Help shape the future of KCYS and make a lasting difference for young people. Join our Board as a voluntary Non-Executive Director.

Oct 1, 2026 | Current Vacancies, News & Events

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

This is an exciting time to join KCYS, and to guide and steward our further strategic development over the coming years. In 2026/7 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:

• Fundraising
• Legal
• Cyber/IT/AI
• HR and industrial relations

New Board members will also be expected to Chair or participate in sub-committees 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. 6 per year) and the AGM.

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

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

Lead the next chapter of KCYS Killarney – building a vibrant, welcoming and sustainable centre where young people and communities can connect, participate and thrive.

Aug 14, 2026 | Current Vacancies, News & Events

 Would you like to help shape the future of a centre that creates opportunities for young people, families and communities across Kerry? Are you looking for a dynamic, rewarding and purpose-driven leadership role?

We are currently recruiting for an exciting new position in KCYS. Apply now for:

Centre Development & Social Enterprise Manager

Killarney based, 36 Month Fixed Term Contract, 35 hours per week,

26 days pro rata annual leave, paid sick leave scheme, flexible working, EAP

Salary: €45,000–€58,000, commensurate with experience

We are seeking an energetic and motivated manager to lead the next stage of development of KCYS Killarney as a welcoming, active and financially sustainable youth, community, social enterprise and European-facing centre.

The successful candidate will oversee the day-to-day management of the Centre, including its accommodation, room hire, staff, facilities, income generation, promotion and reporting. They will also build relationships with community groups, schools, local agencies and national and European partners to create meaningful opportunities for young people and the wider community.

This broad and developmental role may suit candidates from social enterprise, community development, youth work, hospitality, non-profit management or related fields.

Applicants are not expected to have expertise in every area. We are looking for someone with strong leadership skills, initiative and sound judgement who can turn ideas and opportunities into practical activity and positive outcomes.

Job Description and post requirements available here 👉KCYS Centre Development & Social Enterprise Manager 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 to humanresources@kcys.ie on or before:

12 noon, 1^st September 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 the Difference in a Young Person’s Life – Join our UBU Project

Aug 14, 2026 | Current Vacancies, News & Events

We are looking for dedicated and dynamic UBU Project Workers to join our teams in Killarney, Castleisland and Tralee, Co Kerry!

Are you passionate about supporting and empowering young people? Do you want to be part of a dynamic team that makes a real impact in local communities? If so, we want to hear from you!

These are exciting opportunites to engage with young people (aged 10-24), develop exciting youth programmes, and create positive change in local communities.

 KCYS (Kerry Community Youth Service) is a youth-focused organisation committed to providing meaningful support to young people aged 10 to 24. The UBU – Your Place Your Space project is funded by the Department of Education and Youth through Kerry Education & Training Board (KETB). Our goal is to reach and support young people facing challenges, helping them to develop confidence, resilience, and essential life skills.  As a UBU Project Worker, you will be at the heart of this mission, delivering engaging youth programmes, fostering positive relationships, and making a real difference in young people’s lives.

What You’ll Do:

• Engage with and support young people who need it most
• Develop and deliver creative, fun, and needs-based youth work programmes
• Provide a safe and inclusive space for personal growth and development
• Advocate for young people and support them in overcoming challenges
• Work alongside 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 to here 👉KDYS UBU Project Worker job description

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

12 noon, 1^st September 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

Support. Empower. Transform. Join the All In Again Project.

Aug 14, 2026 | Current Vacancies, News & Events

Would you like to be part of an organisation that makes a real difference in the lives of young people across Kerry? Are you looking for a dynamic, rewarding and purpose-driven work environment?

 We are currently recruiting for an exciting new initiative in KCYS, apply now for:

 All in Again Project Worker

Killorglin based, 12 Month Fixed Term Contract, 21 hours per week,

26 days pro rata annual leave, paid sick leave scheme, flexible working, EAP

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Project Worker who is passionate about supporting young people and making a meaningful difference in their lives.

The All In Again Project, funded through the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal, provides youth-focused support to marginalised young people across Kerry. Through a range of methodologies and activities, the project empowers young people to strengthen their mental health and wellbeing, build confidence and resilience, and develop the skills needed to make positive life choices.

Job Description and post requirements available here 👉KCYS ‘ All in Again’ Project Worker Job Description 

Please submit Curriculum Vitae and cover letter outlining your suitability for the post(s) to

humanresources@KCYS.ie 

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

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

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