Under the direction of the Executive Director of Youth & Family Services, the Gurnee Teen Center Director has the administrative and supervisory responsibility for the operations of the Teen Center.  This includes management of all full and part-time staff and volunteer staff of the Teen Center.   The Director is responsible for establishing, implementing and directing all aspects of programming, services, new student enrollment, staff training, budget and community relations as they pertain to the Teen Center.  

This is a full-time salaried, exempt position requiring some late afternoon/evening attendance and occasional weekends for events.   The Teen Center is currently open:

• During the school year:  Mon.-Thurs. until 7 p.m.; Fri. until 6 p.m.
• During the summer:  Mon.-Fri. until 6 p.m.

Job Specifications

Minimum Education, Experience, and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Recreation and Park Management, Human Services, Education, or related field; or 8+ years managing/directing a Teen Center, Parks & Recreation department, or similar organization.
• Two or more years working with teens, middle school and older, required.
• Minimum of two years of direct people management required (e.g., performance/salary reviews).  Budget management experience strongly preferred.
• Ability to work evenings a must; occasional weekends may be required for field trips.
• Strong computer skills required (Microsoft 365 preferred); experience with graphic design software, 3D printer and other technology helpful. 
• American Red Cross First Aid/CPR certification, or the ability to obtain within 2 months of hire, required.
• At least 25 years of age with valid Illinois, Wisconsin or Indiana Driver’s License along with a driving record acceptable to the Township’s insurance carrier.  Ability and willingness to drive 10- or 15-person Township bus required.  In addition, must complete and pass a Department of Transportation physical, pass a criminal background check, motor vehicle driving record and FTA drug test as well as successfully complete a Pace 1-2 day training program.
• Ability and willingness to pass comprehensive background investigation and be a DCFS mandated reporter.
• Must complete Food Handling Certification through Lake County Health Department within 6 months of hire.
  

   Please send resumes to HR@warrentownship.net.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise all Teen Center programming and related functions, including, but not limited to, youth activities, staff development, community relations and marketing of programs and activities.
• Plan, recommend and implement programs for the Teen Center which serve both recreational and emotional needs of teens.
• Supervise and train staff, volunteers, interns and any professional staff involved with Teen Center programs or activities.
• Conduct performance and salary reviews for paid staff.
• Maintain cooperative and effective relations with existing and emerging community social service agencies, schools, municipalities and their officials, law enforcement and media.
• Develop and maintain open communication with parents of Teen Center members and community at large.
• Make referrals for counseling needs, including to Warren Township services as well as other appropriate community resources.
• Participate and speak at various community organizations, functions and meetings regarding youth-related topics and issues, as well as promote the programs at the Teen Center.
• Participate in special events including dances, camping and intergenerational activities.
• Create and recommend an annual budget to the Township Supervisor.  Update/revise budget recommendations for mid-year review.  Report budget updates to Township Supervisor and/or elected officials, as requested.

• Resolve escalated Teen Center issues.  Contact parents as needed.
• Ensure equipment at the Teen Center is functioning and safe.
• Coach or assist with homework, if requested.
• Procure snacks and inventory for concessions and programs.
• Responsible for all documentation and transfer of money collected from programs and concessions.  Submit deposits to specified Township agent.
• Prepare status reports as it relates to the attendance, publicity, staff/volunteer, activities, programs and development of the Teen Center.
• Plan, organize and direct public relations and marketing efforts within the community to create awareness and highlight Teen Center activities, programs and services.
• Develop and direct fundraising events to help subsidize and defray cost for various Teen Center programs when required.
• Attend Director and/or supervision meetings, as requested.
• Maintain up to date and effective communication regarding all aspects of Teen Center operations.
• Recommend park bans to Township Board.
• Attend local in-service trainings and/or workshops and conferences relating to adolescent issues, recreation programming and management.
• Apply and maintain active membership in any required licensing and professional organizations.  Adhere to membership standards.
• Assist with other duties as needed.

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and with written materials.  Bilingual Spanish a plus.
• Ability to initiate projects and programs.
• Experience working with low-income and minority youth and families.
• Sufficient knowledge, demeanor, and skill to deal with individuals and situations in a sensitive and mature manner, and ability to coach staff in these areas.
• Experience in circumstances requiring the ability to maintain the safety of youth in tandem with upholding positive community relations.
• Ability to coordinate work with various sectors of the community in order to serve and meet the needs of youth in the Township.
• A solid knowledge of confidentiality laws as they pertain to Teen Center members and Warren Township Youth Services clients.  Understanding of Illinois Mandated Reporter laws and responsibilities.
• Ability to be physically active as it relates to Teen Center recreational and youth activities.  
• Ability to work in unstructured settings and situations.  Application of innovative techniques, flexible attitude and imagination combined with solid leadership skills.
• Knowledge of Illinois municipal and civic structure helpful.
• Experience managing staff, including recruiting new staff, performance reviews, salary recommendations and conduct reports.

Job Specifications

Minimum Education, Experience, and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Recreation and Park Management, Human Services, Education, or related field; or 8+ years managing/directing a Teen Center, Parks & Recreation department, or similar organization.
• Two or more years working with teens, middle school and older, required.
• Minimum of two years of direct people management required (e.g., performance/salary reviews).  Budget management experience strongly preferred.
• Ability to work evenings a must; occasional weekends may be required for field trips.
• Strong computer skills required (Microsoft 365 preferred); experience with graphic design software, 3D printer and other technology helpful. 
• American Red Cross First Aid/CPR certification, or the ability to obtain within 2 months of hire, required.
• At least 25 years of age with valid Illinois, Wisconsin or Indiana Driver’s License along with a driving record acceptable to the Township’s insurance carrier.  Ability and willingness to drive 10- or 15-person Township bus required.  In addition, must complete and pass a Department of Transportation physical, pass a criminal background check, motor vehicle driving record and FTA drug test as well as successfully complete a Pace 1-2 day training program.
• Ability and willingness to pass comprehensive background investigation and be a DCFS mandated reporter.
• Must complete Food Handling Certification through Lake County Health Department within 6 months of hire.
  

 Please send resumes to HR@warrentownship.net.  

 Warren Township is an equal opportunity employer committed to complying with all laws and regulations related to equal employment       opportunities.  The Township does not base employment on an individual’s race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, age, sex, citizenship, veteran status, marital status, parental status, disability, or perceived disability.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Working conditions are normal for an office as well as an outdoor environment.   The physical and mental demands are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. May be required to sit, stand, run, squat or walk for extended periods.  May be required to participate in indoor or outdoor activities, including sports, gardening, playground, food preparation/grilling. Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer, stamina to maintain attention to detail despite interruptions; strength to lift up to 40 pounds; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.