Camp Director

Greater Burlington YMCA; North Hero (VT); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Greater Burlington YMCA seeks a visionary Camp Director for Camp Abnaki to lead programs, safety, and community partnerships. You will guide a diverse seasonal staff, develop engaging outdoor programming, and ensure ACA compliance while upholding the YMCA values.

You will drive planning, fundraising, marketing, alumni relations, and strategic growth, aligning with the organization’s mission to strengthen communities through youth development and healthy living.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience in a resident camp leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of camp regulations, health and safety standards.
• Budget management experience and accountability.
• Ability to live on-site during the camp season and support overnight on-call.
• Ability to develop quality camp programming and execute efficiently.
• Ability to work with youth and families to create positive, inclusive camp experiences.
• Experience in fundraising, marketing, and community partnerships.
• Strong communication and leadership in meetings and with donors/community.
• Ability to operate vehicles and meet YMCA safety driving requirements.
• CPR/AED/First Aid and other safety certifications; training can be provided.

Responsibilities

• Lead the vision, operations, and culture of Camp Abnaki for the Greater Burlington YMCA.
• Oversee annual budget and financial targets, and collaborate on capital campaigns.
• Recruit, onboard, coach, and supervise a diverse team of seasonal staff.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Fundraising

Youth development

Diversity & inclusion

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Recreation or related field

Job description

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 future generations. This role will build vibrant community and alumni partnerships, oversee strategic property development, manage annual budget, and manage and mentor 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 creation 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 supervisory framework.
• 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 .
• Commitment to Growth: A self-motivated approach to professional development, openness to organizational change, and up-to-date knowledge of camping industry trends.

Requirements

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. Relevant education and experience will be considered.
• Ability to live on-site during the camp season and support overnight on-call responsibilities.
• Ability to build and develop 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 a positive attitude.
• Ability to lead groups, facilitate 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.