Director of Camp Wise

JCC Association of North America; Beachwood (OH); On-site; USD 135,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Mandel Jewish Community Center of Cleveland seeks a Director of Camp Wise to lead Camp Wise’s programs, growth, and strategic transformation during a landmark campus modernization. The role includes year-round leadership at Beachwood, OH with on-site summer residence at Camp Wise in Chardon, OH.

As the chief executive, you will guide operations, safety, ACA-aligned standards, fundraising, and staff development, ensuring the organization delivers exceptional experiences for campers, families,

Qualifications

• Experience leading overnight camp operations or nonprofit programs.
• Knowledge of ACA accreditation standards for camps.
• Strong financial and organizational management skills.
• Passion for developing youth and building Jewish community.

Responsibilities

• Lead long-term vision, strategy and growth of Camp Wise.
• Oversee operations, safety, and program excellence.
• Recruit, develop and inspire leadership staff.
• Manage annual budgeting and donor engagement.
• Engage alumni and strengthen Jewish identity within the community.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strategic planning

Fundraising

Donor relations

Team development

Communication

Stakeholder management

Change management

Job description

Location and Job Title:

Director of Camp Wise
Mandel Jewish Community Center of Cleveland
26001 S Woodland Rd
Beachwood, OH 44122

Principal Responsibilities:

Position Summary

For more than a century, Camp Wise has helped young people build confidence, leadership skills, lifelong friendships, and meaningful connections to Jewish identity, community, and leadership. Founded in 1907, Camp Wise is one of the Mandel JCC's flagship programs and most significant community assets. Located on a 250-acre property in Chardon, Ohio, approximately 40 minutes from Cleveland, Camp Wise combines a vibrant camp community with preserved forests, trails, streams, and outdoor adventure spaces.

As Camp Wise approaches its landmark 120th Summer in 2027, the organization is undertaking a Historic Campus Transformation that includes brand-new camper cabins, a new 650-seat dining hall, recreation and arts facilities, a newly developed staff village designed to recruit, support, and retain adult and senior staff members, and a soon-to-be-constructed Director's House. Camp Wise's impact extends far beyond the summer months through its connection to the Mandel Jewish Community Center of Cleveland, one of Northeast Ohio's leading nonprofit community organizations. Through this partnership, Camp Wise advances a broader mission of building community, fostering personal growth, and creating meaningful experiences across generations.

The Director is responsible for the overall leadership, momentum, management, and performance of Camp Wise. The Director reports directly to the President & CEO and works closely with the Camp Wise Committee, Mandel JCC senior leadership team, and Mandel JCC Board of Directors. Year-round operations are based at the Mandel JCC in Beachwood, Ohio, with on-site residence and leadership in Chardon, Ohio during the summer season.

Core Leadership Responsibilities:

1. Strategy, Vision & Growth

• Lead the long-term vision, strategy, culture, and growth of Camp Wise.
• Partner with JCC leadership and project teams to contribute programmatic vision and operational insight toward the Historic Campus Transformation
• Drive enrollment growth, retention, and long-term sustainability.

2. Operations & Program Excellence

• Oversee overall camp operations, safety, and performance.
• Lead integration of newly developing facilities into seasonal programming.
• Ensure ACA standards, risk management, safety, and security compliance.
• Foster a culture of program innovation and operational excellence.

3. Leadership, Culture & Talent Development

• Recruit, supervise, develop, and inspire leadership staff.
• Position Camp Wise as a premier employer for summer counselors and leadership staff.
• Strengthen year-round and seasonal staff recruitment and retention strategies.
• Promote accountability, growth, and service excellence.

4. Financial Stewardship & Philanthropy

• Lead annual budgeting and business planning.
• Partner with the Mandel JCC Philanthropy Team.
• Support donor engagement and stewardship.
• Help ensure long-term financial sustainability.

5. Community Engagement, Alumni Relations & Jewish Identity

• Serve as a visible leader within Camp Wise and the broader Jewish community.
• Strengthen relationships with campers, families, alumni, donors, and partners.
• Support alumni engagement and lifelong Camp Wise connections.
• Foster meaningful connections to Jewish identity, values and community.
• Serve as a year-round ambassador for Camp Wise.

Immediate Priorities (Years 1-2)

• Campus Modernization & Integration
• Leverage Existing Culture
• Talent Pipeline Development
• Enrollment & Brand Growth

Measures of Success

• Successful integration of historic camps transformation.
• Enrollment and retention growth
• Strong staff recruitment and retention outcomes
• Effective financial stewardship

Minimum Qualifications:

Leadership Profile

• Positive Energy to Campers and Staff
• Financial Acumen
• Ability to Drive Vision and Purpose
• Experience Building Effective Teams
• Effective Communication
• Accountability
• Ability to Instill Trust
• Experience Balancing Stakeholders
• Decision Quality
• Talent Development & Mentorship

Desired Experience

• Leadership experience in overnight camping, youth development, education, recreation, nonprofit leadership, or related fields
• Deep familiarity with ACA accreditation standards and overnight camping best practices
• Passion for developing young people and building Jewish community
• Success leading teams and managing complex operations
• Strong financial and organizational management skills
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building abilities
• Experience navigating periods of growth, change, or organizational transformation

Work Location & Arrangements

• Year-Round Office: Mandel Jewish Community Center (Beachwood, Ohio).
• Summer Residence: On-site living provided at Camp Wise (Chardon, Ohio) during the summer.

Salary:

$135,000 - $150,000

Agency Information:

The Mandel JCC's Beachwood campus is home to fitness and aquatics facilities, an Early Childhood Center, arts and cultural programming, Jewish life initiatives, adult engagement opportunities, and the agency's popular J-Day Camps. Joining the Mandel JCC means becoming part of a collaborative, mission-driven organization dedicated to connection, enrichment, wellness, and lifelong community engagement.