Chief Camp Experiences & Programs Officer

Valley of the Sun J; Scottsdale (AZ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Valley of the Sun J seeks a Director of Camp Services to lead all camp experiences, including Shemesh Summer Camp and seasonal programs. You will shape visionary, safe, inclusive, and innovative activities aligned with our mission and values.

Responsibilities include directing operations, staff development, budgeting, risk management, and customer experience, while partnering across departments to strengthen community engagement and ensure camp remains a flagship program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Education, Human Services, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum five years of progressive leadership in camp administration, youth development, recreation, or similar programs.
• Minimum three years supervising professional and seasonal staff.
• Experience managing budgets and achieving financial goals.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute long-term vision and strategic plan for all camp programming.
• Direct all aspects of summer camp, seasonal camps, and specialty camp operations.
• Ensure programs operate safely, efficiently, and consistently deliver exceptional experiences.
• Oversee daily camp operations, logistics, transportation, scheduling, facilities, and equipment.
• Maintain comprehensive emergency action plans and risk management procedures.
• Ensure camp facilities remain safe, clean, organized, and well maintained.
• Collaborate with Facilities, Security, Aquatics, Membership, Early Childhood, and Youth departments to ensure seamless operations.
• Design engaging, developmentally appropriate, and mission-driven camp programming.
• Foster an inclusive environment where children of all abilities and backgrounds can thrive.
• Incorporate disability-informed practices and evidence-based supports for neurodivergent campers.
• Ensure programs emphasize character development, leadership, teamwork, creativity, wellness, and Jewish values where appropriate.
• Continuously evaluate program quality using participant feedback and industry best practices.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, supervise, coach, and evaluate year-round and seasonal camp staff.
• Develop a comprehensive staff orientation and ongoing professional development program.
• Foster a culture of accountability, inclusion, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Mentor Assistant Camp Directors, Coordinators, Office Staff, Unit Leaders, Specialists, and Counselors.
• Conduct regular staff meetings, performance evaluations, and leadership development sessions.
• Partner closely with Human Resources regarding hiring, onboarding, compliance, employee relations, and performance management.
• Create an exceptional customer experience from registration through the final day of camp.
• Build strong relationships with campers and families through proactive communication.
• Respond promptly and professionally to concerns while seeking collaborative resolutions.
• Monitor parent satisfaction and implement continuous service improvements.
• Develop parent resources including handbooks, newsletters, orientation materials, and communications.
• Partner with the Marketing Department to develop annual enrollment and marketing strategies.
• Increase camp enrollment through community outreach, partnerships, school visits, camp fairs, digital marketing, and referral initiatives.
• Assist in developing promotional materials, social media content, newsletters, and website content.
• Build relationships with schools, community organizations, and prospective families.
• Monitor enrollment trends and recommend strategic adjustments throughout the year.
• Develop, manage, and monitor annual operating and capital budgets.
• Meet or exceed enrollment and revenue goals while maintaining expense controls.
• Analyze financial performance and implement strategies to improve sustainability.
• Prepare budget reports, enrollment forecasts, and operational analyses for senior leadership.
• Manage contracts with vendors, transportation providers, specialty instructors, and outside partners.
• Maintain compliance with state licensing requirements and ACA standards.
• Ensure adherence to organizational policies and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Oversee camper health records, incident reporting, emergency preparedness, and medication procedures.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts in risk management and child safety.
• Promote a culture where safety is everyone's responsibility.
• Maintain accurate enrollment, staffing, licensing, and program records.
• Oversee camp registration systems and camper databases.
• Coordinate Camp Committee meetings and provide updates to senior leadership.
• Prepare reports, evaluations, and annual program assessments.
• Participate in leadership meetings and organizational planning initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Budget management

Program development

Communication

Risk management

Event planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Education, Human Services, Business Administration, or related field

Job description

Valley of the Sun J seeks a Director of Camp Services to lead all camp experiences, including Shemesh Summer Camp and seasonal programs. You will shape visionary, safe, inclusive, and innovative activities aligned with our mission and values.

Responsibilities include directing operations, staff development, budgeting, risk management, and customer experience, while partnering across departments to strengthen community engagement and ensure camp remains a flagship program.