Staff Associate I - Chapman College

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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 Young Life, and (iii) abide by all policies and practices of Young Life including, without limitation, those related to religious belief or ministry activities.

Job Specific Working Conditions:

Chapman Young Life began in 2016 with a vision to reach college students at Chapman University through relational ministry and the message of Jesus. Located in the heart of Orange County, Chapman is a private, mid-sized university known for its beautiful campus, strong programs in film, business, and the arts, and a highly social, relational student culture. The environment is often described as tight-knit and vibrant, but also marked by affluence, social cliques, and a strong Greek life presence-making authentic, Christ-centered community both deeply needed and highly impactful.

The ministry experienced steady growth leading up to COVID-19, followed by a season of rebuilding, and is now moving back into a place of health and momentum. While Chapman remains the primary hub for contact work and weekly gatherings, the ministry is actively expanding its identity to Young Life College OC, creating space for students from across Orange County to belong-regardless of where they attend school. Currently, about 90% of contact work and events still take place on Chapman's campus.

Young Life College OC is stepping into a season of opportunity: to meet students in a socially driven, high-pressure environment with the invitation into authentic community, purpose, and a life-changing relationship with Jesus.

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 Young Life 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.