An opportunity to lead with purpose and make an impact for young people in our community.

Kāhu Youth Trust is on the lookout for a driven, organised, and down-to-earth Programme Manager to lead and manage our team of Youth Workers, supporting them to deliver our youth development programmes. This is a hands-on role supporting real-life, positive change for rangatahi — work that is impactful, rewarding, and meaningful. If you're passionate about youth development and ready to roll up your sleeves, we’d love to hear from you.

• Work Type: Full Time
• Sector: Youth Services / Community Services & Development.

About the Role:

At the heart of our youth development programmes is the Programme Manager, keeping everything moving. This role balances big-picture thinking with hands-on delivery, you’ll be just as comfortable co-creating high-quality youth development programmes as you will be working drop-in sessions, supporting team members to deliver programmes and building relationships with community partners.

You'll be responsible for:

• Working closely with the Operations Director to help achieve Kāhu Youth’s long-term strategic goals as outlined in our strategic plan.
• Leading the design and delivery of high-quality youth development programmes by guiding your team, collaborating on new ideas, and staying closely connected to the mahi on the ground.
• Maintaining quality control of our programmes by using our existing tools to measure impact and outcomes, then applying that info to continuously improve and innovate.
• Delivering alongside your team - you’ll stay grounded in the mahi by actively participating in drop-ins, weekly programmes, and youth activities.
• Using youth voice and community insight to inform programme development, ensuring we respond to the real, evolving needs of rangatahi in our region.
• Managing and motivating a small but mighty team of Youth Workers, fostering a positive team culture grounded in our values.
• Supporting the growth and development of Youth Workers through professional development, supervision, and hands-on training.
• Ensuring team safety and best practice, by making sure Youth Workers are working within Kāhu Youth policies and procedures, and that we remain compliant with Social Services Accreditation Standards.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, helping extend the reach and impact of Kāhu Youth in our wider community.

About You:

You’re a sharp thinker with a huge heart, who can lead and manage with both empathy and clarity. You get things done, and people trust you to do them well.

You’ll bring:

• A solid background in youth development, community work, and/or social services
• Relevant qualifications in youth work, education, counselling, psychology, or social work
• A strong understanding of youth work in Aotearoa, including key frameworks and principles
• Hands-on experience designing and delivering youth development programmes
• A working knowledge of the current landscape for youth, including the challenges rangatahi face today
• The ability to genuinely connect with people from all walks of life – especially rangatahi
• Proven leadership experience, with the skills to manage a team and nurture a positive, supportive culture
• The ability to motivate and inspire others, while keeping the kaupapa at the centre
• Strong organisation, initiative, and resourcefulness
• A collaborative, can-do mindset, because at Kāhu, we all roll up our sleeves and pitch in

Applicants must have legal entitlement to work in New Zealand and view this role as a permanent position rather than temporary. A full, clean New Zealand driver's licence is required. Kāhu Youth Trust has a thorough onboarding process for all staff, which includes police vetting.

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

If you would like more information or would like to apply, please email your CV along with a cover letter detailing how your experience, skills and qualifications align with the responsibilities of the role, and what you can bring to the team to [email protected]

If you would like more info about the role and full position description please email.

Applications Close: 5pm, Monday 19 May, 2025.