JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL DIRECTOR
Full-Time Position • Reports to: Executive Director
Position Success Profile
The Junior High School Director position is successful when junior high students and their families experience measurable growth in academic achievement, spiritual formation, emotional resilience, and a deep sense of belonging and hope through the ministry of Hope for Opelousas. Love Changes Everything.
Success is evidenced by:
Students demonstrating consistent academic improvement, strong study habits, and successful transition into high school programming.
Students growing in their personal faith, biblical understanding, and application of Christian character in daily life.
Students and families experiencing the Director as a trusted mentor and counselor who offers wise, compassionate, one-on-one guidance during academic, emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges.
Strong, collaborative partnerships with parents who feel equipped and supported in raising their children.
A well-trained, relationally invested team of Agents of Hope, who effectively serve students while growing in their own leadership and faith.
Program operations that are well-organized, data-informed, budget-conscious, and seamlessly integrated with the broader Hope for Opelousas mission and programming.
Key Responsibilities
Student Discipleship, Mentoring & One-on-One Counsel
Facilitate regular one-on-one and group mentoring and biblical counseling conversations with students, offering personalized guidance, encouragement, and support for academic pressures, family challenges, emotional struggles, peer relationships, and spiritual questions.
Create safe, relational environments (both individual and small group) where students feel heard, valued, and able to process life’s challenges from a biblical perspective.
Prepare and teach engaging biblical lessons, character development studies, and small group discussions that address the real-life issues junior high students face.
Invest deeply and personally in students’ lives by attending their sporting events, school performances, birthday celebrations, and other meaningful milestones.
Partner with parents to identify needs and develop collaborative plans that support each student’s mental, spiritual, and academic growth.
When appropriate, connect families with additional professional counseling resources or support services while maintaining the primary relational and spiritual care role.
Tutoring Program Management
Develop and maintain an annual program plan and calendar that effectively addresses the educational needs of junior high students.
Manage student rosters, maintain accurate data tracking systems, and regularly communicate progress with parents, students, and teachers.
Recruit, hire, train, and supervise support staff, Agents of Hope, and volunteers who assist with tutoring sessions.
Conduct regular grade checks, academic evaluations, and arrange meetings with parents, students, and teachers as needed.
Design and implement study skills workshops and coordinate meaningful summer enrichment programs.
Uphold program expectations and maintain a positive, disciplined learning environment.
Extracurricular Activities & Agents of Hope Leadership
Plan and implement engaging extracurricular activities, guest speaker events, service projects, and team-building experiences.
Recruit, hire, train, and provide ongoing relational investment, guidance, and support to Agents of Hope.
Partner closely with the High School Director to prepare Agents of Hope for advanced development opportunities including ACT training, college application assistance, and college tours.
Build a leadership pipeline that develops mature, service-oriented young leaders who effectively minister to younger students.
Parent & Family Partnership
Maintain consistent, warm, and proactive communication with parents, seeking opportunities to offer encouragement, support, resources, and mentorship.
Track parent interactions and family needs to ensure no family falls through the cracks and to inform holistic support strategies.
Program Administration, Collaboration & Organizational Participation
Collaborate with other HFO directors on shared resources, curriculum alignment, tools, and cross- program initiatives.
Supervise, mentor, and guide summer interns and volunteers assigned to the junior high program.
Manage the program budget with integrity, foresight, and alignment to organizational priorities.
Actively participate in HFO fundraising events, community outreach, and mission team hosting as
needed.
Participate in Kids Across America summer camp and other HFO programming as available and
appropriate.
Qualifications & Requirements
Required
Mature, personal faith in Jesus Christ and a clear calling to minister to junior high students and their families in a faith-based setting.
Bachelor’s degree in Education, Youth Ministry, Counseling, Social Work, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and significant relevant experience).
Minimum of three (3) years of direct experience working with middle school / junior high youth in an educational, mentoring, coaching, or ministry context.
Proven ability to build authentic relationships with adolescents and to provide wise, compassionate one-on-one counsel and spiritual guidance.
Strong organizational, administrative, and data-management skills with attention to detail.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with both youth and adults.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while exercising initiative and ownership over the junior high program.
Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and ability to pass a comprehensive background check.
Preferred
Experience in a faith-based nonprofit, church youth ministry, or similar relational ministry environment.
Experience developing or leading tutoring/academic support programs.
Training or coursework in adolescent development, biblical counseling, or trauma-informed care.
Experience with summer camp programming or outdoor adventure ministry.
Physical Requirements & Work Environment
This is an active, relational ministry position that requires the Director to be physically and emotionally present with students in a variety of settings. Reasonable accommodations will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Ability to actively participate with students in both classroom settings and dynamic physical activities including games, sports, outdoor events, and camp programming.
Ability to lift, carry, and set up program materials, supplies, and equipment weighing up to 40 lbs on an occasional basis.
Ability to stand, walk, and remain active and engaged for extended periods during events, tutoring sessions, and camp activities.
Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive for local/regional travel including student transportation (when authorized), college tours, events, and camp.
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and occasional overnight stays for camp, retreats, and special events.
Comfort and stamina to thrive in both indoor academic environments and outdoor/recreational settings common to youth ministry and summer camp.
Compensation
$35,000–$45,000 annually, depending on education, relevant experience, and qualifications. Includes benefits package (details provided during interview).
To Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume, a cover letter describing your personal faith journey and your passion for ministering to junior high students and families, and three professional references to the Executive Director (loren@hopeforopelousas.org). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Hope for Opelousas Inc. is a faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing hope and transformation to the Opelousas community through youth development, family support, and the love of Christ. Love Changes Everything.