Job Details

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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 theChristian 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:

The salary range for this position is between $35,940 - $54,020. In addition, Young Life offers a strong mission-supported benefits package.

Position Summary

The Staff Associate supports the mission of Young Life by developing relationships with students, equipping volunteers, and implementing effective ministry strategies within Northbrook High School and Middle School communities. Through both formal training and hands-on ministry experience, this role develops the skills necessary to carry out and manage highly relational, Gospel-centered ministry.

Young Life North Shore is a thriving area with robust Young Life (high school), WyldLife (middle school), and Young Life College ministries, supported by a deeply engaged committee and strong volunteer base. This position is designed for a ministry leader ready to step into meaningful momentum and lead Glenbrook North High School Young Life and Northbrook WyldLife, where we are currently engaging an average of 80 high school and 40 middle school students on a weekly/bi-weekly basis.

The ideal candidate will be passionate about Jesus, building authentic relationships with students and community partners, and cultivating meaningful community among volunteers.

Ideal Start Date: February 1, 2026 - June 1, 2026

Earlier or later start dates may be considered based on candidate availability and onboarding needs.

Ministry Functions
1. Spiritual Development - "Following Jesus"

• Develop a yearly personal spiritual growth plan including solitude, retreat, prayer, reflection, and Scripture.
  
• Maintain active participation in a local church and Christian community.
  
• Participate fully in the spiritual life of the Young Life community.
  
• Lead teams and individuals in spiritual formation and discipleship.
  
  

2. Leadership Development - "Equipping Leaders, Committee & Staff"

• Meet regularly with volunteer leaders and area leadership.
  
• Recruit, train, and shepherd volunteer leaders to reflect the local community.
  
• Model excellence in contact work, Club, Campaigners, and camping ministry.
  
• Assist with vision-casting, team-building, and yearly ministry strategy planning.
  
  

3. Resource Development - "Fueling the Ministry"

• Raise financial support as directed and maintain healthy donor relationships.
  
• Communicate ministry progress and updates to donor partners.
  
• Learn to network with key community partners including: School administrators, Pastors, Parents, and Committee members
  
• Learn to plan and execute area fundraising events alongside the committee and supervisors.
  
  

4. Direct Ministry - "Proclaiming and Modeling"

• Engage in all three levels of contact work:
  
  • School presence
    
  • One-on-one relationships
    
  • Community involvement
    
• Lead teams to plan and execute:
  
  • Young Life Club and Campaigners
    
  • Wyldlife Campaigners
    
• Lead and implement a school-year and summer camping strategy.
  
• Serve annually on a summer Young Life camp assignment.
  
  

5. Ministry Support - "Taking Care of the Business"

• Follow all Young Life policies and procedures with professionalism.
  
• Manage finances with integrity, stewardship, and accountability.
  
• Maintain accurate records for Students, Volunteers, & Donors
  
• Communicate clearly and responsibly with all ministry stakeholders.
  
• Develop and review a yearly strategic ministry plan.
  
• Perform additional duties as assigned based on gifts and ministry needs.
  
  

6. Training

• Complete Core Training - Phase One within first two years:
  
  • New Staff Training
    
  • Leadership I
    
  • Leadership II
    
  • Apologetics
    
  • One Winter Training Course
    
• Participate in regional training and continued ministry skills development.
  
• Ongoing supervision through regional and area leadership.
  
  

Qualifications

• College degree preferred
  
• Experience in direct ministry or relational youth leadership
  
• Strong relational skills with both students and adults
  
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
  
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
  
• High personal integrity, humility, and teachability
  
  

Work Conditions

• Includes the physical demands of camp environments, including heat/cold, long hours, hiking, boating, horseback riding
  
• Must be physically and emotionally equipped for active, student-centered ministry.
  
  

Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary

The salary range for this position is between $35,940 - $54,020. In addition, Young Life offers a strong mission-supported benefits package.

Young Life deeply desires to care for their staff people and desires for them to have a long career in the mission. In addition to competitive pay, Young Life provides a robust benefits package that includes fully employer-paid health insurance for employees and dependents, with low deductibles that save staff an average of $2,364/year (individual) and $10,497/year (family). Staff may be eligible for a cost of living adjustment (COLA) in addition to their base pay depending on where they live in the stated geography. Staff also receive a $4,000 annual counseling allowance, $250 health club reimbursement, and a strong 401(k) with an immediate 4% match plus an additional 7% automatic contribution after three years. Young Life offers life and AD&D insurance, long-term disability, and provides FSAs of pre-tax medical and childcare savings. After two years, staff may go through our commissioning process and qualify for a ministry housing allowance, providing notable benefits. Additional support includes annual performance reviews, seminary partnership discounts, adoption assistance (up to $7,500), college scholarships for staff kids, wellness programs, and generous paid holidays to support rest and renewal.

Why This Role Matters

This position plays a critical role in reaching every kid in Northbrook with the love of Christ, building discipling relationships, strengthening volunteer leadership, and shaping lasting community impact. It is ideal for someone discerning long-term ministry calling while gaining hands-on leadership experience in a vibrant, well-supported Young Life area.

Interested candidates should apply directly through this job posting. In addition, please send your cover letter and resume to Brady Wright, Associate Regional Director, at ...@ylchicago.com