Advocates &Amp

YSS, is looking for an AMP (Achieving Maximum Potential) Program Coordinator to help bring youth voice to the center of statewide change.

This role leads AMP programming across Iowa—building connection, elevating lived experience, and creating real opportunities for youth in foster, adoptive, kinship, and guardian communities to lead. Through events, storytelling, leadership development, and digital engagement, you’ll help shape how AMP shows up statewide and ensure young people aren’t just present in the conversation—they’re shaping it.

What You'll Do...

• Lead planning and execution of statewide AMP events including Town Halls, Resource Fairs, Annual Conference, and Day on the Hill while ensuring consistent youth engagement across programming.
• Represent AMP in trainings, presentations, advocacy spaces, and statewide partner meetings while collaborating with coalitions, boards, and community partners to strengthen impact and alignment.
• Supervise, recruit, and mentor youth leaders through the AMP Central Council, including facilitating monthly connection calls and coordinating an annual leadership retreat.
• Support and grow youth-led engagement opportunities across Iowa by strengthening leadership pathways and peer connection within the AMP network.
• Manage AMP’s social media presence (Facebook and Instagram) and partner with youth to develop campaigns, PSAs, storytelling content, and digital engagement materials.
• Support website content development and youth-focused communications while coordinating distribution of AMP materials across TV, radio, and digital platforms.
• Maintain consistent branding across all outreach materials and monitor social media channels for compliance or risk concerns, escalating as needed.
• Build and maintain relationships with DHS, courts, families, facilitators, and community partners to support statewide recruitment and engagement for the Foster Care Youth Council.
• Participate in monthly partner calls, meetings, camps, and conferences while maintaining required documentation and reporting, including DHS engagement and outreach metrics.

This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.

Who You Are...

You’re a steady, collaborative communicator who knows how to bring people together and keep things moving. You’re energized by youth voice, skilled at juggling multiple priorities, and comfortable working across events, storytelling, and partnerships—all while keeping the focus on meaningful engagement and real impact..

What We Provide...

We invest in people—because when you thrive, so do the communities we serve. At YSS, you’ll find meaningful work, strong support, and benefits designed for real life.

Supportive Culture & Work Environment

• Supportive leadership team and mission-driven culture
• Flexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance
• Voluntary dental and vision insurance
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Supplemental accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) / Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Flu shots and mental health support resources
• Paid membership to the Athletic Club of Ames

Time Off & Work-Life Balance

• Generous paid time off (4 weeks PTO)
• Paid holidays, including a birthday holiday
• Volunteer time off

Financial & Retirement Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Supplemental compensation award
• 403(b) retirement savings plan

Professional & Career Support

• Professional liability insurance coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualified employer

We want to create a world where youth are valued and empowered to stand strong. To do this, we ask our staff to embrace YSS core values - Commitment, Collaboration, Compassion, Innovation, Integrity, and a “Can Do” Spirit.

Required Qualifications - MUST HAVES:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field
• At least 1 year of experience in marketing, advertising, public relations, communications, or a related field
• At least 1 year of advocacy experience, including knowledge of the foster care system and youth development
• Travel is required for this position, so having stable, dependable transportation is a must.
• Strong ability to manage multiple projects and priorities under tight deadlines
• Proven collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across teams and partners
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to support basic media/video production in partnership with youth for program promotion
• Commitment to promoting AMP statewide and advancing youth-driven vision and engagement

Preferred Qualifications - SHOULD HAVES:

• Lived experience in foster care and/or juvenile justice systems
• Experience in positive youth development or youth engagement work
• Background in media, communications, public relations, or multi-platform content creation
• Knowledge of post-secondary education pathways and career development systems

The IDEAL Candidate

• Is dependable, self-motivated, and great at taking initiative
• Is rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.
• Brings humility, respect, and cultural awareness to every interaction.
• Speaks a second language (especially one spoken in our communities).

We Celebrate Your Story...

Have you navigated recovery from addiction, mental health challenges, trauma, or housing instability? Your lived experience offers a unique, compassionate perspective that can inspire real change. By sharing your story and serving as a role model or mentor, you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth and families. Your journey matters. If you’re ready to use it to uplift and empower others, we warmly encourage you to apply.

Who We Are...

We’re YSS—one of Iowa’s largest and longest-standing nonprofits dedicated to putting kids first. Our mission is simple but powerful: spark hope, create opportunity, and help young people thrive.

• From life-changing programs to a new 50-acre recovery campus, we’re expanding fast and thinking big. Learn more at yss.org.
• We value the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we’re committed to building a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where everyone can grow and succeed.
• YSS is a nicotine-free workplace.

Stay Connected...

We communicate with applicants via email - straight from our Paycom system address: systemmessage@paycomonline.com. Please check your inbox regularly (and your spam/junk folder just in case). If the message does end up in spam/junk, make sure to add systemmessage@paycomonline.com to your list of safe senders. We may also send you texts if you give us that permission when you apply. Questions? Reach us anytime at yss@yss.org

Our Hiring Process - Here’s What to Expect...

• Apply – Submit your application at yss.org/ysscareers
• Assessment – We review your skills and experience
• Interview – Phone, video, or in-person conversation
• References – We’ll connect with 3+ professional references
• Screening – Background check, driving record check, and license verification if required
• Offer – If it’s a match, you’ll receive a formal offer through Paycom