Area Director: MN Valley - Minnesota

Young Life • Burnsville, MN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Young Life is seeking an Area Director for the MN Valley area in Minnesota. This role is responsible for leading and developing ministry efforts, including spiritual development, leadership development, resource development, direct ministry, and ministry support. The Area Director will partner with regional leadership and the local committee to cast vision, recruit and train leaders, manage finances, and ensure the effective proclamation of the Gospel through various Young Life programs. This is a full-time position with an intended start date of September 2026. The MN Valley area has a rich history of ministry, currently comprising seven clubs (four Young Life, two Wyldlife, and one Capernaum), a core group of committed leaders and adult support, and long-standing community and church relationships.

Requirements

• 1+ year of related ministry experience.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead teams.
• Proven leadership skills.
• Proven relational skills with both kids and adults.
• A call to reach kids with the Gospel.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Must complete Core Training - Phase One within 36 months of hire date.
• Must sign a Statement of Faith.
• Must profess a belief in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord.
• Must subscribe to the statements and policies required of all Young Life staff, including the Young Life Statement of Faith.
• During working and nonworking hours, shall be ready, willing and able to fulfill such ministry functions as may be required by the organization.
• During working and nonworking hours, shall refrain from conduct and statements that detract from the biblical standards taught and supported by Young Life.
• During working and nonworking hours, shall abide by all policies and practices of Young Life including, without limitation, those related to religious belief or ministry activities.

Nice To Haves

• College degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop a yearly personal growth plan that fosters a vibrant spiritual life including time for solitude, retreat, reflection, prayer and a sincere commitment to understanding God’s Word.
• Seek and maintain relationships and disciplines, in the context of active participation in a church community.
• Actively participate in the spiritual life of the Young Life community.
• Lead teams and individuals in spiritual development.
• Ensure that all Young Life ministry in the area, is designed and carried out with a dependence on prayer that takes place out of the overflow of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Partner with Regional director and Committee to cast vision for reaching “every kid” within the defined area.
• Develop consistent gatherings with committee, leaders and staff to build unity and provide vision and direction.
• Create a spiritual leadership plan for volunteer leaders, staff and committee members in the area.
• Recruit and train new staff and leaders to build leadership teams that reflect the community.
• Supervise, develop and evaluate area staff, providing resources and experiences needed to implement the vision.
• Provide quality summer staff, work crew and adult guests for summer camps.
• Model excellence in contact work, club, Campaigners and camping to other leaders.
• Train leaders, team leaders and committee how to work effectively in teams and develop a yearly ministry strategy.
• Provide leadership to the TDS team and committee in finding partners to own the area vision and budget.
• Develop and lead the area’s fundraising strategy and ensure excellence in communication to donors.
• Raise the necessary funds to carry out the ministry vision for the local area, keeping the area consistently in surplus (goal is a one month cash reserve minimum).
• Build the Young Life brand via public relations as an excellent tool for working with youth in the area.
• Coordinate and conduct quality events which reflect Young Life’s capacity to impact kids and warrant the investment of a participant’s personal and corporate resources.
• Actively engage in all three levels of contact work.
• Lead or co-lead a model Young Life club; lead/supervise an effective Campaigner ministry with excellence.
• Observe and evaluate each of the schools/ministries in the local area on a yearly basis.
• Develop and implement ongoing plans to maximize Gospel proclamation through camping opportunities.
• Serve on a summer assignment at a Young Life property, other Young Life camp or in another position each summer.
• Adhere to all Young Life policies and procedures and maintain professionalism concerning office hours, dress, conduct and time management.
• Manage finances with stewardship, accountability and transparency using the mission-wide applications.
• Maintain accurate information on kids, leaders and donors for area records.
• Provide clear, prompt, appropriate and professional communication to everyone involved in ministry.
• Set yearly strategic ministry plan and initiatives to reach every kid; review them on a regular basis.
• Perform other duties as assigned and congruent with gifts, experience and area needs.
• Accept both short and long-term assignments of projects.

Benefits

• Participation in missionwide staff conference every four years.
• Participation in additional training or experiences if deemed necessary (e.g., more urban exposure; Taking Donors Seriously (TDS)) training).
• Attend regional training as directed by the regional director.
• Pursue continuing educational opportunities including graduate degrees.
• Participate in programs designed for personal spiritual maturity or personal enrichment.
• Pursue seminars designed to enhance professional skills.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree