A CHARITY SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE

An Opportunity to Make a Difference: KCYS Welcomes New Board Members

Jan 15, 2026 | Current Vacancies, News & Events

Kerry Community Youth Service (KCYS) Board is expanding to recruit new non-Executive Directors

 

ABOUT KCYS:

This is an exciting time to join KCYS, and to guide and steward our further strategic development over the coming years. In 2026 this will include contributing to the articulation of our next Strategic Plan in collaboration with our new incoming CEO.

Founded in 1971 as Kerry Diocesan Youth Service, we are a voluntary youth work organisation providing a range of programmes and services to young people and communities across the entire county of Kerry, the Beara Peninsula and the North West Cork region of Duhallow.

Following extensive consultation with young people, volunteers, stakeholders and the local community, in 2024 we changed our name to Kerry Community Youth Service.

KCYS is a registered charity and operates in accordance with the Charity Regulator guidance. KCYS is Governance Code Compliant and was awarded Triple Lock status in January 2024.

Our vision is for all young people to be valued and supported to achieve their full potential as participating members of the community.

Our mission is that KCYS is a community-based youth work organisation committed to serving all young people in a safe, fun and positive environment, through the provision of youth spaces, services, mentoring, training and ongoing opportunities for their holistic development, and by advocating for their needs.

Our strategic goals for 2023 to 2026 are:

  • Support young people in Kerry to achieve their full potential
  • Provide targeted and integrated supports to meet the needs of young people in Kerry and their families
  • Be recognised as a centre of excellence for youth work
  • Establish ourselves as an independent young person-centred charity
  • Strengthen our governance, management and internal coordination
  • Be an organisation that enables staff and volunteers to deliver and develop

 

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

In recent years, KCYS has taken great steps to strengthen our governance, management and internal coordination.

In that spirit, we are looking to recruit additional new Non-Executive Directors. We are particularly interested in hearing from interested applicants with one or more the following skills or lived experience:

  • Human Resources & Industrial Relations.
  • Legal
  • Fundraising
  • Social enterprise and mission-led commercial development
  • Youth work
  • Marketing and PR
  • Charity governance

New Board members will also be expected to Chair or participate in subcommittees of the Board as required.

 

ELIGIBILITY

Candidates must have the capacity to be an active member of the Board. See information below about time commitment.

Candidates with local knowledge, previous Board experience and a background working with young people and in the voluntary sector are preferred.

Willingness to work with the KCYS Youth Advisory Group and to take the wishes and views of young people in line with our commitment to youth participation is also a priority for KCYS Board members.

Our goal is to maintain a gender balance on the Board.

Candidates would thus ideally be based in Kerry or the neighbouring counties or at least willing to commit to attending a number of in-person meetings per year. Whilst most Board and committee meetings are held online, the Board meets in person twice a year at one of its centres. Trustees are also invited to attend various local events including the AGM and training days.

 

TIME COMMITMENT & OTHER INFORMATION

You will be expected to attend regular KCYS Board meetings (approx. 10 per year) and the AGM.

You will be expected to actively contribute to one of the Board’s sub-committees.

Most KCYS governance meetings are held virtually on weekday evenings. The full Board meets in person at least twice a year.

(Note that we are in the process of reviewing and strengthening our Board meetings and workings with sub-committees which may impact meeting cadence. More information can be discussed with candidates during the application process.)

KCYS Board may also call single item/specific purpose meetings and working groups on occasion as needed.

You will be expected to devote appropriate preparation time in advance of meetings to read through papers and related documents.

You may also be invited to attend occasional briefings or educational sessions and/or meetings or conferences with staff and volunteers of KCYS.

KCYS will provide new Board members induction training and on-going Board development.

The term of office is three years with an option to be reappointed for a second and third term.

This is a Trustee role. In accordance with Regulatory requirements this role is not remunerated. Necessary and vouched expenses are reimbursed following approval by the Board Chairperson

 

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

While this role as a Non-Executive Director of KCYS CLG is on a voluntary basis, members have the same legal duties and responsibilities as any Director. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are aware of these duties and responsibilities. If you would like further information about these roles and responsibilities, please contact us.

The CEO is responsible for the day-to day management of the organisation and for implementing the strategy and policies approved by the Board. The CEO is accountable to the Board and will report to the Board regularly on the organisation’s performance.

Board members will be required to sign KCYS’s Code of Conduct for Charity Trustees in order to confirm your intention to comply with its provisions during your term of office.

 

HOW TO APPLY

Please email a brief CV and cover letter to the following email address:

boardrecruitment@kcys.ie  

This recruitment will remain open until we have filled the vacancies on the Board.  For further information please contact: boardrecruitment@kcys.ie

Be Part of a Purpose-Led Team Where Finance Supports Impact!

Dec 16, 2025 | Current Vacancies

Do you bring professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to making a difference? Are you looking to apply your finance skills in a role that truly supports young people and communities? KCYS Killarney has an opportunity for you.

Kerry Community Youth Service (KCYS), a deeply rooted and impactful non-profit organisation in County Kerry, is seeking a dedicated

Finance Officer

Killarney based, 12 Month Fixed Term Contract, 28 hours per week,

26 days pro rata annual leave, paid sick leave scheme.

 

Reporting to the Finance Manager, the Finance Officer will provide a high-quality, efficient, and confidential finance service. The successful candidate will play a key role in payroll, financial reporting, grant management, and statutory compliance, while working collaboratively across the organisation.

This role requires professionalism, discretion, excellent organisational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a busy environment.

At KCYS, you’ll be part of a passionate and dedicated team making a real difference in the lives of young people and families. We’re guided by our core values: Young Person Centred, Inclusive, Respectful, Non-Judgemental, Rights Based, and Empowering. If you’re someone who strives for excellence, we’d love to hear from you.

 

Why Join Us?

Meaningful Work – Make a real impact on young lives & local community – Professional Development – Training & career growth opportunities – Supportive Team – Work in an environment that values creativity & collaboration – Competitive Benefits – Salary, enhanced annual leave, paid sick leave scheme & more

 

If you’re motivated, passionate, and ready to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you! Join us & experience a quality & inclusive work environment, job satisfaction, flexible working, & more………..

 

Job Description and post requirements available here 👉KDYS Finance Officer Job Description

Please submit Curriculum Vitae and cover letter outlining your suitability for the post(s) to humanresources@kcys.ie on or before:

3pm, Tuesday 27th January 2026

 

A panel may be formed from which future vacancies across KCYS may be filled.

Please note – we reserve the right to close or extend this campaign subject to application numbers.

Therefore, we would urge you to submit an application as soon as possible.

 

KCYS is an Equal Opportunities Employer — KCYS is a Gold Standard Health Promoting Youth Organisation — KCYS complies with the Governance Code for Community, Voluntary and Charity Organisations in Ireland

Be Part of an Exciting New KCYS Initiative!

Dec 9, 2025 | Current Vacancies

KCYS is launching a new UBU – Your Place Your Space initiative in the Greater Kenmare area, and we are now recruiting dedicated staff to help shape and deliver this exciting project from the ground up.

Are you passionate about empowering young people aged 10–24 and excited by the opportunity to help build a brand-new youth service that will make a lasting difference in the community? If so — we want to hear from you! KCYS is seeking a dynamic UBU Project Leader and UBU Project Worker to join our team in Greater Kenmare, where you will engage with young people, develop creative youth programmes, and contribute to positive change locally.

KCYS (Kerry Community Youth Service) is a youth-focused organisation committed to supporting young people aged 10–24. The UBU – Your Place Your Space project is funded by the Department of Education and Youth through Kerry ETB. Our goal is to reach and support young people facing challenges, helping them build confidence, resilience, and essential life skills.

 

We Are Recruiting For:

UBU Project Leader

A key role in establishing, developing and leading this new initiative. You will shape programme delivery, support staff, engage stakeholders, and ensure high-quality youth service standards across all areas.

UBU Project Worker

A direct-engagement role supporting young people through creative, strengths-based programmes, one-to-one work, and group activities. You’ll help bring this new project to life as part of a passionate and supportive team.

 

Why Join Us?

Meaningful Work – Make a real impact on young lives! – Professional Development – Training & career growth opportunities – Supportive Team – Work in an environment that values creativity & collaboration – Competitive Benefits – Salary, enhanced annual leave, paid sick leave scheme & more

 

If you’re motivated, passionate, and ready to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you! Join us & experience a quality & inclusive work environment, job satisfaction, flexible working, & more………..

 

Job Description and post requirements available here👇

KCYS Kenmare UBU Lead Worker Job Description

KCYS Kenmare UBU Project Worker Job Description

www.KCYS.ie, or by request to: humanresources@kcys.ie

 

Please submit Curriculum Vitae and cover letter outlining your suitability for the post(s) to humanresources@kcys.ie on or before:

 

3pm, Tuesday, 27th January 2026

 

A panel may be formed from which future vacancies across KCYS may be filled.

 

Please note – we reserve the right to close or extend this campaign subject to application numbers.  Therefore, we would urge you to submit an application as soon as possible.

 

KCYS is an Equal Opportunities Employer — KCYS is a Gold Standard Health Promoting Youth Organisation — KCYS complies with the Governance Code for Community, Voluntary and Charity Organisations in Ireland

                   

Now Hiring: Centre Manager for KCYS Killarney – Lead with Purpose, Drive Social Impact!

Apr 25, 2025 | Current Vacancies

Are you an exceptional leader driven to empower people and strengthen communities? Do you thrive in a dynamic environment where social impact meets entrepreneurial spirit? If so, KCYS Killarney has an exciting opportunity for you!

 

Kerry Community Youth Service (KCYS), a deeply rooted and impactful non-profit organisation in County Kerry, is seeking a dedicated

Centre Manager

Killarney based, 12 Month Fixed Term Contract, 35 hours per week,

26 days pro rata annual leave, paid sick leave scheme.

 

As Centre Manager you will lead the strategic development of KCYS Killarney, with an initial focus on growing our 47-bed accommodation enterprise. This role involves driving income generation, delivering business and marketing plans, and contributing to the wider strategic goals of the organisation. You will oversee daily operations in our established busy youth and community hub , ensuring a safe, efficient, and welcoming environment, while maintaining full compliance with all relevant policies and legislation. A key aspect of the role is team leadership—supporting staff, building a positive team culture, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality services.

 

At KCYS, you’ll be part of a passionate and dedicated team making a real difference in the lives of young people and families. We’re guided by our core values: Young Person Centred, Inclusive, Respectful, Non-Judgemental, Rights Based, and Empowering. If you’re someone who leads with integrity and strives for excellence, we’d love to hear from you.

Why Join Us?

Meaningful Work – Make a real impact on young lives & local community! – Professional Development – Training & career growth opportunities – Supportive Team – Work in an environment that values creativity & collaboration – Competitive Benefits – Salary, enhanced annual leave, paid sick leave scheme & more

 

If you’re motivated, passionate, and ready to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you! Join us & experience a quality & inclusive work environment, job satisfaction, flexible working, & more………..

 

Job Description and post requirements available to download here:

KCYS Centre Manager Job Description

 

Please submit Curriculum Vitae and cover letter outlining your suitability for the post(s) to humanresources@kcys.ie

 

A panel may be formed from which future vacancies across KCYS may be filled.

Please note – we reserve the right to close or extend this campaign subject to application numbers.

Therefore, we would urge you to submit an application as soon as possible.

 

KCYS is an Equal Opportunities Employer — KCYS is a Gold Standard Health Promoting Youth Organisation — KCYS complies with the Governance Code for Community, Voluntary and Charity Organisations in Ireland

Expansion of our Relief & Sessional Worker Panel

Jan 20, 2023 | Current Vacancies

We are currently expanding our Relief Panel & Sessional Worker Panel!!

 

We are forming a panel of suitably qualified personnel who may be engaged to undertake short-term work with various programmes throughout the organisation.

Sessional Workers

are experts in their field and may be engaged to deliver specialist programmes through out the organisation.

 

Relief Panel

placement on our relief panel allows you to avail of short term pieces of work in various departments throughout the organisation – Youth Work, Youth Information, Family Support, Administration, Website/Social Media etc.

 

The benefits of being on the panel allows you gain quality work experience, build your professional profile, accept/decline work on your own availability, experience various aspects of the work as you develop your career and so much more!

Applicants should have qualification in own field or specialism, if applicable, strong communication and inter-personal skills, be flexible in approach to work, ability to work individually or as part of a team.  Experience in similar setting is desirable.

 

  • Rate of pay is variable subject budget and requirements of the duties undertaken
  • Placement on the panel is not a guarantee of employment
  • Employment with KCYS is subject to a satisfactory response from the Garda Vetting Unit being received in relation to any candidate under consideration and satisfactory reference checks being received.

 

To apply for placement on the panel please submit to humanresources@kcys.ie

Relief Workers – Curriculum Vitae and cover letter outlining suitability

Sessional Workers – Expression of interest outlining skills, qualifications and suitability, details of business if applicable

For further information please email: humanresources@kcys.ie

 

Please note – we reserve the right to close or extend this campaign subject to application numbers.

Therefore, we would urge you to submit an application as soon as possible

 

KCYS is an Equal Opportunities Employer — KCYS is a Gold Standard Health Promoting Youth Organisation — KCYS complies with the Governance Code for Community, Voluntary and Charity Organisations in Ireland