Job Description: Camp Director
To apply: Please submit all applications (resume and cover letter) to:
https://apply.thehiretribe.com and email [email protected] with any questions. The application deadline is September 25th at 5pm EDT.
Background
Capital Camps & Retreat Center (CCRC), a non-profit Jewish camping and retreat organization, is seeking a full-time Camp Director to lead our premier camp in partnership with our CEO and senior leadership team.
Agency Overview
CCRC provides enriching, summer overnight camp and year-round retreat services to children, families, and organizations primarily from the Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia areas. The agency’s office is located in Rockville, MD, and the camp and retreat center is located in Waynesboro, PA. Founded in 1987, Capital Camps has enjoyed steady growth and is now close to capacity each summer with children ages 7 to 17 on an expansive renovated campus in the Catoctin Mountains. The Retreat Center, which hosts approximately 100 groups each year, is a center of learning and rejuvenation for adults, families, and organizations.
CCRC is affiliated with the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, JCCA (Jewish Community Center Association), ACA (American Camp Association), FJC (The Foundation for Jewish Camp), and JCamp 180 (a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation).
For more information about the camp, go to capitalcamps.org, and capitalretreat.org for information about the retreat center.
The Position
We are seeking an energetic and self-motivated Camp Director who is passionate about Jewish summer camp experiences. The Camp Director will report to the CEO and work closely with the senior leadership team to oversee and enhance our premier camp. This role involves managing a dedicated year-round team of camp professionals, ensuring that the mission and vision of our summer camp program, as defined by the Board of Directors, are successfully achieved. The ideal candidate will have the vision, talent, and experience to lead this team and further develop our successful program. As a key member of the Agency’s Management Team, the Camp Director will provide strategic direction and oversight for both the summer camp and year-round camp operations
Qualities Sought in the Capital Camps Camp Director
- A Jewish role model with a charismatic ability to provide ongoing dynamic support and leadership to colleagues, camp staff, campers and their families, and lay leadership.
- An ambitious and enthusiastic leader who will conduct summer sessions establishing strong relationships with campers and staff (this includes living at camp for the duration of the summer).
- An ability to work effectively under pressure, receive direction from the CEO, and work unaided on time-sensitive projects.
- Management capabilities, supervision and accountability of team members with the ability to provide strong implementation and execution skills.
- An ability to effectively engage in an important level of support and customer service to camp families, while ensuring adherence to camp values and goals and ACA accreditation.
- A creative, flexible, and effective problem solver with the skills to identify and provide solutions to complex issues and concerns in a professional manner, including conflict management with parents, staff and/or campers.
Responsibilities & Duties
The Camp Director will oversee and coordinate all aspects of camp operations year-round. Key responsibilities include:
- Leadership and Administration: Provide year-round leadership and administration for the summer camp program, managing a dedicated team of camp professionals. Develop, monitor, and adjust short and long-term strategic goals for camp growth in collaboration with the CCRC Board of Directors, staff, Camp Committee, and the broader community to ensure the continuity of programming aligned with the organizational mission.
- Program Development and Implementation: Plan, coordinate, and oversee all facets of summer camp services, including camper and staff recruitment, Jewish and general program development (including educational components), and coordination with the COO for managing food services, facility maintenance, and other logistical aspects. Utilize feedback from camp families and staff to facilitate program improvements and implementation.
- Staff Management: Hire, mentor, supervise, and, when necessary, terminate summer camp staff in alignment with camp values. Provide ongoing feedback and conduct formal evaluations. Oversee and execute training for the Summer Leadership Team and staff, both pre-camp and during the camp season.
- Marketing and Recruitment: Develop and implement the summer camp marketing and recruitment plan with team support to achieve camper enrollment and retention goals. Collaborate with the CEO, Board of Directors, and Camp Committee to ensure effective public relations and marketing strategies.
- Special Needs and Supplies: Oversee the management of special needs for campers and staff, including transportation, medical, mental health, social, and spiritual support. Ensure the procurement of all necessary supplies for the camp.
- Volunteer and Philanthropy: Manage volunteer activities during summer sessions and integrate a Culture of Philanthropy into all camp activities, working with the Development Team and lay leadership.
Qualifications
- 8-10+ years in a senior leadership role within overnight or day camps and/or youth programs, with strong operations management experience.
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Hands-on leadership with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong problem-solving, strategic management, and decision-making abilities.
- Excellent communications and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in financial management and budgeting.
- Knowledge in Excel and data management.
- Expertise in program development, educational methodologies, and best practices in camp programming.
- Experience with staff certifications necessary for licensure and ACA accreditations.
- High ethical standards and strong judgment.
- Ability to build and maintain strong relationships and partnerships.
- Strong organizational and planning skills.
- Familiarity with Jewish culture, traditions, and community, with a commitment to Jewish customs and values.
Working Conditions (full time, year-round, exempt position)
- Due to the nature of this position, the Camp Director will live at camp (in Waynesboro, PA) during the summer months (including time before and after the camp sessions).
- Winter office is in Rockville, MD.
- Travel as needed between the two locations, as well as Baltimore, Greater Washington, Richmond, Newport News and Tidewater communities throughout the year.
What You Will Receive
- Supervision by the CEO.
- Medical/Dental/Vision insurance, as well as 403(b) retirement plan with match available.
- Paid vacation time, sick leave, and Jewish/Federal holiday’s
- Salary range is $125-$150k, commensurate with experience, alongside an attractive and competitive benefits and retirement package.
- Relocation expenses negotiable.
To apply: Please submit all applications (resume and cover letter) to:
https://apply.thehiretribe.com and email [email protected] with any questions. The application deadline is September 25th at 5pm EDT.