Are you ready to lead an organisation that makes a real difference in the lives of young people, families, and communities across Kerry?
Join Our Team at KCYS!
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Kerry Community Youth Service (KCYS) is seeking a dynamic, motivated, and visionary Chief Executive Officer to guide our organisation into its next chapter. Building on a strong foundation of community engagement, collaboration, and positive impact, the CEO will drive innovation, deepen KCYS’s reach and effectiveness, and steer the organisation through the next stage of its development. This includes ensuring that our services remain responsive, forward-thinking, and firmly grounded in the core values that define KCYS — young person-centred, rights-based, empowering, inclusive, respectful, and non-judgemental.
As CEO, you will provide strong, values-led leadership to a committed staff and volunteer team, fostering collaboration, trust, and shared purpose. You will oversee governance, finance, compliance, and reporting across the organisation, ensuring accountability and transparency. A key part of the role will involve building and nurturing partnerships with statutory, voluntary, and community agencies to strengthen service delivery and maximise impact. You will also promote a culture of excellence, learning, and continuous improvement, while championing KCYS’s role as a leading community-based youth and family service provider across Kerry.
We are looking for someone who has:
- A recognised third-level qualification relevant to the role.
- A minimum of 5 years’ senior management experience in the youth, community, or voluntary sector.
- Strong financial and resource management skills.
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and networking abilities.
- Proven leadership and integrity to inspire and motivate others.
- High levels of IT, social media, and administrative competence.
- An imaginative, flexible, and can-do approach.
- A deep commitment to the ethos, values, and culture of KCYS.
A full driving license and access to transport are required for this role.
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
Application Process
The recruitment process for this position is being facilitated by Youth Work Ireland. Further information, including a detailed Candidate Briefing Document, is available HERE
Please submit completed application (as outlined HERE) for the post(s) to Breege Kiernan at bkiernan@youthworkireland.ie on or before:
5.00 p.m., Friday 31st October 2025
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