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Staff Associate I - Wheaton North YL

Young Life · Wheaton, IL · $33,650–$42,125 a year · Full time

Posted Apr 27, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

All Young Life staff sign a Statement of Faith. How does your faith shape the way you treat people?

What they are checking: Whether their faith is lived out in relationships, which is the core of this ministry.

Tell me about a time you built trust with someone very different from you.

What they are checking: Whether they can connect across differences, since kids come from many backgrounds.

How do you plan your week when much of your work happens in the afternoon and evening?

What they are checking: Whether they can manage an irregular schedule and stay dependable.

Tell me about a time you worked on a ministry or service team. What role did you play?

What they are checking: Whether they work well on a team and know their own strengths.

What draws you to youth ministry as a career and not just as a volunteer?

What they are checking: Whether they have a lasting sense of calling that will carry them through hard seasons.

What would you do

How would you get to know students at Wheaton North who have never been to a Young Life club?

What they are checking: Whether they can reach new kids instead of only those already involved.

How would you talk about Jesus with a student who has been hurt by church before?

What they are checking: Whether they can listen to hurt with compassion instead of defending or pushing.

How would you support volunteer leaders who are busy college students or working adults?

What they are checking: Whether they can encourage volunteers while respecting their limited time.

How would you build a good relationship with school administrators?

What they are checking: Whether they respect school rules and earn credibility with the adults who control access.

About the work

What safety boundaries matter most to you when working with high schoolers?

What they are checking: Whether they take adult-student boundaries seriously in every setting.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Young Life.

If you are currently on Young Life staff, please do not apply through this external jobs board. To apply for internal job opportunities, log in to Workday and use the Jobs Hub . Applying externally may delay your application and require you to resubmit internally. Young Life requires all​ employees to sign a Statement of Faith. We recommend you read this statement before applying​ for any position. Because of Young Life’s exclusive Christian purposes of evangelism and discipleship as set forth in its Articles of Incorporation and in these Bylaws, and to reflect what has always been and will continue to be the position of Young Life, specifically the Christian belief that each and every employee and volunteer of the corporation should minister as a servant of God with the primary responsibility of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ and, as such, is an integral part of the Christian mission and ministry of the corporation , Young Life shall only employ individuals or enlist volunteer leaders who: (a) profess a belief in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord; and (b) subscribe to the statements and policies required of all Young Life staff, including the Young Life Statement of Faith. Therefore, employees and volunteers of Young Life, during working and nonworking hours, shall: (i) be ready, willing and able to fulfill such ministry functions as may be required by the organization; (ii) refrain from conduct and statements that detract from the biblical standards taught and supported by Young Life, and (iii) abide by all policies and practices of Young Life including, without limitation, those related to religious belief or ministry activities. Job Specific Working Conditions: The annual salary for this position ranges from $33,650.00 to $42,125.00. YL Staff Associate I Summary: Through both formal training and direct field ministry experience, learn how to effectively carry out and manage Young Life ministry. Ministry Functions: Spiritual Development — “Following Jesus” includes prayer and spiritual disciplines, fellowship, growth and health and church relationships. • Develop a yearly personal growth plan that fosters a vibrant spiritual life including time for solitude, retreat, reflection, prayer and a sincere commitment to understanding God’s Word. • Seek and maintain relationships and disciplines, in the context of active participation in a church community. • Actively participate in the spiritual life of the Young Life community. • Lead teams and individuals in spiritual development. Leadership Development — “Equipping leaders, committee and staff” includes key volunteer care, recruiting, team building and training, supervision and vision casting. • Meet with your volunteer leaders and area leadership on a regular basis. • Learn to recruit and train new leaders to build a leadership team that reflects the community. • Model excellence in contact work, club, Campaigners and camping to other leaders. • Assist in training leaders, team leaders and committee how to work effectively in teams and develop a yearly ministry strategy. Resource Development — “Fueling the ministry” includes events, major donor care, public relations (branding) and TDS team. • Raise financial support as directed and maintain good donor care practices. • Communicate ministry updates and progress to personal donor partners. • Observe and learn to network and develop strategic relationships with key adults in the community, including: principals, pastors, parents, potential committee members as assigned by the area director. • Learn to plan and execute area fundraising events under the direction of an area supervisor and committee. Direct Ministry — “Proclaiming and modeling” includes contact work, club, Campaigners and camp. • Actively engage in all three levels of contact work. • Lead a team to plan and conduct a new or existing Young Life club and Campaigners/discipleship ministry with excellence. • Lead a team to implement a summer and school-season camping strategy for a ministry. • Serve on a summer assignment at a Young Life camp each year. Ministry Support — “Taking care of business” includes accounting, administration, communication (internal), data management and strategic plan. • Adhere to all Young Life policies and procedures and maintain professionalism concerning office hours, dress, conduct and time management. • Manage finances with stewardship, accountability and transparency using the 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 yearly strategic ministry plan and initiatives to reach every kid; review them on a regular basis. • Perform other duties as assigned and congruent with gifts, experience and area needs. Training: • Core Training — Phase One (New Staff Training, Leadership I, Leadership II, Apologetics and one Winter Training course are to be completed in the first two years. • Training may be supervised by a regional director, regional trainer or area to develop personal spiritual maturity and enhance personal character. • May include regional training meetings and ministry skills training assigned by the area director. Education: • College degree preferred. Qualifications Required for the Job: Experience in direct ministry. • Proven relational skills with both kids and adults. • Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills. • Ability to maintain confidentiality. Work Conditions: • Includes the extremes of a camp including: heat/cold, dirt, long hours and the physical demands of hiking, horseback riding, boating and more. Staff person must be able to handle these conditions.

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