South Bend Young Area Director

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.

Young Life, a global ecumenical organization that points adolescents to Jesus Christ, is looking for a full‑time staff member to direct ministry to students in the Penn‑Harris‑Madison School Cooperation located in Granger, Mishawaka, and South Bend, Indiana. With thriving ministry at all three levels of Young Life (Wyld Life, Young Life, and Young Life College), the future Area Director will assess where their emphasis in direct ministry would most effectively be placed.

Other supplemental opportunities such as hiring/overseeing additional staff/geography, starting new ministries, and advancing to new levels of leadership will be granted in ways commensurate with the experience, capacity, and vision of the staff person. This position is open to senior‑level candidates (experienced Direct Ministry, Area Director, Metro Director, Associate Regional Director).

The staff person will lead spiritually, pursue and invest in relationships, and develop a flagship ministry across the area – all while being part of an existing Young Life community that includes a healthy donor base, multiple staff members, 40+ volunteer leaders (both college students and older), and a college ministry centered at the University of Notre Dame.

Developing an excellent Young Life program serving all Penn‑Harris‑Madison schools is a significant opportunity to both impact students and advance strategic initiatives throughout the geographic region. Penn‑Harris‑Madison is one of the largest (~4,000 high school, ~1,000 at each of three middle schools), most‑resourced, highest‑achieving (academics and co‑curriculars/athletics), and diverse school districts in Indiana.

• Grow and lead spiritually as an intentional disciple of Jesus and faithful member of the Church
• Model/develop/oversee ministry to middle school and high school students that centers on an incarnational/relational/inclusive approach in evangelization/outreach, formation/discipleship, and community engagement/service
• Develop and implement a vision to engage every student in the Penn‑Harris‑Madison district, and consider how this vision could lead to programs at other schools
• Grow and direct a team of diverse staff (interns, part‑time, full‑time) and volunteer leaders who work directly with students
• Pursue and build friendships of accompaniment with students by going where they are at school and in the community
• Plan and execute dynamic Young Life venues for middle and high school students (outreach club meetings, discipleship/Campaigners/Bible studies, etc.) that scale impact by growing relationships, building momentum, and empowering student ownership
• Utilize Young Life camps; lead annual winter weekend trip and annual summer trip, explore…