Area Director - Waxahachie, TX

Young Life requires all employees to sign a Statement of Faith. Applicants must profess a belief in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord, subscribe to Young Life’s statements and policies, and commit to fulfilling ministry functions both during and outside working hours.

About the Role

The Northeast Texas Young Life Region is seeking a committed, visionary leader to serve as the Area Director for Waxahachie, Texas. Located just south of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Waxahachie is a thriving, growing community with a small-town feel. The role involves relaunching and expanding Young Life’s ministry in a community centered around a single school district, featuring one 6A high school, three middle schools, and a new high school under construction. Ministry is gaining momentum, with kids from the area attending summer camp in 2026. The ideal candidate will build on this foundation, pioneering new opportunities and shaping the future of Young Life in Waxahachie.

The right candidate is energized by entrepreneurial leadership, passionate about reaching every kid, and committed to recruiting and equipping volunteer leaders. They will embrace Young Life’s mission with a deep commitment to biblical truth, meaningful relationships, and community partnerships. For the right candidate, a Staff Associate or other job title may be considered.

Responsibilities

Spiritual Development

• Develop a yearly personal growth plan fostering a vibrant spiritual life, including solitude, retreat, reflection, prayer, and study of God’s Word.
• Seek and maintain relationships and disciplines within an active church community.
• Actively participate in the spiritual life of the Young Life community.
• Lead teams and individuals in spiritual development.
• Ensure all Young Life ministry in the area is designed and carried out with a dependence on prayer, rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Leadership Development

• Partner with the Regional Director and Committee to cast vision for reaching “every kid” within the defined area.
• Develop consistent gatherings with committee, leaders, and staff to build unity and provide vision and direction.
• Create a spiritual leadership plan for volunteer leaders, staff, and committee members.
• Recruit and train new staff and leaders to build teams that reflect the community.
• Supervise, develop, and evaluate area staff, providing resources and experiences to implement the vision.
• Provide quality summer staff, work crew, and adult guests for summer camps.
• Model excellence in contact work, club, Campaigners, and camping for other leaders.
• Train leaders, team leaders, and committee members to work effectively in teams and develop yearly ministry strategies.

Resource Development

• Lead the TDS (Taking Donors Seriously) team and committee in finding partners to support the area vision and budget.
• Develop and lead the area’s fundraising strategy, ensuring excellent donor communication.
• Raise necessary funds to carry out the ministry vision, maintaining a surplus (goal: one month cash reserve minimum).
• Build the Young Life brand through public relations as a tool for working with youth in the area.
• Coordinate and conduct quality events that reflect Young Life’s impact and warrant investment from participants.

Direct Ministry

• Actively engage in all three levels of contact work.
• Lead or co-lead a model Young Life club; lead or supervise an effective Campaigner ministry with excellence.
• Observe and evaluate each of the schools/ministries in the local area on a yearly basis.
• Develop and implement ongoing plans to maximize Gospel proclamation through camping opportunities.
• Serve on a summer assignment at a Young Life property or in another position each summer.

Ministry Support

• Adhere to all Young Life policies and procedures, maintaining professionalism in office hours, dress, conduct, and time management.
• Manage finances with stewardship, accountability, and transparency using mission-wide applications.
• Maintain accurate information on kids, leaders, and donors for area records.
• Provide clear, prompt, appropriate, and professional communication to everyone involved in ministry.
• Set and regularly review a yearly strategic ministry plan and initiatives to reach every kid.
• Perform other duties as assigned, congruent with gifts, experience, and area needs.
• Accept both short- and long-term project assignments.

Training

• Participate in mission-wide staff conference every four years.
• Attend additional training or experiences as deemed necessary (e.g., urban exposure, TDS training).
• Attend regional training as directed by the Regional Director.
• Pursue continuing educational opportunities, including graduate degrees.
• Participate in programs designed for personal spiritual maturity or enrichment.
• Pursue seminars to enhance professional skills.
• Complete Core Training - Phase One within 36 months of hire date.

Supervision

• Supervises 1 to 3 clubs and/or ministries.
• Supervises 0 to 25 volunteers.

Working Conditions

• Includes extremes of a camp assignment, such as heat/cold, dirt, long hours, and physical demands (e.g., hiking, horseback riding, boating).
• Must be able to handle these conditions.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of related ministry experience.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead teams.
• Proven leadership and relational skills with both kids and adults.
• A call to reach kids with the Gospel.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• College degree preferred.