Youth Director

The Youth Director is responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight of year-round youth programming for children in grades K-6, including Club J, vacation programs, youth events, and seasonal offerings. During the summer, this position serves as a member of the Camp Chai leadership team with primary responsibility for Summer Specialists and After Care operations. 

The position collaborates closely with camp and organizational leadership to ensure safe, engaging, high-quality experiences for participants, families, and staff. This role exercises independent judgment, leads program operations, develops staff, manages budgets, and contributes to strategic planning and decision-making. This position is classified as Exempt and is eligible for benefits. The Jewish Community Center is an equal opportunity employer (EOE).    

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, coach, and evaluate year-round and seasonal staff.
• Support employee development through ongoing feedback, mentorship, and performance management.
• Develop and deliver onboarding, training, and professional development opportunities for youth and camp staff.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and professional culture that promotes teamwork and accountability.
• Monitor expenditures and recommend cost-effective use of resources.
• Process payroll, purchase orders, registrations, and program-related administrative functions.
• Maintain accurate records, rosters, schedules, and documentation.
• Utilize organizational systems, including Avocado, to support program operations and participant services.
• Prepare and manage departmental budgets in partnership with the Director of Camping Services.
• Support the promotion of youth and summer programs through marketing and communication efforts.
• Submit content for websites, email communications, social media, and promotional materials.
• Communicate effectively with families, staff, members, schools, and community partners.
• Represent the organization professionally and positively in all interactions.
• Partner with internal departments to support cross-functional programming and organizational initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Director of Jewish Life and Learning to incorporate Jewish values and experiences into youth programming.
• Participate in supervisory meetings and maintain regular communication with leadership and key stakeholders.
• Support the mission, values, policies, and objectives of the organization.
• Maintain a safe environment for participants, staff, members, and guests.
• Report safety, facility, equipment, and operational concerns as appropriate.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and organizational events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Youth Program 

• Develop, implement, and evaluate year-round youth programs, including Club J, school break programs, holiday programming, and youth events.
• Identify opportunities to expand participation and enhance youth and family engagement.
• Ensure programs align with organizational goals, mission, and quality standards.
• Monitor participation, outcomes, and feedback and recommend improvements.

Club J Operations

• Oversee all aspects of Club J, including staffing, schedules, daily operations, transportation logistics, participant supervision, and program quality.
• Maintain program procedures and ensure compliance with organizational policies.
• Monitor enrollment, staffing needs, and program expenses.
• Serve as a primary contact for families, providing timely communication and support.

 Camp 

Summer Specialists

• Provide leadership and oversight for Summer Specialists during the first six weeks of Camp Chai.
• Coordinate schedules, program expectations, supplies, logistics, and daily support.
• Ensure specialty programming is engaging, age-appropriate, and aligned with camp goals.
• Monitor program quality and staffing needs and recommend improvements.

After Care

• Oversee Camp Chai After Care operations, including staffing, activities, supervision, scheduling, and daily logistics.
• Ensure a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate experience for campers.
• Coordinate with families, counselors, specialists, and camp leadership regarding participant needs and operational requirements.

 REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred. High school diploma or GED required.   
• Supervisory experience is strongly preferred.  
• Detail oriented and well organized, with ability to plan projects, activities and schedule several months in advance. 
• Demonstrate passion and knowledge of social media.
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and Access.  
• Flexible and able to handle multiple projects at the same time. 
• This position requires independent judgment, initiative, and advanced administrative skills. 
• The person in the position should be innovative, imaginative and provide a positive role model for members and staff. 
• Professional in appearance, manner and tone.
• A team player who possesses the ability to work in a collaborative environment.
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds.
• Able to prioritize in a constantly changing environment. 
• Experience working with Youth ages. 
• Must have a proven track record of utilizing good judgment and decision-making skills to be able to work independently. 

OTHER DUTIES: 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice as the needs of the JCC and/or community change.

 It is expected that the Youth Director will be a team player as part of the JCC Professional Staff. He/she is expected to be aware of the JCC Mission Statement and work within the frameworks of that mission.