Description:

We are looking for a gifted leader to reach kids and gather the surrounding community to support ministry in Santa Cruz County. With a history of committed individuals and deep community connections, this area is poised for a restart that could bring Young Life back to Santa Cruz!

Santa Cruz is a diverse college town with great restaurants and fun beach culture. With mountains surrounding the city, there is a mix of natural beauty and a city vibe as well. There are four high schools and two middle schools with some local folks who hope to see ministry return to their community in the coming years. There’s no place quite like it, and we can’t wait to see who God brings here next.

Responsibilities:

Spiritual Growth

• Maintain a vibrant personal relationship with Jesus and lead others to do the same.
• Grasp the principles and behaviors of relational ministry and “earn the right to be heard” in both existing and new communities.
• Actively participate in the spiritual life of the Young Life community.
• Lead teams and individuals in spiritual development.

Resource Development

• Build and equip the Berkeley Area Board to get the financial resources needed by cultivating local donors and assisting in the Relationship Centered Engagement fundraising strategy, as well as the execution of local fundraising events.
• Cast vision and give ownership to the area board in becoming financially sustainable.
• Demonstrate excellence in personal fundraising. This role will be responsible for raising personal support (the goal will be determined with the hiring team and regional director).

Leadership Development

• Partner with the regional director and area board to cast vision for reaching “every kid” within the defined area.
• Develop consistent gatherings and leadership plans with the area board, leaders, and staff to build unity and provide vision and direction.
• 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.
• 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.

Direct Ministry

• Actively engage in all three levels of contact work.
• Lead or co-lead a model Young Life club; lead/supervise an effective Campaigners 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.

Training

• Participate in Young Life Training and additional training or experiences if deemed necessary.
• Attend regional training as directed by the regional director.
• Participate in programs designed for personal spiritual maturity or personal enrichment.

Qualifications:

• Completed college degree preferred.
• Extensive Young Life staff experience is highly recommended to succeed in the position.
• Experience as a successful developer of an area board and supervising local staff and volunteers.
• Proven spiritual leader.
• Proven relational skills with kids and adults.
• Must be growing in both emotional and cultural intelligence.
• A call to reach students with the Gospel.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Benefits:

• Salary in line with education and experience, including an appropriate cost of living adjustment (COLA) for the area.​
• 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!

How to Apply:

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