Our roles
From hostel staff to business support, our dedicated people work in varied roles across YHA.
YHA was born of the determination of a community of like-minded pioneers. Today, we share a common purpose: to improve the health, wellbeing and life chances of all, but especially young people facing adversity and challenges.
Our teams are based in hostels across England and Wales, at our National Office in Matlock, Derbyshire, or in remote/hybrid roles. Some colleagues work full-time, while others work part-time or join us in temporary roles. Whatever role they do and wherever they work, everyone helps support the operation and delivery of YHA’s charitable strategy.
Hostel roles
Looking for an exciting and varied role? Many of our team members work in flexible roles, covering catering, hospitality, housekeeping, reception and much more. No two days are the same when working in one of our amazing locations in England and Wales. On days off, our teams will often access nature, take up an outdoor activity or travel to other hostels to use their free staff stays to explore somewhere new. Our hostels are the places you go when you’re looking for an adventure.
Search for a hostel role
We offer permanent and temporary roles with full-time or part-time hours. Staff accommodation is available with some roles too.
Temporary hostel jobs
Every year we look for team members to join us on temporary seasonal contracts — usually from February to October.
National Office roles
Based in Matlock, Derbyshire, our National Office is the centre of operations. Many teams work remotely or in hybrid roles, while others are based in the office. You can discuss your preferences with your line manager.
Admin and business support
Provide essential business administrative support to various departments across YHA, working with a wide range of people.
Business development and sales
Oversee our pricing and overnights across England and Wales, or help us break into new business areas.
Central sales and customer care
Help our customers to have a great getaway with us – from the moment they book to saying goodbye at the end of their break.
CEO office and executive team
Under the direction of YHA’s Board of Trustees, the CEO and executive team work together to develop and deliver our strategy and business plan.
Digital
Help us deliver a great online experience — from managing our websites to partnerships with online travel agents, social media and video.
Education, youth and partnerships
Help us to create opportunities to connect people through travel and adventure and review our impact on the young people who need it most.
Finance
Got an eye for detail? Supervise the financial aspects of the organisation, ensuring every supplier gets paid and every penny is accounted for.
Fundraising
As a charity, we rely on our donors. Inspire individuals, community groups, public sector partners and more to support our efforts with young people.
Governance, health and safety
Manage health, safety and risk. You’ll advise and direct YHA on all legal compliance and provide support to managers, employees and guests.
HR and people support
Apply your people skills and help us recruit the best people. You’ll ensure their journey sets them up for a great career with YHA.
IT and business systems
You’ll provide and maintain the technology our teams need to deliver the best possible service to our customers and keep our data secure.
Marketing and communications
Got a creative flair? Deliver our marketing and comms activity, memberships and customer insights.
Operations and project management
Take responsibility for the budget, team and performance of our hostels, including products like food and drink.
Property, estates and franchising
Make sure our buildings are as good as they can be, including taking care of the legal aspects such as managing leases and acquiring new sites.
Trustees
Our Board of Trustees hold overall legal responsibility for the organisation. They support YHA on a voluntary basis, guiding our charity’s direction.
Volunteering support
Manage our volunteering programme, working with and onboarding volunteer activity leaders, gardeners, hostel managers and more.
Development and progression
To support your development, we offer lots of different routes including online learning modules, apprenticeships, short courses, our own management development programme and training courses (online and in person) tailored to different aspects of the organisation.
Every year, we ensure all employees have a personal development review to reflect on past performance and enable managers to give constructive feedback. It provides you with an opportunity to understand what you’ve done well, what you could do differently and to look at our training and development opportunities.
There is progression if you want it (and it is ok to stay in the same role if not). I can ask my line manager about other roles and they will arrange for me to spend time in other departments. I feel like YHA focuses on what’s best for me, not just what’s best for the organisation.