Executive Director

Camp Ocean Pines Inc; Monterey (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Mission-driven work environment

Job summary

Camp Ocean Pines Inc in Monterey, California is seeking an experienced Executive Director to lead a nonprofit camp and conference center. The candidate will be responsible for organizational clarity and growth while fostering an inclusive and mission-driven environment.

With a competitive annual salary of $100,000–$110,000, the role requires strong leadership, effective communication skills, and a rich background in fundraising and financial oversight.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of senior management experience is required.
• Experience managing budgets and financial operations.
• Strong fundraising background is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the organization with a bias toward action.
• Partner with the Board to develop a clear organizational vision.
• Champion a positive staff experience through strong hiring practices.
• Ensure day-to-day operations meet ACA standards.
• Build collaborative relationships with community organizations.

Skills

Leadership and management

Effective communication

Fundraising

Team development

Organizational culture building

Financial oversight

Project management

Crisis management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, recreation, or nonprofit management

Job description

Camp Ocean Pines is a nonprofit camp and conference center on California's Central Coast, nestled in 13 acres of Monterey Pine forest with views of the Pacific Ocean. Since 1946, it has created lasting memories for over 100,000 campers across generations. The camp is guided by three core goals — connection, exploration, and personal growth — woven into every program it offers. Through inclusive, shared experiences, campers build community and belonging, discover the natural world and their creativity, and grow into who they aspire to be.

The Camp Ocean Pines board of directors seeks an experienced, mission-driven leader to bring organizational clarity, strengthen teams, and position Camp Ocean Pines for growth and impact.

The right candidate will be as comfortable rolling up their sleeves as they are speaking publicly.

Essential Functions

• Leads and manages a multifaceted organization with strong judgment and a bias toward action.
• Communicates effectively with diverse audiences, including staff, campers, families, donors, and community partners.
• Identifies and responds appropriately to on-site incidents and emergencies.
• Travels as needed for presentations, community events, and industry engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, ideally in business, recreation, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of senior management experience, with a track record of leading and developing teams in complex or dynamic environments.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate and sustain organizational culture, especially in contexts that require rebuilding trust, clarifying systems, and/or strengthening staff morale.
• Experience managing budgets, overseeing financial operations, and reporting to a governing board.
• Strong fundraising background, including individual donor cultivation, grant writing, and
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; a natural relationship-builder who connects authentically with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Comfortable with the technology tools that support modern nonprofit operations (project
• Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, and adaptable; someone with sound business judgement who can make decisions with incomplete information and course-correct as needed.
• Personal qualities of integrity, positive attitude, resilience, and genuine commitment to the mission.
• Familiarity with ACA standards, outdoor education, or youth development programs is a

Leadership

• Partner with the Board of Directors to develop and execute a clear organizational vision and strategic plan.
• Serve as one of the two official spokespersons for Camp Ocean Pines, alongside the Board President.
• Identify and communicate internal and external issues, trends, and opportunities to the Board.
• Represent the camp in community settings to build the Camp Ocean Pines brand and relationships.
• Actively participate in industry leadership through organizations such as ACA, WAIC, and AEOE.

Organizational Culture & People Management

• Build and sustain a mission-driven, inclusive, and values-centered organizational culture.
• Champion a positive staff experience through strong systems for hiring, onboarding, training, and retention.
• Oversee implementation of HR policies and practices, including updated position descriptions for all roles.
• Recruit, interview, and hire staff with both technical skills and cultural alignment.
• Implement an ongoing performance management process, including coaching, mentorship, and when necessary, disciplinary action and/or termination.
• Establish and maintain a safe, healthy, and legally compliant work environment.

Operational Planning & Management

• Develop and manage an operational plan aligned with Board-approved strategic goals.
• Ensure day-to-day operations meet ACA standards and the expectations of campers, families, staff, and donors.
• Maintain current succession plans for the Executive Director and all senior leadership positions.

Program Planning & Management

• Oversee planning, implementation, and evaluation of all camp programs, services, and special projects.
• Ensure programs contribute to the camp’s mission and reflect Board priorities.
• Monitor day-to-day program delivery and continuously improve quality.
• Identify opportunities for program expansion, new audiences, and partnerships that deepen community impact.
• Stay current on trends in outdoor education, experiential learning, and youth development to keep offerings relevant and innovative.
• Lead annual budget development in collaboration with staff and the Board.
• Research and pursue funding opportunities; develop fundraising plans and write grant proposals.
• Actively participate in fundraising as an organizational leader and relationship cultivator.
• Ensure sound bookkeeping and accounting practices in partnership with the Finance Director; monitor monthly cash flow.
• Provide the Board with regular, comprehensive reports on revenues and expenditures.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant tax and financial regulations.

Community Relations & Advocacy

• Maintain regular, meaningful communication with stakeholders to keep them informed and engaged.
• Build collaborative relationships with community organizations, funders, and local leaders to advance the camp’s mission.
• Identify and evaluate risks to people, property, finances, and organizational reputation; implement mitigation measures.
• Ensure appropriate and comprehensive insurance coverage for all aspects of camp operations.

Physical Requirements & Situational Readiness

• Ability to traverse the camp property, including uneven terrain, trails, slopes, and coastal environments such as beaches, bluffs, and tidepools.
• Ability to perform basic repairs and use standard tools.
• Ability to support staff and guests during any situation that may arise in an outdoor camp setting.
• Ability to drive to meetings, events, and other required locations.
• Capacity to remain calm, focused, and decisive during on-site incidents, medical emergencies, or infrastructure challenges.

Compensation

Camp Ocean Pines is committed to offering a competitive compensation package that reflects the scope of this role and the experience of the right candidate. This package includes:

• $100,000–$110,000 annual salary, commensurate with experience.