Director of Camp Services

Description

Valley of the Sun J

Director of Camp Services

Position Summary

The Director of Camp Services reports directly to the COO and provides visionary leadership and strategic oversight for all Valley of the Sun J camp experiences, including Shemesh Summer Camp, seasonal break camps, specialty camps, and future camping initiatives. This position is responsible for developing exceptional, safe, inclusive, and innovative programs that create lifelong memories while advancing the mission and values of the Valley of the Sun J.

The Director oversees all aspects of camp operations, including program development, staff recruitment and leadership, budgeting, risk management, marketing, enrollment growth, regulatory compliance, and customer experience. The Director works collaboratively across departments to ensure camp remains a flagship program that strengthens community engagement and contributes to the organization's overall success.

The Director serves as the primary ambassador for camp, fostering strong relationships with families, staff, community partners, and stakeholders while creating an environment where every child feels welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Essential Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a long-term vision and strategic plan for all camp programming.
• Create innovative camp experiences that respond to community needs and current trends.
• Identify opportunities for new programs, specialty camps, partnerships, and revenue growth.
• Establish measurable goals and key performance indicators for enrollment, retention, customer satisfaction, and financial performance.
• Serve as the organizational leader for all camping services.

Camp Operations

• Direct all aspects of summer camp, seasonal camps, and specialty camp operations.
• Ensure programs operate safely, efficiently, and consistently deliver exceptional experiences.
• Oversee daily camp operations, logistics, transportation, scheduling, facilities, and equipment.
• Maintain comprehensive emergency action plans and risk management procedures.
• Ensure camp facilities remain safe, clean, organized, and well maintained.
• Collaborate with Facilities, Security, Aquatics, Membership, Early Childhood, and Youth departments to ensure seamless operations.

Youth Development & Program Excellence

• Design engaging, developmentally appropriate, and mission-driven camp programming.
• Foster an inclusive environment where children of all abilities and backgrounds can thrive.
• Incorporate disability-informed practices and evidence-based supports for neurodivergent campers.
• Ensure programs emphasize character development, leadership, teamwork, creativity, wellness, and Jewish values where appropriate.
• Continuously evaluate program quality using participant feedback and industry best practices.

Staff Leadership

• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, supervise, coach, and evaluate year-round and seasonal camp staff.
• Develop a comprehensive staff orientation and ongoing professional development program.
• Foster a culture of accountability, inclusion, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Mentor Assistant Camp Directors, Coordinators, Office Staff, Unit Leaders, Specialists, and Counselors.
• Conduct regular staff meetings, performance evaluations, and leadership development sessions.
• Partner closely with Human Resources regarding hiring, onboarding, compliance, employee relations, and performance management.

Family Experience & Customer Service

• Create an exceptional customer experience from registration through the final day of  camp.
• Build strong relationships with campers and families through proactive communication.
• Respond promptly and professionally to concerns while seeking collaborative resolutions.
• Monitor parent satisfaction and implement continuous service improvements.
• Develop parent resources including handbooks, newsletters, orientation materials, and communications.

Marketing, Enrollment & Community Engagement

• Partner with the Marketing Department to develop annual enrollment and marketing strategies.
• Increase camp enrollment through community outreach, partnerships, school visits, camp fairs, digital marketing, and referral initiatives.
• Assist in developing promotional materials, social media content, newsletters, and website content.
• Build relationships with schools, community organizations, and prospective families.
• Monitor enrollment trends and recommend strategic adjustments throughout the year.

Financial Management

• Develop, manage, and monitor annual operating and capital budgets.
• Meet or exceed enrollment and revenue goals while maintaining expense controls.
• Analyze financial performance and implement strategies to improve sustainability.
• Prepare budget reports, enrollment forecasts, and operational analyses for senior leadership.
• Manage contracts with vendors, transportation providers, specialty instructors, and outside partners.

Compliance, Safety & Risk Management

• Maintain compliance with all state licensing requirements and American Camp Association (ACA) standards.
• Ensure adherence to organizational policies and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Oversee camper health records, incident reporting, emergency preparedness, and medication procedures.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts in risk management and child safety.
• Promote a culture where safety is everyone's responsibility.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate enrollment, staffing, licensing, and program records.
• Oversee camp registration systems and camper databases.
• Coordinate Camp Committee meetings and provide updates to senior leadership.
• Prepare reports, evaluations, and annual program assessments.
• Participate in leadership meetings and organizational planning initiatives.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Education, Human Services, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in camp administration, youth development, recreation, or similar programs.
• Minimum three years supervising professional and seasonal staff.
• Experience managing budgets and achieving financial goals.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Current CPR, First Aid, and AED certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).

Preferred

• Master's degree in Recreation, Education, Human Services, Business Administration, or related field.
• American Camp Association experience.
• State childcare licensing experience.
• Experience working within a Jewish Community Center or nonprofit organization.
• Experience serving children with diverse learning, behavioral, developmental, and accessibility needs.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Leadership
• Operational Excellence
• Team Development
• Budget & Financial Management
• Risk Management
• Customer Experience
• Program Innovation
• Community Engagement
• Inclusive Leadership
• Problem Solving
• Collaboration
• Emotional Intelligence
• Change Management

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to walk throughout a large campus and camp environment for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to participate in camp activities and respond quickly during emergencies.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed during camp season and special events.

Position Classification

Department: Camping Services

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer

FLSA Status: Exempt

Supervises: Assistant Camp Director, Camp Coordinators, Camp Registrar, Office Staff, Seasonal Leadership Staff, Counselors, Specialists, and Volunteers