The Opportunity
As a result of strong growth and demand for our programmes and services and following a realignment of the Y Central South Island’s organisation structure, the Y is recruiting for a local Manager to provide operational and inspiring management across its Christchurch site and the multiple programme and service lines including Education, Youth, Family and Community Services (including Y-Drive driving and Employment Pathways provision).
The role is accountable for the leading and achievement of contractual outcomes, while supporting Y staff with operational delivery. This position will be the ‘face’ of the Y within the Christchurch and wider Canterbury community, navigating impact, reputation, and awareness, aligned with the Y’s vision, mission and values.
If you’re a dynamic, proactive, and practice-focussed professional with a passion for taiohi, whanau and hapori, then we encourage you to apply.
Ideal Person Specifications:
• A minimum of five years management experience in a social sector or related role
• An overall professional and experienced manager, who can multi-task, harness the collective strength of a multi-faceted staff team, “do what is right”
• Contractual experience in any of the following areas: Education or training, employment pathways, youth development and/or driver license support programmes
• Proven experience managing staff teams
• Strength in building a high performing staff team culture
• Experience in business development and growth and can convert local community relationships into business development opportunities.
The ideal candidate will also demonstrate the following:
• Relationship management and local stakeholder engagement and networks
• Strong operational, financial management and administrative capability/skills
• Ability to manage integrated service delivery models
• Demonstrated project management, implementation, risk management and evaluation skills
• Proficient interpersonal, influencing and negotiation skills.
• Strong on common sense, resiliency, a sense of humor and able to use initiative
• A strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to applying tikanga Maori appropriately and respectfully in all aspects of the role
• A full, clean New Zealand driver licence
If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding position supporting the Y Central South Island to service the needs of taiohi, whanau and hapori in Canterbury, we want to hear from you!
Applications close Wednesday, 9th September 2026.
Email your CV and cover letter to: Diane Schenkel, Regional Manager Canterbury, diane@ymcasc.org.nz
Applications will be reviewed as they come in and interviews may commence prior to the close date.
About The Central South Island
Evolving to meet community need since 1917 in South and Mid Canterbury, Christchurch and now North Otago, The Y provides a wide range of programmes and services across three core streams:
• Education
• Youth Services (including Wellbeing and Youth Work)
• Family & Community Services (including Driving & Employment Pathways)
Check out our website (www.ymcasc.org.nz) to see what our mahi is all about.
The Y Central South Island is committed to child protection and the safeguarding of children and young people in our care, and it is our expectation that all staff will operate in a way that reflects this intent. Appointment to a role with the Y will be subject to a satisfactory Police and CYRAS Check. Of equal importance, diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace are central to our mahi. Our bicultural plan guides our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Email your CV and cover letter to: Diane Schenkel, Regional Manager Canterbury, diane@ymcasc.org.nz
The Y is a community not-for-profit (a.k.a. profit for purpose) organisation that provides a range of programmes and services including community sports, education, training, employment pathways, driver education, community-based learning and youth development opportunities, as examples.
The Y programmes and services are developed and responsive to community needs. That is why a Y can look very different from community to community, country to country and generation to generation. Each local Y association makes its own decisions about programme service provision based on local need. We are led by our insights and impact within our community – working with partners to strive to meet emerging needs that are identified within the community.
The Y is an inclusive organisation driven by a shared commitment to developing the potential and confidence in people, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility.