Area Director I - Urbandale, IA

Young Life is a Christian non-profit organization dedicated to reaching out to middle school, high school, and college-aged youth with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Established with a clear mission to engage and support young people through relational ministry, Young Life focuses on evangelism and discipleship. The organization creates community environments where young people feel valued and experience Christ-centered relationships that promote spiritual growth, character development, and leadership skills. Young Life operates across the United States and internationally, utilizing committed volunteers and staff to foster meaningful connections with youth through clubs, camps, and one-on-one mentoring.

Young Life is unique in that it requires every employee and volunteer to have a personal faith in Jesus Christ and to commit to its Statement of Faith, which underscores the organization’s Christian mission and ministry. This spiritual foundation is integrated into every aspect of the work, from direct ministry with youth to resource development and administrative functions. Employees serve not only as ministry workers but as ambassadors for the gospel who embody Christian values and practices both during and outside of working hours.

The role offered is a staff position that combines leadership, organization, fundraising, and direct ministry responsibilities. The successful candidate will ideally have prior ministry experience, preferably with Young Life, and a passion for working with youth within a Christian context. This position requires a person of strong spiritual character who can foster spiritual development in themselves and others, lead and equip volunteer leaders, and actively engage in various aspects of ministry including clubs, Campaigners, and summer camp programming.

The role’s ministry functions are multifaceted, encompassing spiritual development, leadership development, resource development, direct ministry, and ministry support. Spiritual development involves cultivating a personal vibrant faith life through prayer, study, and church involvement, and leading others in their spiritual journeys. Leadership development focuses on recruiting, training, and supervising leaders and staff who reflect the community’s diversity, fostering a collaborative and healthy ministry environment. Resource development tasks include fundraising, donor care, and networking with community leaders to sustain and expand the ministry’s impact.

Direct ministry in this role is hands-on and relational, involving contact work, running clubs and Campaigners, and organizing camping trips designed to deepen young people’s faith experiences. As part of the role, the staff member also engages in administrative duties such as managing finances transparently, maintaining accurate records, communicating effectively, and helping set ministry plans and goals.

The organization supports its staff with structured training, including core curriculum courses that cover leadership, apologetics, and ministry skills. This training is designed to enhance personal spiritual maturity and professional growth, preparing individuals for leadership roles within Young Life or other ministry settings. The position suits a candidate who is committed to fulfilling the organization's faith-based mission and eager to contribute actively to its vibrant youth ministry community.

Overall, this staff role at Young Life offers a fulfilling opportunity for individuals called to Christian ministry and youth leadership, providing a supportive environment where they can serve, grow, and make a tangible difference in the lives of young people.