POSITION: SPORTS DEPARTMENT HEAD, HENRY S JACOBS CAMP
Location: ?Onsite: Henry S Jacobs Camp (3863 Morrison Road, Utica MS 39175
Department: Henry S. Jacobs Camp
Employment Dates: May 31 – August 2, 2023
Salary Range: $2,500-4,000
Organization: ?URJ
Employment Type: ?Seasonal, Not Benefits Eligible
THE ROLE
The Union for Reform Judaism’s (URJ) Henry S Jacobs Camp seeks a seasonal Department Head to manage and oversee the sports specialty activity area for the duration of the summer experience. The mission of the URJ Henry S. Jacobs Camp is to provide a high-quality Reform Jewish camping experience to the children of Southern Jewish communities that enriches and enhances their lives spiritually, intellectually, and physically in a safe and friendly family environment. The role of Department Head is to support the mission and vision of camp by coaching department staff and supporting campers.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
The Sports Department Head reports to the Camp Directors and is responsible for the following:
CAMP LEADERSHIP
- Serve as part of the camp’s leadership team. Attend daily department leadership meetings.
- Contribute to the overall positive morale of the camp community. Address any problems or questions as they arise and resolve conflicts as needed.
- Directly responsible for the health and welfare of all participants. Actively involved in the daily lives of campers, counselors, and specialists. Update directors with concerns on a consistent basis.
- Serve as a role model and support for all counselors.
- Maintain a consistent presence as a leader within the camp community with respect to role modeling of institutional and racial equity, diversity, and inclusion (REDI) principles, Jewish values, supervision and accountability for all rules and procedures, and dedication in all respects to the camp’s mission and vision.
TRAINING, SUPERVISION & SUPPORT
- Supervise and support all specialists and counselors in department. Ensure meaningful day-to-day interactions with each department staff member. Regularly evaluate the performance of department staff members, following the set guidelines.
- Communicate information and expectation setting to the entire group.
- Supervise and support campers when they are participating in sports activities.
- Serve as the creative force for department programs, assign staff members to program teams, and work closely with specialists planning programs for your department. Responsible for planning, preparation, and implementation of all evening programs for the sports department. Incorporate department staff members in program planning and leadership.
- Responsible for ensuring the department’s program supply requisitions are submitted on time.
- Make all site and supply arrangements for department programs and activities. Coordinate activities of all groups participating in your department’s activities at a given time: allocation of space, staff, etc.
- Act as role model for department staff, assisting department staff with problems and questions.
- Act on behalf of the department on issues involving the camp community.
- Run department staff meetings.
- Serve as next step after counselors/specialists in camper behavior modification.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve as Super OD, which involves making announcements at meals and night-time duty, on a rotational basis.
- Manage camper elective requests and assignments.
- Set up activity areas after breakfast alongside specialists.
- Participate in activities, when appropriate. Provide coverage for counselors.
- Be prepared to help with logistics and other needs. (i.e. Procuring equipment and supplies, assist with camp visitors and special guests, arrival and departure days, staff transportation during time off, A/V Setups, snacks, water, administrative office support, etc.)
WHO YOU ARE & KEYS TO SUCCESS (THE MUST-HAVES):
To be successful in this job, you excel in the following areas:
- Youth Engagement & Mentorship. Positive role model who supports Jewish life and community. Enjoys being with and providing guidance to children. Background in informal education, experiential teaching, or program coordination is desirable. Leads by example, demonstrating a well-developed sense of responsibility with good judgment and common sense. Possesses a significant level of Jewish Education and desire to share that knowledge with campers.
- Residential Camping. Residential camp experience is highly preferred. Willingness to embrace the mission and vision of camp. Understand the nature of camp life and can adjust plans accordingly and maintain a level of flexibility.
- Training & Supervision. Staff supervision and training ensure the inclusion of the most up to date REDI practices. Patient, compassionate, and approachable, serving as a mentor for all counselors.
- Communication. Effective and efficient communication and listening skills. Ability to manage large groups of people and communicate publicly.
- Flexibility & Creativity. Confident decision maker. Able to think on feet and operate in high pressure situations.
- REDI Experience (Racial Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion). Demonstrated experience and ongoing commitment to prioritizing and executing on Racial Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (i.e., ableism, LGBTQ+ Inclusion, antiracism, etc.) priorities.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Live in residence at camp during summer.
ABOUT US
The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) provides vision and voice to build strong communities that, together, transform the way people connect to Judaism and change the world. We acknowledge that due to racism, ableism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression, that our communities are not whole until everyone experiences a sense of belonging within the Jewish community. As the largest Jewish movement in North America, we stand for a Judaism that is inclusive and reflective of a wide range of identities and accept the responsibility of dismantling oppression both inside and outside of our communities. Through camping, youth experiences, programs, information sharing, and networking opportunities, our over 850 congregations and 15 residential camps create opportunities for our communities to enhance their capacity to build and expand community, engage in meaningful and authentic Jewish life, deepen Jewish learning, energize worship, pursue social justice and develop inspired leadership. Together, our employees and stakeholders, are creating Reform Judaism of today.
APPLICATION PROCESS
?We look forward to hearing from you!??Learn more at jacobscamp.org/available-positions
The URJ strives to be a welcoming and inclusive environment that is committed to creating a diverse environment. We promote strenuous policies and practices of equal opportunity and diversity, equity, and inclusion. It is our objective to recruit, hire, and retain the most qualified individuals including those of any race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Our equal employment philosophy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, compensation, benefits, training, promotions, transfers, job benefits, and terminations. The URJ encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities and individuals who identify as LGBTQ+.?