Description:

Central Tucson is an area extending from the Catalina Foothills south to Midtown. This area of town is known for excellent restaurants (both old and new); hiking in the various canyons of Mt. Lemmon; cycling on the loop bike paths; and proximity to the University of Arizona. The area has a wide mix of very affluent to middle and low income families.

There is a long history of Young Life. Some clubs having been active on and off for many decades. The area was established when the larger Tucson area was separated into smaller parts in 2013. Originally created via the vision of the Tucson Metro committee, we have always had good community involvement and support. After a couple years of challenges, there are currently two core ministries active. Three other clubs have been active in recent years, and we would like to see them re-established when the time is right.

Leaders have historically come from the University, however that development engine has sputtered during COVID, and we have begun to focus on retaining existing leaders and finding new leaders beyond those of college age. The area was previously larger with ambitions to grow to eight high schools; today we acknowledge that vision as too broad. The committee would like to see a smaller, stronger area that allows for focus beyond simple club growth to other goals such as leader health, community involvement, refugee ministry and quality relationships.

Central Tucson has partnerships with local churches and other organizations. We were recently awarded a grant to establish a middle school ministry centered in a refugee dense neighborhood with existing community partners. We’ve also recently begun a campaign to purchase an area van, which is well underway and could be completed this year if the new director finds that aligns with ministry goals.

The area has good committee support, donor support, and a large list of stakeholders willing to jump in and serve. We look forward to welcoming a new director who can see her or himself being here for five years or more and who aligns with a vision to grow the area in a healthy, sustainable way.

Responsibilities:

Spiritual Development​ — “Following Jesus” includes prayer and spiritual disciplines, fellowship, growth and health, and church relationships.

• Develop and maintain 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.

Leadership Development​ — “Equipping leaders, committee and staff” includes key volunteer care, recruiting, team building and training, supervision and vision casting.

• Model servant leadership.
• Develop high school students to become junior leaders.
• Partner with Young Life College to train and deploy leaders.
• Schedule regular gatherings with the committee, leaders and staff to build relationships and provide vision and direction.
• Design and maintain 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.
• Develop a strategy of recruiting local adult volunteers (teachers, coaches, community members, etc.).
• Supervise, develop and evaluate area staff, providing resources and experiences needed to implement the vision.
• Identify and prepare 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.

Resource Development​ — “Fueling the ministry” includes events, major donor care, public relations (branding) and TDS team.

• Proven fundraising capabilities and personal support.
• 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 and timeliness 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).
• 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.
• Draw in support through events, public relations and social media by personalizing the local area Young Life brand (story branding).
• Employ boldness, courage and innovation when brainstorming and developing fundraising ideas.

Direct Ministry​ — “Proclaiming and modeling” includes contact work, club, Campaigners and camp.

• Actively engage in all three levels of contact work.
• Create, grow and maintain relationships with kids, leaders and donors.
• Work together with area staff and volunteer leaders to lead a model Young Life club; lead/supervise an effective Campaigners/small groups ministry with excellence.
• Observe and evaluate each of the schools/ministries in the local area once each semester.
• 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.

Ministry Support​ — “Taking care of business” includes accounting, administration, communication (internal), data management and strategic plan.

• 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 missionwide applications.
• Work with an office administrator to maintain accurate information on kids, leaders, donors and key residents for area records.
• Look to other areas and staff for ideas and improvements in administrative procedures.
• Provide clear, prompt, appropriate and professional communication to everyone involved in ministry.
• Set strategic ministry plans annually as well as three- and five-year goals 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.

Qualifications:

• A call to reach kids with the Gospel.
• Previous Young Life staff experience preferred.
• Advanced leadership qualities and skills.
• Proven relational skills with students, adults and local church organizations.
• Have a vision and passion for partnering with local churches in practical ways.
• Track record of strong club and Campaigners work.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
• Strict maintenance of discretion and confidentiality of sensitive matters.

Benefits:

• ​Salary in line with education and experience.
• Strong regional support and training.
• 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.