Camp Director, Camp Hidden Valley (full time, year-round)

CampHire Recruiting & Executive Search; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Commuter benefits

Retirement contribution plans

Job summary

A youth organization is seeking a Camp Director for Camp Hidden Valley in New York. This full-time role requires strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills. The Camp Director will oversee daily operations, ensure safety, and lead staff recruitment. The position offers a salary of $80,000 along with a comprehensive benefits package. Candidates should have extensive camp experience and the ability to manage crises effectively. This is a year-round role with on-site living requirements during the summer season.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 25 years old by the start of camp.
• Extensive experience in residential camp settings with prior supervisory roles.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to inspire staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership for Camp Hidden Valley.
• Ensure a safe and high-quality experience for campers and staff.
• Lead recruitment and onboarding for staff.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Program development

Crisis management

Job description

CAMP DIRECTOR, CAMP HIDDEN VALLEY (Full time, Year-Round)

Since its founding in 1877, The Fresh Air Fund, a not-for-profit youth development organization, has provided free life-changing summer experiences outdoors to more than 1.8 million children from New York City’s underserved communities. Young people also participate in year-round leadership, career exploration and educational programs. For more information, visit www.FreshAir.org.

Position Summary

Camp Hidden Valley is a residential summer camp for children ages 8–12, offering a wide range of activities from swimming, sports, and outdoor adventure to music and art. Each summer, Camp Hidden Valley runs four sessions, serving approximately 80 campers per session with the support of 60 dedicated staff members from around the world.

The salary for this role is $80,000 with a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; commuter benefits; and employer and employee retirement contribution plans.

This is a full-time position based in the New York City office from September to June with an onsite requirement of 3 days per week. Occasional travel is required to Sharpe Reservation in Fishkill, NY as needed.

From June through August, the position is based at camp in Fishkill, NY and requires 24/7 onsite living (private housing provided).

The Camp Director, Hidden Valley provides inspiring, strategic and operational leadership for Camp Hidden Valley while supporting all aspects of the camper registration process. This role combines direct oversight of summer programs (including overall leadership, management, and operations of the camp) with responsibilities related to community outreach, family engagement, camper enrollment, application review, and program placement. The Camp Director ensures a safe, engaging, and high-quality experience for all campers and staff, reflecting The Fresh Air Fund’s mission and commitment to youth development.

• Program Planning & Evaluation: Develop, implement, and assess camp programs using data and feedback to drive continuous improvement and ensure alignment with youth development practices and organizational goals.
• Staff Recruitment & Onboarding: Set hiring goals and lead recruitment, interviews, selection, and onboarding for both domestic and international staff. Report out on and be accountable for key performance indicators.
• Facilities & Logistics: Collaborate with maintenance and facilities teams to prepare camp for summer operations, ensuring safety, functionality, and readiness across all buildings and outdoor spaces.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure adherence to all relevant regulations, including Department of Health standards, American Camp Association (ACA) guidelines, and Fresh Air Fund policies. Assist with the development, review, and documentation of policies and procedures to mitigate risk.
• Professional Development: Engage in ongoing professional development to remain current on industry best practices, accreditation standards, and emerging youth development trends.
• Budget & Administration: Assist in creating and monitoring the camp budget. Ensure fiscal responsibility through careful management of supply orders, payroll submissions, and administrative processes.

Summer Responsibilities

• In-Residence Leadership: Live on-site for the full summer session, providing leadership, supervision, and oversight of all camp programs and operations.
• Program Implementation: Ensure safe and smooth daily operations that promote inclusion, and enrichment. Respond promptly and effectively to crises, emergencies, and behavioral issues.
• Leadership & Supervision: Provide effective and inspiring leadership, supervision, and professional development for all staff. Foster a supportive culture that encourages feedback, accountability, and growth.
• Staff Training, Oversight & Support: Plan and facilitate staff orientation and ongoing training. Monitor staff performance, provide mentorship, and uphold high standards of care and professionalism.
• Family Communication: Serve as the primary point of contact for families regarding camper concerns, ensuring timely, transparent, and compassionate communication.
• Facilities & Administration: Partner with facilities and administrative teams to maintain a high‑quality experience for participants. Oversee facility cleanliness, supply management, and payroll accuracy.
• Health & Wellness: Collaborate with nursing and wellness staff to promote the safety, physical health, and emotional well‑being of all campers and staff.

Participant Application Registration

• Review participant applications and supporting documents to determine appropriate program placement and readiness for camp participation.
• Provide ongoing support to families throughout the application process.
• Assist with re‑interviews of returning campers and interviews for new applicants.
• Collaborate with the Support Services Manager to identify and recommend appropriate accommodations or additional support for campers.
• Support the development and implementation of systems to improve efficiency and consistency in application review and approval processes.
• Participate in departmental and cross‑departmental meetings to align efforts and support organizational projects.
• Maintain accurate records in databases (e.g. Salesforce) to ensure smooth operations and data integrity.

Family Engagement

• Support year‑round family engagement and outreach activities.
• Host info presentations, registration events and orientation events for families.
• Focus on retention of returning families through intentional touch points and application support.
• Help families prepare for their child’s summer experience.
• Conduct outreach in the community (schools, community‑based organizations, foster care agencies, shelters, and other organizations) to educate the community on summer opportunities.
• Build and maintain community‑based partnerships with schools, community groups, and service organizations.
• Recruit and support parent ambassadors to promote programs in the community.
• Facilitate presentations and attend events to promote camper registration in the community.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 25 years old by the start of camp.
• Extensive experience in residential camp settings, including prior supervisory roles.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to inspire staff and foster a positive camp culture.
• Experience in program development, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of youth development practices and principles.
• Ability to handle crises, emergencies, and behavioral issues with maturity and diplomacy.
• Flexibility to work extended hours, evenings, and weekends.
• Bilingual in Spanish or Mandarin preferred.
• Valid driver’s license preferred.
• Passion for youth development, equity, and The Fresh Air Fund’s mission of providing transformative outdoor experience.
• Ability to spend significant amounts of time outdoors/all seasons.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace and to protecting the participants we serve, The Fresh Air Fund requires all camp staff to meet applicable vaccination requirements in accordance with federal, state, and local laws, and to be fully vaccinated against polio and MMR. As new public health issues arise, The Fresh Air Fund may require additional vaccinations. Proof of vaccination or an approved exemption will be required as a condition of employment.

Salary & Benefits

The salary for this role is $80,000. The Fresh Air Fund offers a generous benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, and employer and employee retirement contribution plans.

The Fresh Air Fund is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring, and dedicated to diversity in its work and on its staff. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations, and communities to apply.