Substance Use Prevention Manager

Overview

Turn strategy into action—prevent substance use, empower youth, and create healthier communities across Iowa.

Join YSS as Statewide Substance Use Prevention Manager and lead the strategic coordination, implementation, and long-term sustainability of YSS statewide substance use prevention and early intervention programs. You will collaborate with prevention staff, schools, community coalitions, local agencies, subcontractors, and other stakeholders to design and deliver programs that are inclusive, evidence-based, and trauma-informed. Central to this work is empowering youth to be active partners and leaders in community agencies, businesses, schools, and government.

This role leads the development and promotion of prevention and youth development initiatives, fostering meaningful connections, supporting youth voice, and creating opportunities for community-wide participation. By combining strategic vision, collaboration, and a deep commitment to equity and well-being, the Manager helps build sustainable programs that prevent substance use, promote resilience, and strengthen communities across the state.

• Oversee statewide prevention and early intervention programs, including planning, implementation, and staff supervision.
• Manage substance use prevention programs, deliver evidence-based curricula, and support youth engagement and leadership statewide.
• Coordinate programs to meet grant and funding requirements, including data tracking, reporting, and budget oversight.
• Lead and participate in community coalitions, build relationships with schools and local agencies, and serve as a consultant/resource.
• Promote programs through public speaking, media outreach, and statewide marketing efforts.
• Attend required trainings, staff meetings, and grant-related meetings to support program goals.

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

We believe in your potential, meet you where you are, and invest in your future. Beyond the meaningful work,
YSS provides the following benefits:

• Supportive leadership team and mission-driven culture.
• Flexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment.
• Health insurance
• Voluntary dental insurance
• Voluntary vision insurance
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Supplemental accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance
• Professional liability insurance coverage
• Flexible spending account/health savings account
• Supplemental compensation award
• Generous Paid Time off and Leave
• Four weeks of paid time off (PTO)
• Volunteer time off
• Paid holiday leave
• Birthday holiday
• Wellness Program Opportunities
  • Paid membership to the Athletic Club of Ames
  • Employee Assistance Program for all employees
  • Flu shots
  • Mental health support
• YSS
  is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer.
• 403(b) retirement offerings

If this sounds like work you’d be proud to do—and a team you’d want to grow with—we’d love to hear from you. Let’s do meaningful work, together.

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.

MUST HAVES– Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, child development, human services, family environment, sociology, social work, or a related field, or an Associate’s degree with equivalent relevant experience and skills.
• Minimum of two years of experience in prevention, youth development, or related work.
• Motivational Interviewing certification (or willingness to obtain after starting employment).
• If applicable, certification is required after 24 months of full-time employment.

SHOULD HAVES– Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing community-based programs, including resource allocation, time management, and program coordination.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including youth, families, and community partners.
• Strong problem-solving skills, using active listening, critical thinking, and sound judgment.
• Professionalism and the ability to represent YSS with…