Ministry staff.

· Ensure CM staff develop effective lesson preparation that is appropriately saved on a CM database.

· Lead staff meetings.

· Conduct performance evaluations for all CM staff on an annual basis, in collaboration with the ADCM.

· Foster a positive team culture.

· Address and mitigate employee conflicts in a caring and timely manner.

· Ensure all staff are properly trained and licensed as directed by state regulations.

Special Needs Support

· Offer support, availability, and resources to parents of children with special needs, maintaining a high level of professionalism and discretion in interactions.

· Conduct interviews with parents to gain a comprehensive understanding of each child’s educational and behavioral need, through respectful and empathetic conversations.

· Develop strategies, together with the parent and Lead Teacher, to best include every child with special needs in an integrated classroom.

· Provide resources, support, and further education as needed in Special Education to Lead Teachers, 1:1s and Assistant Teachers.

Compliance and Risk Management

· Ensure full compliance with all New York State licensing requirements.

· Maintain adherence to Salvation Army territorial policies, including KeepSAfe standards.

· Oversee documentation, inspection audits, and reporting requirements.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university and three to five years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Valid Driver’s License

Computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications

Strong communication skills

Ability to work independently

Professional acumen

Leadership and management capabilities

Bilingual (preferable)

Knowledge of the Christian Bible

Ability to teach youth Christian material and lessons

Ability to lead and participate in Christian worship

Program management and operational execution

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Conflict resolution