Junior High Youth Program Director
Location: Orange County Islamic Foundation – 23581 Madero, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Employment Type: Part time (flexible hours; heavy emphasis on Friday evenings and weekends)
Reports to: Executive Director / Resident Imam
Position Overview
The Junior High Youth Program Director serves as the primary mentor, organizer, and leader for the pre-teens (ages 11–13). The primary goal of this role is to foster an inclusive, safe, and engaging environment that connects youth to the masjid, strengthens their Muslim identity, and cultivates spiritual, personal, and social growth in accordance with Islamic tradition, the Quran and Sunnah.
Key Responsibilities
- Programming & Mentorship
- Spiritual & Educational: Develop and lead engaging weekly study circles (halaqahs), youth discussions, and workshops on faith, character, and real-world challenges faced by Muslim youth.
- Recreational & Social: Organize sports tournaments, outdoor trips, game nights, retreats, and social gatherings to build strong brotherhood and sisterhood.
- Leadership & Service: Empower youth ownership of masjid initiatives, community service projects, and civic engagement.
- Relationship Building & Counseling
- Serve as an approachable, empathetic mentor and trusted confidant for youth seeking spiritual and personal guidance.
- Foster strong relationships with parents, maintaining open communication and helping bridge understanding between youth and their families.
- Engage with the broader community and city events.
- Administration & Coordination
- Manage the youth program budget, program schedules, and events logistics.
- Reach out to and collaborate with subject-matter expert speakers on relevant topics.
- Lead and support a team of volunteers, assistants, and instructors.
- Oversee digital outreach and communication channels (WhatsApp groups, social media platforms, email newsletters) to keep families informed.
- Coordinate closely with the Resident Imam and the Executive Director to ensure alignment with the Masjid’s overall vision and Islamic guidelines.
Required Qualifications & Skills
Islamic & Ethical Standards
- Solid, foundational knowledge of essential Islamic studies (Quran, Sunnah, Fiqh of daily life) with the ability to contextualize teachings for youth living in the West.
- Demonstrates high moral character (Akhlaq) and serves as a positive role model in speech, conduct, and practice.
- Deep understanding of the unique social, cultural, and mental health realities facing Western Muslim youth.
Education & Experience
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Youth Development, Social Work, Education, Islamic Studies, Psychology, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
- Experience: Minimum of 2–3 years of hands-on experience working directly with youth (e.g., MSA leadership, Islamic summer camps, youth counseling, teaching, or non-profit community work).
Soft Skills & Technical Competencies
- Communication: Exceptional public speaking, active listening, and conflict-resolution skills. Fluent in English (fluency in Arabic, Urdu, or other community languages is a plus).
- Tech-Savvy: Proficient in social media management (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube), graphic design tools (Canva), and modern communication platforms (WhatsApp, telegram).
- Safety & Compliance: Must successfully pass a comprehensive background check and complete mandatory Child Safety & Protection Training.
Working Conditions & Physical Demands
- Requires flexible scheduling, including regular working hours on Friday afternoons/evenings, weekends, and occasional overnight retreats or field trips.
- Physical ability to participate in and supervise active recreational activities, sports, and outdoor trips.
To Apply:
Please submit your Resume, a cover letter explaining your background and why you are passionate about this position, and two references admin@ocif.org
