Assistant Camp Director | Culture Catalyst | Washington, DC

DEAN Camps; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 53,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Referral bonus

Paid training

Daily perks: lunch, snacks, coffee, &_

Parking

Job summary

DEAN Camps is seeking an DC Assistant Site Director of Culture & Engagement to lead and energize a dynamic camp team.

You will coordinate events, mentor staff, and ensure a fun, safe environment for campers while upholding our CARE culture—Compassion, Trust, Growth, and Creativity. This is a full-time, on-site seasonal role in Washington, DC, June 14–Aug 13, 7:30am–4pm, at 3825 Wisconsin Ave.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in summer camp leadership, education, recreation, or youth development with 200+ campers weekly.
• Experience supervising staff, mentoring, resolving conflicts, building team morale.
• Ability to coach counselors and reinforce camp culture and standards.

Responsibilities

• Create a positive camp culture with inclusive teamwork and strong morale.
• Lead themed weeks and engagement events with decorations, music, and activities.
• Support morning assemblies and camper recognition aligned with DEAN values.
• Mentor team members, mediate conflicts, model calm and inclusive leadership.
• Communicate clearly with 40+ seasonal team members across departments.
• Engage directly with campers across activities and ensure safety and inclusion.
• Oversee carpool and parent interactions for a welcoming experience.

Skills

Leadership

Team mentoring

Conflict resolution

Feedback & coaching

Communication

Tech tools

Tools

Slack

Google Workspace

Airtable

Job description

DC Assistant Site Director

Operations, Culture, Engagement

Who We Are

At DEAN Camps, we create life‑changing opportunities for young people to discover their passions, explore endless possibilities, achieve meaningful goals, and navigate thrilling adventures, all while developing character and skills that last a lifetime.

Guided by our core values of Compassion, Trust, Growth, and Creativity, we foster an environment where learning, discovery, and personal development thrive. Our vision is to inspire generations of resilient, compassionate, and confident individuals who contribute positively to their communities and the world.

We operate across DC, MD, NJ, PA, and VA, offering all‑inclusive programs that make summer exciting for children and easy for families. Learn more: DEAN Camps.

What Makes You a Great Fit

This job is ideal for experienced camp program directors, recreation directors, youth program leaders, social workers, guidance counselors, or behavioral specialists who excel in semi‑structured, fast‑paced, and high‑energy environments.

• Leadership & Team Experience – At least 2 years working in summer camp leadership, education, recreation, or youth development, with programs serving 200+ children per week. You have supervised and mentored staff, resolved conflicts, and built team morale across a team of 40+
• Support, manage, and coach counselors, in tandem with the director, throughout the day
• Help identify performance concerns and provide real‑time feedback, redirection, and support
• Reinforce DEAN expectations, procedures, culture, and standards
• Support the Site Director to delegate responsibilities and keep the team moving effectively
• Support campers who need additional behavioral or emotional support
• Program coverage when needed (transitions, lunch/recess, arrival, breaks, dismissal, absences, or other areas based on daily needs)
• Organized & Reliable – You balance structured programming with flexibility, ensuring both team members and campers feel supported.
• Tech‑Savvy – You are comfortable with technology tools, such as Slack, Google Workspace and Airtable, to foster clear and uplifting communication across teams
• Adaptability & Quick Thinking – You thrive in fast‑paced environments and solve challenges with ease, without waiting to be asked
• Active Engagement & Dedication – You bring a positive, motivating approach and a strong dedication to supporting program participants and colleagues, ensuring everyone feels safe, engaged, and supported daily
• Strong Communication & People Skills – You lead with empathy, patience, and clarity. You excel at conflict resolution, giving and accepting constructive feedback, and creating a supportive team culture
• Excited to Learn & Lead Activities – You are adept at jumping into various hands‑on activities during unforeseen circumstances/absences or team member breaks, including, but not limited to:
• STEAM: innovation labs, woodworking, sewing, fiber arts, and cooking
• Creative Play: Engaging with our youngest “Discoverer” campers (aged 4–5) in STEAM, baking, and dance movement

What You’ll Do

As an Assistant Site Director of Culture & Engagement, you’ll help build the heart of camp: creating an environment where team members feel supported, energized, and proud of their work, and where campers experience DEAN’s trademark creativity, care, and fun. Partnering closely with the Site Director, you’ll strengthen team morale, coordinate camp‑wide events, and ensure every day feels connected and purposeful. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Creating a positive camp culture that fosters a kind, inclusive team environment, ensuring strong morale and growth, plus effective collaboration to create a team that leaves camp stronger than they arrived
• Lead themed weeks and engagement events like Friday showcase, scavenger hunts, and team‑building activities — bringing each week’s theme to life with decorations, music, and engaging camper activities
• Support morning assemblies by setting the tone for the day with cheers, team member spotlights, and camper recognition moments that reflect DEAN’s values of compassion, trust, growth, and creativity
• Support team member development by mentoring team members, mediating conflicts, and modeling calm, confident, and inclusive leadership
• Communicate clearly with 40+ seasonal team members, ensuring collaboration and consistency between departments and programs, as well as addressing parent needs as directed by the Site Director
• Engage directly with campers across activities — assisting with transitions, supporting groups as needed, and maintaining a safe, positive environment
• Oversee carpool and parent interactions to ensure a smooth, welcoming, and memorable experience that reflects DEAN’s reputation for care and excellence, being sure to assign energetic team members, keep an upbeat environment, and especially make Fridays shine with costumes, ice pops, and music.

Schedule and Requirements

• This is a full‑time, on‑site seasonal role from June 14th – August 13th
• Hours: camp operates 7:30am–4pm
• Ability to commute to: 3825 Wisconsin Ave, Washington, DC 20016
• Willingness to submit required health records to partner host sites prior to employment, in compliance with organizational and state health requirements
• Physical capacity to lift up to 50 lbs, respond rapidly to safety emergencies, and maintain an active presence in dynamic outdoor and noisy environments under varied weather conditions, with or without reasonable accommodations
• Must have valid First Aid & CPR certification

Perks and Benefits

• Pay range: $1,175-1,225 per week
• FLSA Status: This is a seasonal full‑time, exempt position under the FLSA
• Paid training: Pre‑Summer remote training on: leadership, operations, and DEIB, plus in‑person team and logistics training during the week of June 7th
• All required background checks and certifications fully reimbursed
• Referral Bonus: Earn $50 per hired referral, with no referral limits
• Daily perks: Lunch, snacks, coffee, and parking + Monday breakfast
• Employee discounts on camp rates for family members, outdoor gear, art supplies, electronics, and more
• Career growth: Gain resume‑building experience, letters of recommendation, and networking opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

DEAN Adventure Camps is an equal employment opportunity employer. We value diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Hiring decisions are based on job‑related qualifications and business needs and are made without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, religion, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.