Director of Outdoor Education & Camping Programs

YMCA; North Carolina; On-site; USD 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Paid training

Generous PTO

HSA match

YMCA family membership

Program discounts

Retirement plan

Job summary

YMCA of Southwestern NC is seeking a Director of Camping & Outdoor Education to provide visionary leadership for all camping and outdoor education programs at YMCA Camp Kirkwood - Watha, NC. This full-time role leads staff, grows enrollment, and upholds YMCA values while ensuring safe, inclusive, high-quality programming.

The position oversees budgets, risk management, and partnerships, with a focus on expanding programming and supporting the camp’s annual campaign. Onsite housing is provided.

Qualifications

• 21 years of age or older.
• Bachelor's Degree.
• 3+ years' experience leading successful YMCA or mission-driven day and overnight camps.
• Demonstrated ability to grow programs and increase camper participation.
• Strong organizational, administrative, and budget management skills.
• Excellent communicator with the ability to build trust and relationships.
• Passion for outdoor education, youth development, and Christian principles.
• Ability to live onsite in a shared housing environment.
• Flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead camping and outdoor education staff in alignment with YMCA values.
• Foster a culture of core YMCA values— Faith, Caring, Respect, Responsibility, Honesty.
• Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate staff and volunteers who model servant leadership.
• Provide clear expectations, regular feedback, and professional growth opportunities.
• Design, implement, and evaluate day camp, overnight camp, and outdoor programs.
• Grow camper enrollment and expand programs to reach new families and communities.
• Ensure programs are inclusive, safe, and developmentally appropriate.
• Assess program impact and implement data-informed improvements.
• Lead recruitment and retention strategies in collaboration with marketing/advancement.
• Build partnerships with families, schools, and community partners.
• Recruit and support volunteers.
• Develop and manage program budgets; ensure deadlines and reporting.
• Oversee program logistics, schedules, and risk management; ensure compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Staff development

Budget management

Communication

Strategic planning

Outdoor education

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

YMCA of Southwestern NC is seeking a Director of Camping & Outdoor Education to provide visionary leadership for all camping and outdoor education programs at YMCA Camp Kirkwood - Watha, NC. This full-time role leads staff, grows enrollment, and upholds YMCA values while ensuring safe, inclusive, high-quality programming.

The position oversees budgets, risk management, and partnerships, with a focus on expanding programming and supporting the camp’s annual campaign. Onsite housing is provided.