Job Posting: Youth Director / Youth Imam

Date: October 2024
Position: Youth Director \ Youth Imam

The Mecca Center invites passionate and qualified candidates to apply for the integral position of
Youth Director and Youth Imam.

The Mecca Center is a large, diverse and inclusive Islamic center located in Willowbrook, Illinois,
serving the Muslim community of the Southwest and Western Suburbs of Chicago. The Mecca Center
was founded on a comprehensive and inclusive understanding of Islam based on the noble principles
outlined in the Quran and exemplified in the Sunnah. The Center’s programs, activities and services
are designed to develop the spirit, mind and a sense of civic responsibility in our community’s
members.

We believe in fostering an exemplary community that thrives on unity, diversity, and spiritual
growth. As the Youth Director and Assistant Imam, you will play a pivotal role in advancing our
mission and contributing to the strategic direction of the Center.

Leading Youth Programs and Fostering a New Generation of Leaders

The principal focus of this position is to serve as the Youth Director of The Mecca Center. The Youth
Director is responsible for providing religious, educational, and spiritual guidance and services for
the youth through mentorship, program development and implementation, and organizational
leadership. Under the supervision of the Youth Committee Chair, the Youth Director will work
closely with the youth committee, youth program coordinators, and other staff and volunteers to
effectively facilitate the Center’s youth program (the “Mecca MVMT”).

Objectives:

Scope – Mecca MVMT is comprised of Youth and Young Professionals 12-30 Years old
To help youth initiate and develop their ideas, projects, programs, and activities
Provide a safe environment of acceptance and capture youth whereever they are in their
spiritual journey
Ensure our youth feel heard, welcomed, and empowered as future leaders
Nurture a core team of strategic thought leaders to help drive long-term vision
Collaborate with local organizations (religious or civic) to expand the reach of the Mecca
MVMT

Responsibilities:

Develop and implement an annual strategic and action plan for youth programming
Maintain and strengthen the Mecca MVMT infrastructure by scheduling team monthly
meetings, mentoring session with teams, and working with the MVMT Advisory Committee
Proactive supervision of youth programs and volunteers
Mentor and facilitate the spiritual growth of MVMT team leads, volunteers and participants
Develop curriculum for weekly youth programs
Host weekly office hours
Provide counseling and guidance to address the unique challenges faced by youth today
Facilitate and implement youth retreats/camps
Oversee social media and marketing of youth programs with the Communication Committee
Perform such other religious and spiritual services as needed, such as leading the janaza
prayer, visiting the sick and elderly, counseling families, youth, couples and those in grief;
etc., all in coordination with the Imams at TMC and the Religious Affairs Committee

Qualifications

Minimum 1-2 years of experience as a youth director, Imam or similar religious leadership
mentoring experience
Bachelor’s degree with a major in preferably Islamic Sciences, Sociology, Psychology, or
Islamic History.
Must have strong knowledge and understanding of the Qur’an and the Sunnah, and a good
understanding of Islamic history and important Islamic personalities.
Experience working within diverse American Muslim communities
Raised in America, Canada, Australia, or the UK, with a deep understanding of the cultural
context and challenges faced by Muslim youth in western society.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to connect with youth on
a personal level.
Must be legally eligible to work in the United States
Compensation and Benefits:
Competitive base salary of a minimum of $60,000 and upwards commensurate with
experience and qualifications
Generous Ramadan and end-of-year performance-based bonuses
Health insurance
Moving expenses covered