Young Life’s Staff Associate role requires a dynamic, self-starter person with a high sense of drive and a missional mindset who will lead Young Life ministries in area schools. They love the Lord and have a growing spiritual life outside of the ministry. This person possesses the perseverance to ask, inspire, and motivate volunteers and students in the ministry. We are looking for someone that is mature in their faith and looking to help others do the same.

Somerville Young Life is a developing ministry under Somerset Valley Young Life which includes 7 communities within Somerset County. It is just a highway across from Bridgewater-Raritan Young Life and Wyldlife ministry that began five years ago as an outflow of the Young Life College ministry at Rutgers University. The staff associate will benefit from this established “proof-of-concept,” directing a team of local volunteers at the high school to reach new levels and eventually expanding to other schools, with a vision to “reach every kid.” Somerset Valley has a strong committee that wants to see kids of all ages and ability levels be introduced to Jesus and to grow in their faith. We are searching for a staff associate who can help to build deeper roots with Young Life in the community and also look towards launching WyldLife in Somerville so we can meet and introduce middle school and high school students to Jesus.

Somerville is a charming town in central New Jersey and known as Somerset County’s designated downtown! There is quite a diverse and large selection of restaurants that draws people from the surrounding area. The high school serves about 1,300 students from Somerville and Branchburg Township (47% Hispanics, 33% Caucasian, 11% African American and 6% Asian American). The Northeast is a fun, exciting and stimulating place to live, lead and grow. It takes people who are willing to be in it for the long haul and who recognize that they are called to serve in “rocky soil.” At the same time, our region is growing, and the opportunities for growth and advancement, both personally and professionally, are numerous. Our committee, local leadership, and region are full of loving, welcoming people who love Jesus and have a desire to chase after kids for the Gospel. If you’re like us, we want you!

Principal Characteristics:

Christian Faith:

• Has a relationship with Jesus Christ and is actively growing in ways outside of the Young Life ministry.

• Grasps the idea of “relational ministry” and earning the right to be heard in the community.

• Spiritually develops volunteer leaders and students in the local area. Develops a thought out vision and plan for spiritual growth.

• Adheres to Young Life’s policies for staff people.

• Lives in Christian community and Is an active participant in a local church body

Volunteer Development/Direct Ministry

• Able to inspire and cast vision, inviting new volunteers and leaders into the ministry while giving them ownership and helping them to develop as leaders..

• Models consistency and excellence in building relationships with students, programmatic events including bible studies, outreach related activities, leader meetings and committee meetings. These are often night time meetings.

• Implements a training program to help volunteers become excellent in their roles and with students.

• Executes a camp strategy that maximizes students opportunities to respond and react to the Christian faith. Includes week long summer camping, week long discipleship camping, and weekend camping trips throughout the year as scheduled.

Resource Development

• Works with the Area Director with committee projects and gains experience leading with the committee. partnering with them to raise the local area budget as well as maintaining it with stewardship capability.

• Partners with Area Director to develop and execute a financial strategy to achieve budgetary goals. This includes personal fundraising, fundraising events, and gathering area donations.

• Has a communication plan for the ministry to reach new and current parents, students, leaders, school administration, and committee.

National, Divisional, and Regional Responsibilities

• Pursues National, Divisional, and Regional Trainings as assigned. Travels when necessary throughout the year.

• Attends month-long assignments at Young Life properties in the summer when assigned.

• Reports to the Area Director.

• Some of these responsibilities require travel, overnight stays, etc. throughout the year.

Compensation and Benefits

• Full benefits with Young Life

• Compensation will be competitive. Related experience and education will be considered.