Camp Operations Director

Crossroads-Ymca-; Crown Point (IN); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

Dental and vision insurance

Employer-paid LTD and Life Insurance

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Retirement plan (12% employer)

YMCA family membership

Program discounts

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Camp Triangle Hills is seeking an Operations Director to lead year-round operations, including summer camps, retreats, and events, while expanding partnerships and revenue opportunities. You will oversee staff, safety, and guest experiences, and serve as the Challenge Course Manager for climbing and adventure activities at the camp.

You will drive financial performance, develop programs, and align operations with YMCA standards, cultivating a welcoming, hospitality-focused environment for youth,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Three or more years of management experience, preferably with a YMCA or nonprofit organization.
• Experience operating or supervising challenge courses, climbing, zip lines, or adventure-based programming preferred.
• Must obtain and maintain site-specific challenge course training within 12 months.
• Strong leadership, relationship-building, financial management, program oversight, and staff development skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships and communicate effectively with diverse communities.
• Commitment to YMCA values, safety, and delivering exceptional experiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead year-round operations including summer day camp, family programming, school field trips, retreats, rentals, and private events.
• Develop, evaluate, and improve programs that create meaningful experiences for youth, families, and guests.
• Oversee the full guest experience from inquiry to follow-up.
• Serve as the Challenge Course Manager for climbing, high ropes, zip lines, and adventure activities.
• Align camp operations with YMCA standards, policies, and long-term goals.
• Build relationships with schools, businesses, nonprofits, families, and partners to increase participation.
• Lead marketing, outreach, and communications to promote Camp Triangle Hills year-round.
• Recruit, onboard, train, coach, and retain staff; foster a positive camp culture.
• Develop and manage the annual operating budget in partnership with leadership.
• Monitor enrollment, participation, revenue, expenses, and events; use data to guide decisions.
• Contribute to strategic planning for long-term growth and program expansion.
• Maintain facilities, grounds, and equipment; ensure safety and readiness for events.

