Description:

Minnesota State University, Mankato is a small state university located in Mankato, Minn., 90 miles south of the Twin Cities. It is home to 12,000 undergraduate students, 3,000 of whom live on campus. It is nationally known for its D1 hockey program and large aviation degree program. It is one of four colleges in Mankato and is the second largest public college in the state.

Mankato, Minn., home to 45,000 full time residents, is located in the Minnesota River Valley and is renowned for its great parks and trails. Rivers, lakes, ravines, bluffs, natural prairies and forested areas offer breathtaking landscapes and provide a scenic backdrop for an area steeped in historic significance. At the same time, Mankatoans enjoy the peace of mind and quality of life often associated with smaller towns. The city blends activities for all ages and interest levels. Mankato’s civic center has hosted nationally touring ice shows, music concerts and theater productions as well as supported local events. Recreational opportunities abound in the Mankato area for most sports or interests for every season of the year.

We are seeking an experienced leader who has the vision to further advance an active Young Life College ministry. An existing Young Life area has been established in the community for almost 12 years and has active ministry in the area’s middle schools, high schools and colleges. We have built a strong foundation and thriving college ministry to welcome and support a college staff associate who is eager and motivated to introduce adolescents to Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith. Our dream is for this staff person to lead and grow our Young Life College outreach to reach more students at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Then over time, develop a vision for the surrounding area’s colleges which include South Central Community College, Rasmussen University - Mankato, Bethany Lutheran College, and Gustavus Adolphus College.

The college staff associate will have a unique opportunity to build upon an existing program and make a lasting impact on our community. The job will require a passion for developing and recruiting student and adult leaders to grow and sustain the ministry, as well as excellent communication and organization with both students and adults. With an authentic focus on Jesus, both personally and in the community, the staff associate will work with the area director and the committee to develop strategies to initiate and sustain the growth, health and development of Young Life College within the Greater Mankato Young Life Area.

Responsibilities:

Spiritual Development

• Commit to understanding God’s Word and practicing spiritual disciplines including retreat and reflection times.
• Actively participate in a church community and the spiritual life of the Young Life community.
• Assist in leading the area and individuals in spiritual development and prayer.
• Help ensure that all Young Life ministry in the area is designed and carried out with a dependence on prayer that takes place out of the overflow of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Leadership Development

• Develop a plan to recruit, train, disciple and develop local volunteer leaders (who reflect the community) in all aspects of Young Life College ministry.
• Assist in recruiting, developing and empowering college-aged students to carry on the work of the ministry in a way that is unique to their campus yet consistent with the mission and values of Young Life.
• Develop a student leadership team that creates opportunities for college-aged individuals to discover Jesus, build community and live out their faith in service.
• Partner with the area director and committee to identify, recruit and develop a strong adult support subcommittee.
• Build partnerships with community leaders, especially within schools, local churches and businesses.
• Recruit college students to serve as WyldLife and Young Life leaders and on summer staff.
• Create a spiritual leadership plan, providing guidance and encouragement, for volunteer adult and student leaders in the area.

Direct Ministry

• Be an intentional presence on campus some part of three to four days a week to model excellent contact work, club, small group ministry, camping and service opportunities.
• Student outreach and discipleship utilizing proven Young Life College methods to carry out a plan for relational evangelism on the campus.
• Participate in creatively planning and implementing a regular outreach meeting — Young Life College club.
• On a regular basis, pursue and meet with non-leadership students in their environments for the purpose of relational outreach ministry.
• Develop a year-long camping strategy which includes fall camp, work week, summer staff and spring break trips.
• Partner with the area director and committee to cast a vision for reaching “every kid” within the defined area.
• Serve on summer assignment two of every three years.

Resource Development and Ministry Support

• Raise personal support, work alongside others to raise local support, and maintain solid donor-care practices.
• Create a team of people for personal support through prayer and financial contribution.
• Communicate ongoing ministry progress to personal donor partners.
• Manage finances with stewardship, accountability and transparency using missionwide applications.
• Maintain accurate information on kids, leaders and donors for ministry records.
• Develop a yearly strategic plan alongside the area director, committee and key leaders to prioritize and focus all ministry efforts.
• Provide clear, prompt, appropriate and professional communication to everyone involved in ministry.
• Adhere to all Young Life policies and procedures and maintain professionalism concerning office hours, dress, conduct and time management.
• Attend committee and adult functions as assigned.

Training

• Attend North Star Region’s monthly staff training and development days.
• Participate in Leadership 1 and Leadership 2 regional training for new staff members, ensuring all assignments are completed on time with the highest professional standards.
• Participate in additional training or experiences that meaningfully contribute to personal and professional development (e.g., Young Life College National Summit, experiencing diversity, personal fundraising, other area’s club or training events, etc.).
• Participate in the missionwide staff conference every four years (upcoming January 2024).

Qualifications:

• 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.
• Young Life experience as staff, a camper, volunteer or leader (preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree (preferred).
• Demonstrated predisposition to build relationships and collaborate with church ministries, para-church ministries and other community organizations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Heart for kids of all backgrounds, races, cultures and circumstances.
• Ability to articulate a clear vision and mission on behalf of Young Life.
• Adheres to Young Life’s policies for staff people.

Benefits:

• ?Medical, dental and vision coverage (at no cost to you).
• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• 401(k) matching plan (up to four percent).??
• Health club benefit.
• And more!

How to Apply:

Please ?submit an online application, including resume and cover letter, via the button below.