Camp Director

Camp Abnaki / Greater Burlington YMCA; North Hero (VT); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Camp Abnaki, run by the Greater Burlington YMCA, is seeking a visionary Camp Director to lead operations, foster community, and steward our legacy on Lake Champlain's shores. You will build vibrant community partnerships and guide strategic programming while overseeing property development and annual budgeting.

You will manage budgets, supervise seasonal staff, and partner with alumni and donors to expand philanthropy, marketing, and campus improvements.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years in resident camp leadership.
• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Recreation or related field preferred.
• Ability to build and develop high quality camp programming.
• Strong working knowledge of budget management and safety standards.
• Ability to communicate effectively with campers, families, staff and leadership.
• Commitment to ACA guidelines and safety certifications (training provided if needed).

Responsibilities

• Cultivate Camp Culture: maintain a visible, inclusive camp life and a safe environment.
• Creative Camp Programming: develop programs emphasizing skill development, outdoor adventure and teamwork.
• Drive Financial & Operational Excellence: manage annual budget and partner on philanthropy campaigns.
• Lead and Empower a Diverse Team: recruit, onboard, coach, and supervise camp staff.
• Uphold Safety & Compliance Standards: ensure practices align with ACA and regulatory requirements.
• Strategic Growth & Alumni Engagement: lead marketing, alumni relations, and property improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Camp operations

Fundraising coordination

Communication

Safety compliance

Alumni relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education, Recreation or related field

Job description

Lead a legacy of adventure, belonging, and community at Camp Abnaki!

The Greater Burlington YMCA is a mission-driven organization committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We have a great opportunity for an experienced, visionary Camp Director to provide leadership and administrative oversight for Camp Abnaki, the nation's oldest YMCA all-boys camp.

The Camp Director will drive the vision, operations, and community culture of Camp Abnaki; staying true to our roots while building a legacy for generations to come. This role will build vibrant community and alumni partnerships, oversee strategic property development, manage annual budgets, and lead, mentor, and inspire a diverse group of seasonal employees.

Why You'll Love This Role:

• Deep Community Impact: Lead a community where the motto "Help the Other Fellow" is lived daily.
• Beautiful Vermont Setting: Live and lead in a dynamic, outdoor camp environment on the shores of Lake Champlain.
• Broad Leadership Scope: Own everything from big-picture philanthropy and strategic marketing to hands-on program development and delivery.

What You'll Do:

• Cultivate Camp Culture: Maintain an active, visible presence in daily camp life, creating an inclusive, emotionally safe environment where campers and staff feel known, valued, and connected.
• Creative Camp Programming: Develop diverse programs that focus on skill development, character development, outdoor adventure, recreation, and environmental education where the emphasis is experiential, oriented towards cooperative group work, values-focused, and fun.
• Drive Financial & Operational Excellence: Develop and manage the annual camp budget, meet net income targets, and partner with executive leadership on annual and capital philanthropy campaigns.
• Lead and Empower a Diverse Team: Oversee all recruitment, onboarding, coaching, and performance management for camp staff while shaping an organized framework for supervision and support.
• Uphold Safety & Compliance Standards: Ensure all practices, property, and programs strictly conform to local, state, federal, and American Camping Association (ACA) guidelines.
• Strategic Growth & Alumni Engagement: Collaborate on the long-term Camp Abnaki Comprehensive Plan, spearheading marketing initiatives, alumni relations, and property improvements.

What You'll Bring to the Role:

• Mission-Driven Leadership: A proven track record of community service, background supporting fundraising efforts, and a dedication to the Y's core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.
• Exceptional Collaboration: The ability to relate well to diverse backgrounds, listen actively, navigate challenging situations calmly, and champion diversity and inclusion.
• Operational & Financial Savvy: Strong expertise in budget management, experience establishing and exceeding programmatic goals, and a drive for continuous improvement in all areas of responsibility.
• Commitment to Growth: A self-motivated approach to professional development, openness to organizational change, and up-to-date knowledge of camping industry trends.

The Camp Director role is a year-round, full-time position. Candidates must be able to reside on-site at our camp in North Hero, VT during the camp season and support overnight on-call responsibilities. In the off-season, this role is based in Burlington, VT with the option for a hybrid work arrangement.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 5 years of experience working in a resident camp leadership role is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Recreation or a related field is preferred. A combination of relevant education and experience will be considered.
• Ability to build and develop high quality camp programming and execute efficiently and effectively.
• Strong working knowledge of applicable camp regulations, state and federal requirements, and health and safety standards.
• Strong working knowledge of budget management practices with the ability to understand and process month-to-month expenses.
• Ability to work effectively with youth and teens by building relationships that create positive, inclusive camp experiences.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with campers' parents and guardians through responsive communication and a commitment to a positive camper experience.
• Knowledge of marketing, fundraising, public relations, and property management.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing to campers, families, staff, donors, the community, and organizational leadership.
• Possess a strong sense of patience and acceptance and leading with integrity and positivity.
• Ability to lead groups, facilitate presentations, meetings and trainings, and clearly communicate expectations.
• Ability to operate motor vehicles and meet the YMCA's safe driving requirements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required CPR/AED/O2, First Aid, mandated reporter, and other applicable safety certifications and training; training can be provided if necessary.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those necessary for the role and are essential to ensuring the safety and well-being of children in our care. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Ability to quickly navigate through remote locations and uneven terrain on camp property.
• Ability, both visual and auditory, to identify and respond to safety and environmental hazards and inform campers, staff, and guests.
• Ability to lift and move up to 40 pounds.
• Physical mobility and endurance to perform tasks while standing/walking for extended periods of time.