Skills

Leadership

Relationship-building

Financial management

Staff development

Program oversight

Communication

Safety

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Pay starting at $60,000 per year and up based on experienceLead the Adventure. Create Lasting Memories. Grow the Mission. Join us at Camp Triangle Hills as Camp Operations Director!Position SummaryAt Camp Triangle Hills, we believe the best experiences create lasting memories, build connections, and inspire growth. As the Operations Director, you will lead the development and daily operations of a vibrant camp and retreat center where youth, families, schools, businesses, and community groups come together to learn, explore, and connect. This is an exciting opportunity for a leader who combines a passion for outdoor experiences with strong business and operational skills. You will oversee summer day camp, year-round programming, retreats, rentals, private events, staff development, facility readiness, and financial performance. Beyond managing daily operations, you will help shape the future of Camp Triangle Hills by expanding community partnerships, creating new experiences, increasing participation, and maximizing the property's year-round potential.What Success Looks LikeSuccessful Operations Directors:Build a thriving, year-round destination that attracts campers, families, schools, organizations, and event guests.Deliver safe, memorable, and high-quality camp, retreat, and outdoor experiences.Grow participation, rentals, partnerships, and revenue while maintaining financial sustainability.Develop a strong, engaged team of year-round and seasonal staff.Create a welcoming, hospitality-focused environment that encourages guests to return.Maintain safe, attractive, and well-prepared facilities, grounds, and adventure programming.Identify new opportunities that expand the camp's reach and strengthen its impact on the community.What You'll Be DoingCamp Operations & Program LeadershipLead year-round operations, including summer day camp, family programming, school field trips, community experiences, retreats, rentals, and private events.Develop, evaluate, and improve programs that create meaningful experiences for youth, families, and guests.Oversee the full guest experience, from initial inquiry and registration through arrival, participation, and follow-up.Serve as the designated Challenge Course Manager, overseeing climbing, high ropes, zip lines, low ropes, and other adventure-based activities.Ensure camp operations align with YMCA standards, organizational policies, and long-term strategic goals.Business Growth & Community PartnershipsBuild relationships with schools, businesses, nonprofit organizations, families, and community partners to increase participation.Identify and develop new opportunities for corporate retreats, team-building experiences, celebrations, rentals, and other events.Lead marketing, outreach, and communication efforts that promote Camp Triangle Hills as a year-round destination.Create innovative experiences that attract new audiences and encourage repeat visits.Support the YMCA's annual campaign and fundraising initiatives that expand access to camp experiences.Staff Leadership & DevelopmentRecruit, onboard, train, coach, and retain high-quality year-round and seasonal staff.Build a positive camp culture focused on teamwork, belonging, safety, and exceptional service.Establish clear expectations and provide ongoing feedback and professional development.Develop team members who confidently deliver engaging, relationship-centered experiences.Model YMCA values and strong leadership across all areas of camp operations.Financial & Strategic ManagementDevelop and manage the annual operating budget in partnership with Association leadership.Monitor enrollment, participation, revenue, expenses, staffing, and event performance.Establish measurable goals that support program growth, guest satisfaction, and financial sustainability.Use participation data, financial results, surveys, and guest feedback to guide decisions.Contribute to strategic planning that supports the continued growth and long-term success of Camp Triangle Hills.Facility Readiness, Safety & Risk ManagementMaintain high standards for the appearance, safety, cleanliness, and functionality of camp facilities, grounds, and equipment.Identify and coordinate maintenance needs to ensure the property remains welcoming and event-ready.Implement YMCA risk-management practices across camp programs, outdoor activities, retreats, rentals, and special events.Ensure adventure-based programming operates safely and in accordance with required training and site-specific competencies.Maintain a safe environment for campers, guests, staff, and volunteers.What You Should Know Before ApplyingThis is not a traditional office-based Director position. The Operations Director is a hands-on leader responsible for both the experience guests have at Camp Triangle Hills and the business operations that make those experiences possible.You will balance staff leadership, financial management, outdoor programming, hospitality, facility needs, and community relationships. Success requires someone who can move comfortably between strategic planning and being present on the property, supporting staff, solving problems, and connecting with guests.You May Be a Great Fit If You...Love the outdoors and believe camp experiences can make a lasting impact on people of all ages.Have an entrepreneurial mindset and enjoy turning new ideas into successful programs, partnerships, or revenue opportunities.Are equally comfortable developing a budget, leading a team, and welcoming guests to an event.Enjoy building relationships with schools, businesses, community organizations, and families.Take pride in creating memorable experiences and delivering exceptional hospitality.Can see the potential in a property and identify creative ways to maximize its use throughout the year.Thrive in a leadership role where no two days look exactly alike.Are passionate about developing staff and building a positive, high-performing team.This Role May Not Be the Best Fit If You...Prefer a primarily desk-based leadership position with limited involvement in daily operations.Are looking for a role focused exclusively on summer camp rather than year-round business and program growth.Prefer managing established programs rather than developing new opportunities and partnerships.Are uncomfortable balancing financial performance with mission-driven programming.Prefer a highly predictable environment with few competing priorities.Are less interested in the hospitality, facilities, and operational responsibilities that come with managing a camp and retreat property.QualificationsBachelor's degree in a related field required.Three or more years of management experience, preferably with a YMCA or other nonprofit organization.Proven ability to manage diverse operations, including staff supervision, budget development, marketing, and program management.Experience operating or supervising challenge courses, climbing, zip lines, or adventure-based programming preferred.Must obtain and maintain all required site-specific challenge course training and competencies within 12 months.Strong leadership, relationship-building, financial management, program oversight, and staff development skills.Ability to build positive relationships and communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and communities.Commitment to YMCA values, safety, and delivering exceptional experiences.Work Environment & Physical RequirementsAbility to work in a camp and retreat environment that combines office responsibilities with active oversight of programs, facilities, and outdoor spaces.Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and remain on your feet for extended periods.Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and stoop as needed.Comfortable using computers, phones, and smart devices for administrative responsibilities and communication.Visual, auditory, and verbal ability to communicate effectively with staff, guests, and community partners.Ability to maintain focus, exercise sound judgment, and demonstrate initiative while managing multiple operational responsibilities.Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor consistent with YMCA values.Our Full-Time Benefits IncludeHealth care medical coverageDental and vision insuranceEmployer-paid Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Life InsuranceGenerous Paid Time Off (PTO)12% employer retirement contributionComplimentary YMCA family membership50% discount on most YMCA programsOngoing professional development and leadership development opportunitiesWe encourage our staff to take full advantage of YMCA programs and facilities to support their own health, well-being, and work-life balance.Our MissionTo put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.