Camp Director, Camp I Am Special

Diocese of St. Augustine; Florida; On-site; USD 52,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Camp Recovery Leave

Job summary

Catholic Charities Bureau, Inc., Jacksonville Regional Office, seeks a Camp Director for Camp I Am Special in St. Johns, FL.

This full-time, exempt leadership role oversees a residential and day camp serving individuals with intellectual and developmental differences, with a 52k–57k annual salary. The director will provide on-site supervision, year-round program development, staff recruitment and training, family engagement, and operations planning to ensure a safe, inclusive, and high-quality

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in recreation, education, social services, or a related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in camp leadership, special needs programming, or related field.
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental differences strongly preferred.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain).
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and evaluate all aspects of Camp I Am Special, including summer sessions and year-round weekend programs.
• Ensure a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for campers with diverse intellectual and developmental needs.
• Lead program development, staff recruitment and training, family engagement, and operational planning.
• Oversee camper intake, including medical, behavioral, and accommodation planning.
• Maintain compliance with safety standards, accreditation, and organizational policies.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Program development

Family engagement

Operational planning

Communication

Safety compliance

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in recreation, education, social services, or related field

Job description

Position:Camp Director, Camp I Am Special

Location: Camp I Am Special

St. Johns, FL

Job Id:3686

# of Openings:1

Catholic Charities Bureau, Inc., Jacksonville Regional Office is seeking a Camp Director for Camp I Am Special. This is a full-time, 40 hour a week, exempt position located in St. Johns, FL. The hiring range for this position is $52,000 to $57,000 annually.

The Camp Director is responsible for the overall leadership, planning, and execution of Camp I Am Special, a residential and day camp serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental differences. This position ensures a safe, inclusive, and high-quality camp experience that reflects the mission of Catholic Charities to serve the most vulnerable with dignity and compassion.

This is a full-time, year-round leadership role with seasonal intensity. The Camp Director resides on-site and provides overnight supervision during summer camp sessions and designated weekend programs throughout the year. Outside of camp sessions, the Director leads program development, staff recruitment and training, family engagement, and operational planning to sustain and grow the program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Leadership and Operations

• Plan, implement, and evaluate all aspects of Camp I Am Special, including summer sessions and year-round weekend programs.
• Ensure a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for campers with diverse intellectual and developmental needs.
• Develop and oversee daily schedules, activities, and program themes.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable safety standards, accreditation requirements, and organizational policies.
• Oversee camper intake, including medical, behavioral, and accommodation planning

Medical and Health Services Oversight

• Provide overall supervision of camp health services, including direct supervision of nursing staff and coordination with medical volunteers.
• Ensure clear lines of authority and accountability for all health-related functions during camp operations.
• Oversee the administration, documentation, and secure storage of all camper medications in accordance with established protocols.
• Ensure the development and implementation of individualized medical and care plans in coordination with families and healthcare providers.
• Establish, implement, and enforce procedures for medication administration, health monitoring, and emergency response.
• Ensure all staff are properly trained in medication procedures, emergency protocols, and universal precautions.

Medical Accountability and Incident Management

• Maintain ultimate program-level accountability for the safe administration of medications and delivery of health services.
• Ensure all medical incidents, including medication errors, are promptly documented, reviewed, and reported in accordance with organizational policy.
• Lead or participate in incident review processes to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure timely communication with families, leadership, and appropriate authorities when required.
• Implement continuous quality improvement measures to strengthen health and safety practices.

Staff Recruitment and Management

• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise seasonal camp staff and volunteers.
• Develop and implement comprehensive staff training, including safety, behavioral support, inclusion practices, and health-related protocols.
• Provide ongoing supervision, coaching, and performance management.

Year-Round Planning and Administration

• Lead annual planning cycles, including program development, calendar scheduling, and operational logistics.
• Conduct post-season evaluations and implement continuous improvements.
• Coordinate with Marywood Retreat Center and other partners on facilities and logistics.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation.

Family and Community Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact for camper families, ensuring clear and consistent communication.
• Support enrollment and retention efforts through outreach and relationship-building.
• Build relationships with community partners and organizations serving individuals with disabilities.
  Conduct outreach presentations during the off-season to parishes, schools, and community organizations to promote Camp I Am Special.
• Actively recruit campers, volunteers, and seasonal staff through community engagement and public speaking opportunities.

Fundraising and Development Support

• Participate in and support fundraising activities related to Camp I Am Special.
• Collaborate with the Director of Development on donor engagement, storytelling, and grant support.
• Provide program insight and data to strengthen funding proposals and reports.
• Represent the program at events and in the community as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This position requires flexibility and a willingness to work a variable schedule based on program needs.

• Summer Camp (6–7 weeks): Residential, live-in role with overnight supervision and extended daily hours.
• Weekend Programs: Participation in approximately 3–4 weekend camp sessions during the year, including overnight presence.
• Non-Camp Periods: Primarily standard full-time schedule with occasional evenings and weekends as needed.

Compensation and Benefits

In recognition of the residential and extended-duty nature of summer camp operations, this position includes:

• Standard paid time off in accordance with Catholic Charities policy.
• Two (2) weeks of Camp Recovery Leave in addition to standard PTO:
  • One week taken immediately following the conclusion of summer camp (mandatory).
  • One week scheduled within eight (8) weeks following camp, in coordination with the Director of Programs.

Required/Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in recreation, education, social services, or a related field required; relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in camp leadership, special needs programming, or related field.
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental differences strongly preferred.
• Experience supervising medical or health-related services in a camp, healthcare, or residential setting preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership and staff supervision experience.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage complex situations with sound judgment and professionalism.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain).

Other Requirements

• Successfully complete a Level II background screening.
• Successfully complete a professional reference check.
• Successfully complete a motor vehicle record check every three years.
• Provide proof of and maintain personal automobile insurance that meets the agency’s minimum coverage requirements.
• Submit copies of all required certifications before the first day of employment.
• Complete employment eligibility verification through E-Verify.
• Maintain a valid Florida driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.

Driving and Travel

• 10% travel is required for this job.
• This position requires that you drive your personal automobile or vehicle on agency business on behalf of Catholic Charities Bureau, Inc. Therefore, you must be at least 21 years old and have a current valid Florida Driver’s License with no more than 5 points on your Florida driver’s license within the last three years and no DUI convictions. You are required to carry automobile liability insurance in the amount of at least $50,000 for each person, $100,000 for each accident or occurrence for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Additionally, if transporting children, employees must be at least 25 years old and have increased limits of 100/300/50. Please read the CCB Automobile and Driving Policy for full driving requirements.

Catholic Charities participates in the federal work authorization program E-Verify which allows businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.

Catholic Charities is an equal opportunity employer. It does not unlawfully discriminate against employees or applicants because of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, family and medical leave status, marital status, ancestry or any other status protected by state or federal law.