Full-Time Camp Director: Free Overnight Camp for Youth Ages 8–11

Austin-Sunshine-Camps; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site housing during sessions

Job summary

Austin Sunshine Camps seeks a Camp Director to lead all Zilker camp sessions, ensuring ACA/DSHS compliance, safety, and a strong camp culture. You will oversee on-site operations, budgeting, and vendor relations, while mentoring seasonal staff and volunteers.

You will drive year-round camper recruitment, community partnerships, and program enhancements, living on-site during sessions and coordinating a team of 40–50 staff per session.

Qualifications

• Experience leading camp operations with a focus on safety and ACA/DSHS standards.
• Ability to recruit, onboard, and coach seasonal staff and volunteers.
• Strong organizational and data-driven decision making.

Responsibilities

• Lead full life cycle of Zilker camp sessions, from opening to closing rituals and compliance.
• Direct daily operations, facilities upkeep, kitchen services, and safety protocols.
• Recruit and develop a high-performing seasonal team and volunteers.
• Drive camper recruitment and engagement year-round with partners.
• Use data to elevate programming and staff training.
• Manage camp budget, inventory, procurement, and vendor relationships.
• Design and deliver CIT curriculum to mentor youth into staff roles.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Youth development

Staff coaching

Communication skills

Education

4+ years in camp leadership / youth programming or related field

Tools

CampBrain

Vendor management systems

Job description

Camp Director – Free Overnight Camp for Kids Ages 8–11

About Austin Sunshine Camps (ASC):

The mission of ASC is to provide the magic of overnight camp without the barrier of cost. We envision a world where all children have a place to grow, connect, and explore. Since 1928, ASC has provided free, fun-filled overnight camp programs for children at no cost to their families.

ASC offers overnight camp programs during the summer, spring break, and winter break. Our overnight camps are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), which represents the industry's highest standard. Each year, we provide overnight camp to 760 children ages 8 to 15. Our 8 to 11-year-olds attend our Zilker Camp in Zilker Park and our 12 to 15-year-olds attend our Lake Travis Camp in Marble Falls. They swim, canoe, hike, learn new skills, create crafts, make music, and much more.

During the school year, we engage with our camper families through seasonal programs and events. These programs deepen relationships with families and increase access to the life-changing experience of camp.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Programs & Impact Officer you will own and elevate all summer camp operations for our Zilker location. While your core focus is our flagship 10-day/9-night summer sessions (June–August), you aren't on an island—you are part of an interconnected team of 3 Camp Directors transitioning into a collaborative rotation and backfill model across all seasonal sessions (Spring Break, Winter Break, and Summer). The Camp Director lives on-site and on-call during the entire duration of their assigned session.

Your Impact

• Camp Operations & Culture : Lead the full life cycle of Zilker camp sessions—from opening/closing rituals to ACA/DSHS compliance, safety protocols, facility upkeep, and vendor management. Serve as the chief driver of camp spirit and camper safety.
• People Leadership: In partnership with HR, recruit, onboard, coach, and inspire a high-performing team of seasonal staff, kitchen crew, and collegiate volunteers. Each Zilker camp session has 40-50 seasonal staff to meet our camper-staff ratios.
• Camp Operations & Safety: Direct daily operations, facilities upkeep, kitchen services, and emergency protocols for all Zilker sessions. Ensure full compliance with ACA accreditation and Texas DSHS standards.
• Year-round Programing & Community Engagement : Drive camper recruitment year-round by engaging families, schools, and local partners, while organizing seasonal family connection events.
• Program & Data Optimization: Use qualitative and quantitative data to continuously elevate programming, refine staff training, and enhance the overall camper experience.
• Fiscal & Administrative Oversight: Manage the camp budget, inventory, procurement, third-party vendor relationships, and end-of-season reporting.
• Youth Leadership Development: Design and deliver curriculum for our Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program, mentoring older youth as they build leadership skills and transition into future camp staff.

Who You Are

You take ownership. You are accountable for personal and team results. You take initiative without being asked. You get your hands dirty when needed. You lead by example.

You’re a proven leader. You can identify potential and develop talent. You are a cheerleader and coach. You know how to bring the best out of people. You care.

You can handle complex stuff. Logistics is in your DNA. You know how to add structure and build processes. Multitasking doesn’t phase you.

You believe in the power of camp. You understand the inner-workings of camp. You know firsthand the impact of camp on campers. You exude passion in your work.

Requirements

• Must be able to live onsite at camp in Zilker Park when camp is in session, housing is only provided when camp is in session.
• 4+ years experience in camp leadership, site operations, youth programing or related field required
• 2+ years of people leadership required
• Ability to establish priorities, develop reports and meet deadlines
• Ability to maintain composure and work efficiently under pressure and in changing conditions
• Ability to acquire and maintain required certifications (Lifeguard Trainer, CPR/First Aid Trainer, Ropes Course Level 1 Facilitator, Archery Certificate, Food Handlers Certificate, Youth Protection)
• Experience leveraging camp management platforms such as CampBrain or similar systems preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a criminal background check
• Conversational Spanish proficiency (preferred)

The pay range for this role is:

50,000 - 65,000 USD per year (Austin, TX)