Staff Associate I

Young Life is a well-established Christian organization dedicated to evangelism and discipleship, focusing on reaching middle school and high school students through relational ministry and spiritual growth. Established to serve youth by proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ, Young Life operates with a mission centered on Christian values and the development of young leaders. It has a deep commitment to fostering spiritual growth through mentorship, community building, and engaging activities, all while relying on a dedicated staff and volunteer base who share the organization's Statement of Faith.

This role is for a WyldLife Staff Associate in Encinitas, California, a coastal community perfect for engaging with students in a vibrant and welcoming environment. As a Staff Associate, you will be fully immersed in ministry work, focusing on middle school students at two primary campuses: Oak Crest Middle School and Diegueño Middle School. With a commitment of at least 30 hours per week, you will lead and develop ministries, build meaningful relationships, and foster a sustainable volunteer culture alongside an experienced staff team.

The opportunity includes formal training alongside hands-on field ministry to equip you with skills to manage and grow Young Life's WyldLife ministry. This position offers a competitive base salary ranging from $31,560 to $47,436 annually, which includes a cost-of-living adjustment. Additionally, the full medical benefits package ensures that your health needs are fully supported. Working at Young Life means joining a team that values spiritual development, leadership cultivation, resource management, direct ministry, and administrative support.

Your responsibilities will encompass a broad range of duties such as leading spiritual development within the community, recruiting and training volunteer leaders, managing financial support and donor relations, coordinating fundraising events, and engaging directly with students through contact work, clubs, and camps. Integrity and professionalism are essential as you adhere to all organizational policies and maintain accountability in ministry support functions like data management and communication.

Young Life also requires a clear commitment to its Christian faith and mission. Staff and volunteers must embrace the organization's Statement of Faith, demonstrating a personal belief in Jesus Christ and living in a way that supports the biblical standards upheld by Young Life. The role comes with physical demands and working conditions, including exposure to outdoor elements and activities such as hiking and horseback riding, reflecting the diverse ministry environments of the organization.

Training and development are integral to the role, with a structured core training program during the first two years that covers foundational leadership, spiritual maturity, and ministry skills. As a Staff Associate, you will collaborate closely with regional directors and the Encinitas committee to multiply ministry efforts effectively and reach more youth with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.

Joining Young Life as a WyldLife Staff Associate means becoming part of a transformative ministry dedicated to making a lasting impact on young lives in Southern California. It is an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about youth ministry, leadership development, and serving in a faith-based organization with a strong community presence.