Staff Associate - Indio/Coachella

If you are currently on Young Life staff, please do not apply through this external jobs board. To apply for internal job opportunities, log in to Workday and use the Jobs Hub. Applying externally may delay your application and require you to resubmit internally. Young Life requires all employees to sign a Statement of Faith. We recommend you read this statement before applying for any position. Because of Young Life’s exclusive Christian purposes of evangelism and discipleship as set forth in its Articles of Incorporation and in these Bylaws, and to reflect what has always been and will continue to be the position of Young Life, specifically the Christian belief that each and every employee and volunteer of the corporation should minister as a servant of God with the primary responsibility of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ and, as such, is an integral part of the Christian mission and ministry of the corporation , Young Life shall only employ individuals or enlist volunteer leaders who: (a) profess a belief in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord; and (b) subscribe to the statements and policies required of all Young Life staff, including the Young Life Statement of Faith. Therefore, employees and volunteers of Young Life, during working and nonworking hours, shall: (i) be ready, willing and able to fulfill such ministry functions as may be required by the organization; (ii) refrain from conduct and statements that detract from the biblical standards taught and supported by YoungLife, and (iii) abide by all policies and practices of YoungLife including, without limitation, those related to religious belief or ministry activities. Job Specific Working Conditions Timeline: In alignment with Young Life’s heart for consistency and for authentic relationships with students, we ask that candidates interested in this role prayerfully consider a minimum commitment of two years. The Coachella Valley in Southern California is known for its vibrant mix of culture, tourism, and agriculture. It hosts world-renowned events like the Coachella and Stagecoach Festivals, along with major sporting events such as the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament in Indian Wells. Alongside these global attractions, the valley remains a vital agricultural region—especially famous for its date farms, bell pepper fields, and other crops grown in the fertile desert of Coachella Valley. This is an area rich in diversity and sense of community. The Coachella Valley is home to approximately 33,000 middle and high school students and our vision is to give each of them the opportunity to encounter Jesus Christ and follow him. The Desert Cities area is home to a thriving Young Life ministry and a deep, healthy community of leaders. There are currently 31 volunteer leaders. Currently, there are two high school ministries and three middle school ministries in the area. There is a strong Committee in place, with adults who are dedicated to growth in the ministry and there is a healthy, devoted donor base in place. Desert Cities Young Life is looking for a motivated individual to grow our middle school and high school ministry in one of our Desert Cities communities. This community includes one current Young Life high school ministry at Shadow Hills High School, one middle school ministry at Desert Ridge Academy and one developing ministry at Coachella Valley High School. We are looking for someone who has a passion for team-building, mentorship, and growth: the next kid and the next school. This position is for an entrepreneurial starter who is ready to lead the charge of launching our ministry at Coachella Valley High School. Based on proven success, this position will also require our staff associate to serve as a leader on our Desert Ridge Academy Wyldlife team as well. The new Staff Associate for Desert Cities must be gifted in his or her ability to develop healthy relationships with kids, leaders, adults, and donors and oversee all facets of the ministry. This person will work closely with area director, Kerrie Saad, to learn effective ministry practices. This position will also include close work alongside committee members executing area events (fundraising, celebrations, leadership, etc.). Previous experience leading a Young Life team is highly desired, as well as an excitement for recruiting Young Life volunteers to be a part of this growing ministry. Responsibilities Work closely with Area Director to create and implement a plan for healthy ministry at Coachella Valley High School. Participate in and lead dynamic direct ministry in the area (club, campaigners, contact work, camp) at Coachella Valley High School and Desert Ridge Academy. Recruit, train, and equip a community of volunteer leaders who love each other and are growing in spiritual depth to plan and implement a middle school outreach ministry with excellence. Implement a summer and school-season camping strategy. Work closely with Area Director to learn and implement all facets of healthy area ministry (gala, Campaign, leader training, leader fellowship, committee relationships, etc.) Develop key relationships with adults in the Indio/Coachella community. Raise financial support as directed. Care for donors well by sharing the area’s vision and ministry successes. Complete Young Life training courses (New Staff Training, Leadership I, Leadership II, Winter Training, and Apologetics). Qualifications A healthy, growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ, with a willingness to be a part of a local church body A passion for ministry in a diverse community A passion for middle school and high school kids and the ministry of Young Life Young Life volunteer leader experience (student staff or equivalent experience preferred) Proven relational and leadership skills with both kids and adults Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills Ability to manage multiple projects Willingness to raise personal financial support Ready to commit to making an impact on this area’s growth Willingness to make a two to three-year commitment YL Staff Associate I Summary Through both formal training and direct field ministry experience, learn how to effectively carry out and manage Young Life ministry. Ministry Functions Spiritual Development — “Following Jesus” includes prayer and spiritual disciplines, fellowship, growth and health and church relationships. 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. Leadership Development — “Equipping leaders, committee and staff” includes key volunteer care, recruiting, team building and training, supervision and vision casting. Meet with your volunteer leaders and area leadership on a regular basis. Learn to recruit and train new leaders to build a leadership team that reflects the community. Model excellence in contact work, club, Campaigners and camping to other leaders. Assist in training 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. Raise financial support as directed and maintain good donor care practices. Communicate ministry updates and progress to personal donor partners. Observe and learn to network and develop strategic relationships with key adults in the community, including: principals, pastors, parents, potential committee members as assigned by the area director. Learn to plan and execute area fundraising events under the direction of an area supervisor and committee. Direct Ministry “Proclaiming and modeling” includes contact work, club, Campaigners and camp. Actively engage in all three levels of contact work. Lead a team to plan and conduct a new or existing Young Life club and Campaigners/discipleship ministry with excellence. Lead a team to implement a summer and school-season camping strategy for a ministry. Serve on a summer assignment at a Young Life camp each year. Ministry Support “Taking care of business” includes accounting, administration, communication (internal), data management and strategic plan. Adhere to all YoungLife 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. Training Core Training — Phase One (New Staff Training, Leadership I, Leadership II, Apologetics and one Winter Training course are to be completed in the first two years. Training may be supervised by a regional director, regional trainer or area to develop personal spiritual maturity and enhance personal character. May include regional training meetings and ministry skills training assigned by the area director. Education College degree preferred. Qualifications Required For The Job Experience in direct ministry. Proven relational skills with both kids and adults. Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Work Conditions Includes the extremes of a camp including: heat/cold, dirt, long hours and the physical demands of hiking, horseback riding, boating and more. Staff person must be able to handle these conditions. #J-18808-Ljbffr