Description:

Champaign County is located in the heart of East Central Illinois only two hours south of Chicago, Ill., three hours northeast of St Louis, Mo., and two hours west of Indianapolis, Ind. Champaign/Urbana is home to the University of Illinois, with Big Ten athletics, as well as performing arts centers, theaters and museums, a vast array of domestic and international dining options and beautiful outdoor spaces for biking, hiking, golfing and enjoying nature. There are also plenty of family-friendly events and activities.

Young Life has had a rich history in both the big cities and neighboring small towns. The area is currently supported by a few college-aged volunteers who desire to see this 25-year impact continue. There is also a thriving YoungLives​ ministry to teen moms that spans multiple area high schools and is connected to a local church. The area director will oversee the staff person, develop a committee for the area and meet with more than 30 financial partners in the early months of the job. Young Life, WyldLife and Young Life College ministries would be the focus.

Responsibilities:

Spiritual/Personal Development

• Live as a leader who relies on prayer and spiritual disciplines for the sake of your own edification and the area’s ministry.
• Connect and participate with a healthy Christ-centered, local church body.
• Invite mentors and accountability relationships as part of your personal walk with Jesus.
• Lead your ministry teams toward growth and maturity in Christ.

Leadership Development

• Invest continually in your own leadership development.
• Recruit, train and deploy volunteer leaders, committee members and others, as well as lead team members to accomplish ministry goals.
• Cast vision, supervise and equip your team members.
• Function as both a leader and team player.

Direct Ministry

• Utilize prayer and carry out all levels of contact work as your number one ministry tools for reaching kids.
• Build and participate in a local club ministry and disciple kids.
• Grow and strengthen existing ministries and develop a plan for reaching new communities in the future.
• Inspire and lead other people into effective direct ministry with kids.
• Develop a tradition of healthy school year and summer camp trips.

Resource Development

• Recognize needs within the area, create a plan, and gather the resources (team members, finances, etc.) to meet those needs.
• Build trusting and professional relationships with adults in the community including donors, parents and adult leaders, and be willing to appropriately solicit their support.
• Take the lead as the “chief asker” (fundraising and team member recruiter) and lead others in effective resource development.
• Raise financial support from personal contacts who desire to support your ministry.

Ministry Support

• Create an effective internal (core team) and external (community) communication plan that will encourage ministry growth and health.
• Know and meet Young Life policies and expectations relevant to a local Young Life area.
• Work in collaboration with other area staff and the regional director for meeting area and regional needs and goals.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Completion of Young Life’s Staff Associate training program preferred.
• Proven experience as a leader of leaders and team builder.

Benefits:

• ​Medical, dental and vision coverage (at no cost to you).
• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• 401(k) matching plan (up to four percent).​​
• Health club benefit.
• And more!

Notes:

The candidate may have the opportunity to participate in summer camp assignments and other missionwide opportunities, and at times will be assigned to these roles.

How to Apply:

Please submit an online application, including resume and cover letter, via the button below.