Camp Director

Jewish Camp; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Jewish Camp in Cold Spring, NY seeks an experienced Camp Director to lead a year-round team and manage a dynamic summer program. The role is primarily remote from September to May, with on-site residence during the season.

The Director travels regionally and internationally to recruit staff, engage donors, and advance the camp’s mission. With 3–5 years of leadership experience in camping or youth development, you will supervise year-round staff, oversee safety, and manage budgets and programs to

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of leadership experience in overnight camping, youth development, education, or related field.
• Proven track record in recruiting campers and staff.
• Strong understanding of Jewish culture.
• Proficient with standard office software and online media platforms.
• Public speaking and salesmanship experience.

Responsibilities

• Drive enrollment growth with a robust camper recruitment plan.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, safety, and performance of the camp program.
• Oversee safety reviews, plans, strategies, programs, certifications, and compliance.
• Foster a culture of program innovation and operational excellence.
• Plan and oversee engagement initiatives and seasonal events.
• Represent Camp at meetings with stakeholders and events.

Skills

Leadership

Enrollment growth

Staff recruitment

Public speaking

Team management

Budget management

Education

Experience in overnight camping/youth development

Tools

Office software

Online media platforms

Job description

Seeking an experienced Jewish camp professional with a passion for camping to serve as Camp Director. As a member of a small year-round staff, you will be a thoughtful and creative leader as well as a key player on a hard-working team.

This position is primarily remote from September to May. Camp is located in Cold Spring, NY where you will live during the season. As the Camp Director, you should expect to travel regularly as a representative of the camp, including local and regional events, professional development conferences, and recruiting trips for both staff and campers. Travel will be on weekdays, weekends and may include international travel.

Compensation

$135,000-160,000

Requirements

The Core Duties:

• The Camp Director position will report to camp’s Executive Director.
• Drive enrollment growth, retention, and long-term sustainability. Including but not limited to, creating a robust camper recruitment plan, managing year-round camper recruitment strategies, ensuring effective lead management systems, and monitoring quality camper retention strategies.
• Oversee overall day-to-day operations, safety, and performance of the summer camp program.
• Oversee all safety reviews, plans, strategies, programs, certifications, and compliance.
• Foster a culture of program innovation and operational excellence.
• Responsible for developing and overseeing the review and development of plans for outstanding customer service.
• Year-round staff supervision. Includes roles such as Assistant Camp Director, Marketing Director, and seasonal staff that support year-round functions.
• Oversee hiring and supervision of seasonal staff. Including but not limited to creating a hiring plan for each year, actively managing and participating in the staffing process, working with camp’s Executive Director to ensure the proper organizational structure is in place for quality staff support and management, and showing up daily as a forward-facing camp leader.
• Budget responsibility for summer camp programs including staff, program, and recruitment of campers and staff.
• Develop and oversee summer staff training and orientations.
• Supervise the planning and execution of important engagement initiatives, such as Get Your Feet Wet (starter program for young campers), Labor Day (family camping weekend), Camp Reunions, and others related to engaging with new and current families.
• Attend, plan and follow-up on board and committee meetings.
• Support donor and alumni engagement and stewardship.
• Support the execution of the camp’s Strategic Plan.
• Generate written materials, evaluations, and reports as needed.
• Represent Camp with the Putnam County Department of Health and the American Camp Association.

The Essentials:

• A minimum of 3-5 years of leadership experience in overnight camping, youth development, education, or related field.
• Success leading teams and complex operations.
• Strong track record of recruiting campers and staff.
• An understanding of Jewish culture.
• Highly proficient with standard office software and various online media platforms and ability to learn new systems.
• Experience in public speaking and salesmanship.
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently.
• Ability to work long “camp hours” while in season.
• Experience navigating growth, change, or organizational transformation.