South Bend Kroc Center - Education Lead

Help Students Learn, Create, and Thrive

Turn your passion for education into meaningful experiences for children in your community.

The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center is seeking an organized, encouraging, and dependable Education Lead to support our youth education programs. In this role, you will coordinate daily program needs, prepare engaging lessons, support counselors, communicate with families, and help create a safe and welcoming environment where students can learn and grow.

Starting Pay: $15.00 per hour

Position Type: Part-time, 29 hours per week

The Salvation Army Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary

The Education Lead supports the successful operation of youth education programs by preparing program spaces, coordinating staff schedules, developing educational activities, and ensuring counselors have the resources needed to provide engaging and rewarding experiences.

This position builds positive relationships with students, families, and staff while helping maintain a welcoming environment that reflects The Salvation Army’s mission. The Education Lead uses responsive classroom practices to promote respectful behavior, student participation, and a positive program culture.

The successful candidate will be able to manage multiple priorities, work independently, provide day-to-day leadership, and collaborate effectively with others.

What You Will Do

• Prepare counselor schedules at least two weeks in advance, ensuring adequate program coverage while keeping counselors within their 19-hour weekly limits.
• Provide coverage for Afterschool STEAM University, Homeschool STEAM University, School’s Out Day Camp, Summer Specialty Camps, and other education programs when staffing shortages occur.
• Help ensure required Safe From Harm staffing ratios are maintained.
• Assist with training and guiding counselors regarding program expectations, responsibilities, classroom practices, and student safety.
• Provide counselors with the materials and resources needed for daily programming, including radios, attendance sheets, schedules, name tags, lesson materials, and supplies.
• Create lesson plans when programming gaps or staff absences occur, including weekly science, technology, engineering, and math activities for Afterschool STEAM University.
• Prepare, clean, and organize student program areas, including the Digital Arts Room, Art Room, Arts and Education Closet, and Music Room.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with parents and guardians regarding student needs, behavior concerns, program expectations, and account balances.
• Track student attendance for Afterschool STEAM University, Homeschool STEAM University, School’s Out Day Camp, Fine Arts classes, and other assigned programs.
• Maintain accurate attendance records daily or no later than the end of each week.
• Monitor student behavior agreements signed by parents and students and help reinforce Kroc Center expectations.
• Coordinate snack orders and restock program supplies.
• Complete other related duties as assigned by leadership.

Minimum Qualifications

The qualifications below represent the education, experience, skills, and abilities generally needed to perform this position successfully.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in education, youth development, ministry, organizational leadership, or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• At least two years of related experience in education, youth programming, ministry, organizational leadership, or a similar setting.
• Previous experience providing staff guidance, program leadership, or supervision is preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered if it provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the role successfully.

Certifications and Other Requirements

• Must successfully complete a background check. All results will be reviewed in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and maintain The Salvation Army’s driver qualification standards.
• Must complete Safe From Harm and CPR training within the first 30 days of employment.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively in English with students, families, staff, leadership, and community partners.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs and the ability to learn electronic scheduling and reporting systems.
• Ability to build positive, energetic, and professional relationships with students, staff, members, and community organizations.
• Ability to work with people of different ages, backgrounds, and abilities in an educational and leadership capacity.
• Ability to work with customers, clients, members, and staff in a respectful and nonjudgmental manner.
• Strong organization, time-management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and adjust to changing program needs.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while contributing positively to a team.
• Ability to lead groups of students and provide day-to-day guidance to program counselors.

Leadership Responsibility

This position does not have formal direct reports but provides day-to-day program leadership, scheduling support, training, and guidance to education counselors.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements listed below represent those generally needed to perform the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to speak, hear, and see sufficiently to communicate effectively and supervise program activities.
• Manual dexterity necessary to prepare materials and use program equipment.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to bend, squat, walk, and move throughout program areas.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.

Work Environment and Travel

Work is primarily performed in classrooms, program spaces, and office settings. This position regularly interacts with children, families, and staff in an active youth-program environment.

Some travel may be required.

Qualifications

At The Salvation Army Kroc Center, your work is more than a job. It is an opportunity to use your skills, talents, and heart for service to make a lasting difference in the lives of children, families, and individuals in our community. The Salvation Army is one of the largest charitable organizations in the United States and is an international, mission-driven organization rooted in Biblical principles and dedicated to helping people in need.

Kroc Center employees may be eligible for a flexible work schedule, free or discounted membership opportunities, local employee discounts, and paid college tuition through Indiana Wesleyan University. Eligible employees can take online courses toward a variety of degree programs at no cost to them.

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who are returning to the workforce, U.S. Veterans, people with disabilities, individuals who have been impacted by the justice system, and those without a college degree are encouraged to apply.