Job Title: Youth Director (Al-Taqwa Islamic Center of Kansas City)
Position Summary:
The Youth Director will be working under the direction and supervision of the Executive Director to help youth activities, cultivation, retention, and programming with the support of a volunteer base that is developed by the deputy Imam. Programming may include educational classes, special activities and events designed to attract youth of the Muslim community of Kansas City and surrounding areas. The Youth Director under the supervision of the Executive Director is responsible for providing youth with a comprehensive and balanced program offering focusing on youth empowerment and leadership, religious education, recreation, civic engagement, and relationship building.
Education & Experience Requirements:
- Must have attained at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited North American college or University and similarly also have Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Education or equivalent experience delivering Dawah.
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- Minimum of 3 years related training and experience working with Muslim youth in North America, including the conception, planning, and implementation of programs for the Muslim youth.
Goals of this Role:
- Establish valuable connection with the masjid and the non-masjid going youth via different avenues such as community events, high school events and sports activities.
- Create a focus on three main categories: Educational, Recreational and Outreach. Everything should be based on the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet PBUH.
- Help in creating a youth friendly culture at the Center and empower youth to feel ownership of their mosque and the center.
- Attend and be in touch with the interpersonal, social, and cultural needs of our community’s youth.
Essential Tasks:
With financial and volunteer help, the Youth Director is to serve as the day-to-day programs’ coordinator for the community’s youth (10 – 25 years old). Duties will include conceiving, planning, managing, and implementing creative and effective programs for the community’s youth, including soliciting, maintaining, and following through on feedback under the direction and the supervision of leadership of the Masjid.
- Solicit and connect with the community members for successful implementation of the Youth program.
- Lead the Youth Mentoring program for both genders. Ikhtilat (free mixing) between males and female youth should be avoided.
- Assist The executive director with weekly halaqas (study circles, classes, and/or talks). Ensure consistent and a high level of participation through effective communication with the halaqa participants.
- Responds appropriately to all inquiries, referencing/utilizing/coordinating with Imam, regarding Islamic matters and issues that are raised by the community’s youth.
- Coordinate activities with Masjid youth group.
Skills, and Abilities, the Youth Director must possess the following qualities:
- Must have an approachable & youth friendly personality with hands on approach to youth programs for both genders.
- Should be a motivator, mentor, and a leader for the youth in helping them to become contributing members of our society.
- Should have strong and positive morals that model the character of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
- Should have sufficient knowledge and understanding of the Qur’an and the Sunnah.
- Should have a good understanding of Islamic history and important Islamic personalities.
- Must be able to effectively communicate with various age groups in the community.
- Must have the ability to be tolerant and calm, specifically in difficult and stressful situations.
- Must have the ability to mitigate differences and have a favorable personality to cohesively work with the Muslim Community.
- Must have good organizational skills and be able effectively plan, organize, and execute youth programs.
- Must be fluent in the English language, oral and written. Somali and Arabic fluency is a plus.
Administrative:
Help the Executive Director to develop an operational and strategic plan which contains the following: Measurable outcomes for recruiting and retaining youth.
Measurable outcomes for developing faith, knowledge, self-esteem, and life-skills of youth. Sunnah is essential along with avoiding affiliations to any religious or political sects or banners.
Process on how to integrate youth into the larger community without specific affiliation to religious groups.
Process on how youth can be active in the community through service and membership.
Outline of gender specific activities and programming as appropriate and applicable
Create and maintain a youth database which tracks all program participant attendance.
Logistics:
Submit monthly reports to the deputy the executive director and hold regular office hours at the Masjid.
Meet with the Executive Director monthly to discuss progress and receive feedback and suggestions.
Participate in trainings and conferences to further professional development.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.
Annual salary: Open to negotiation with Executive Director