Oamaru Manager of the Y

(Permanent position, 30 hours p.w., immediate 2026 start date)

The Opportunity

We are looking to empower and provide opportunities for taiohi living within the Waitaki District to support their overall education, hauora and personal development. We are therefore looking for a professional and experienced manager, who can multi-task, harness the collective strength of a multi-faceted staff team, “do what is right” and listen and respond to Waitaki District community need.

Equally, the Oamaru Manager’s mahi is driven by the needs of local taiohi and their whānau. Key requirements of this Manager position include: – Connecting with Community & supporting each of the Y’s areas of mahi – Organisational Profile and Awareness within the Waitaki District – Site Operations and Team Culture – Client programme and service enrolment interviews – Growth and sustained economic viability of the Y in the Waitaki District

This is a permanent part-time role (30 hours per week, Monday – Friday) based in Oamaru. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, and directly supporting the Y Leadership Team, this role requires a creative mind, clarity of communication, excellent understanding of our core programmes and services and strong local networks. The successful applicant will be the face and key driver of the Y in Oamaru.

What We’re Looking for…

• The ability to build quality relationships with taiohi and whānau
• A minimum of five years management experience in a social sector or related role.
• Strength in building a high performing staff team culture.
• Demonstrated community engagement and consultation experience.
• A commitment to positive youth development.
• Able to translate community relationships into business development opportunities.
• Highly effective communicator both written and verbally.
• Proficient interpersonal, influencing and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrate strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Demonstrated project management skills, including project planning, implementation, risk management and evaluation.
• A commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi and applies tikanga in relevant work settings.
• Confident, resourceful, optimistic and ready to meet any challenge.
• Strong on common sense, resiliency, a sense of humour and able to use initiative.
• Holder of a Full Car Driver Licence.

If you are looking for a challenging role that provides the opportunity to make a positive difference to taiohi living within the Waitaki District, we want to hear from you!

Email your CV and cover letter to: Keith Shaw, keith@ymcasc.org.nz. Applications close Friday, 19 December 2025. A position description may be requested from the same email. 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 & Training
• Driving & Employment Pathways, Wellbeing & Youth Work
• Youth & Community Development

Check out our website (http://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.