Area Director - Elk River, MN

Young Life • Elk River, MN

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Young Life is seeking the next Area Director for Great River Young Life, located in the Elk River community. This role involves spiritual leadership and management to develop a team dedicated to Young Life's mission of introducing young people to Jesus Christ and fostering their faith. The area currently encompasses three active ministries: Young Life (high school), Wyldlife (middle school), and Capernaum (students aged 14-21 with cognitive disabilities). The ideal candidate will reside in or near the Elk River community.

Requirements

• Must have completed Core Training — Phase One.
• 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 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.
• Must be ready, willing, and able to fulfill ministry functions required by the organization.
• Must refrain from conduct and statements that detract from the biblical standards taught and supported by Young Life.
• Must abide by all policies and practices of Young Life, including those related to religious belief or ministry activities.

Nice To Haves

• College degree preferred.
• Participation in mission-wide 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.

Responsibilities

• Provide spiritual leadership and management to develop a team that carries out Young Life's mission.
• Develop a yearly personal spiritual growth plan, including prayer, solitude, retreat, reflection, and study of God's Word.
• Seek and maintain church and community relationships, actively participating in the spiritual life of the Young Life community.
• Lead teams and individuals in spiritual development.
• Ensure all Young Life ministry in the area is designed and carried out with a dependence on prayer stemming from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Partner with the Regional Director and Committee to cast vision for reaching all young people 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.
• Recruit and train new staff and leaders to build leadership teams that reflect the community.
• Supervise, develop, and evaluate area staff, providing necessary resources and experiences.
• Provide quality summer staff, work crew, and adult guests for summer camps.
• Model excellence in contact work, club, Campaigners, and camping.
• Train leaders, team leaders, and committee on effective teamwork and developing yearly ministry strategies.
• Provide leadership to the TDS team and committee in identifying partners for the area vision and budget.
• Develop and lead the area's fundraising strategy, ensuring excellent communication with donors.
• Raise necessary funds to support the local area's ministry vision, aiming for a minimum one-month cash reserve.
• Build the Young Life brand through public relations to effectively engage with youth in the area.
• Coordinate and conduct quality events that showcase Young Life's impact and encourage investment.
• Actively engage in all three levels of contact work.
• Lead or co-lead a model Young Life club and lead/supervise an effective Campaigner ministry.
• Observe and evaluate each school/ministry in the local area annually.
• Develop and implement ongoing plans to maximize Gospel proclamation through camping opportunities.
• Serve on a summer assignment at a Young Life property, camp, or other position.
• Adhere to all Young Life policies and procedures, maintaining professionalism in office hours, dress, conduct, and time management.
• Manage finances with stewardship, accountability, and transparency using mission-wide applications.
• Maintain accurate records of individuals and donors for area records.
• Provide clear, prompt, appropriate, and professional communication to all involved in ministry.
• Set yearly strategic ministry plans and initiatives to reach every young person, reviewing them regularly.
• Perform other duties as assigned and congruent with gifts, experience, and area needs.
• Accept both short and long-term assignments of projects.

Benefits

• Statement of Faith required for all employees and volunteers.
• Ministry functions include spiritual development, leadership development, resource development, direct ministry, and ministry support.
• Opportunities for personal spiritual growth and professional development.
• Summer assignment at a Young Life property or camp.

What This Job Offers

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