Internship and Residency Director at Willow Creek Community Church – South Barrington, Illinois

At Willow, we believe the local church should be led by courageous, humble, and Spirit-led leaders—and we’re passionate about raising up the next generation to step into that calling.

The reality is, fewer young people are pursuing vocational ministry. But we’re not discouraged—we’re energized. We’re building a leadership pipeline that equips and releases Kingdom leaders who will help the Church flourish and advance the mission of Jesus.

That’s where you come in.

As our Internship & Residency Director, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping future ministry leaders. You won’t just run a program—you’ll disciple, develop, and champion people as they discern their calling and grow into who God has created them to be.

You’ll lead both our summer internship program (10–12 weeks) and our 1–2 year residency, creating meaningful, immersive experiences that blend real ministry, intentional development, and spiritual formation.

If you’re someone who loves investing in people, building systems that multiply impact, and casting vision that others rally around—you’ll thrive here.

Lead & Cast Vision

• Champion a church-wide vision for developing the next generation of leaders
• Inspire staff and volunteers to invest in interns and residents

Design Transformational Experiences

• Build and lead a cohesive program that integrates ministry experience, coaching, leadership development, and theological training
• Create environments that shape both character and capability

Recruit & Develop Talent

• Attract, select, and place high-potential interns and residents
• Equip and support staff coaches to mentor effectively

Shepherd the Full Journey

• Guide participants from application through completion
• Provide feedback, evaluation, and clear next steps for growth
• Provide pastoral care and perform pastoral duties if needed

Build Partnerships & Systems

• Develop relationships with key educational partners
• Create and refine systems to track growth and continuously improve the program

• Interns leave with a clearer sense of their calling and next steps
• Residents step into long-term ministry roles equipped and confident
• Coaches feel prepared, supported, and invested in
• Willow becomes known as a place that develops exceptional Kingdom leaders

• Salary: $66,000 – $90,000 (based on experience and skill set)
• Comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Retirement savings with company match
  • Parental leave
  • Generous paid time off
  • Mental health counseling reimbursement
  • Tuition reimbursement and more

You’re not just organized—you’re intentional. You don’t just manage—you multiply.

You might be a great fit if you are:

• A developer at heart who loves helping others grow
• A vision caster who can rally people around a compelling future
• A strategic thinker who can build and improve systems
• A relationship builder who connects easily with a wide range of people
• A team builder who equips others to lead well

You likely also have:

• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Experience leading people or programs (ministry context preferred)
• A background in internships, residencies, or leadership development (a plus)
• Experience in a large, multi-site church (helpful, not required)

We’re looking for someone who feels called—not just to a role, but to a mission. Someone who believes the future of the Church matters and is willing to invest deeply in the people who will shape it.

If that resonates with you, we’d love to connect.