General Manager (GM), Professional Sports Programs & Operations

ESF Camps & Experiences; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

ESF Camps & Experiences is seeking a motivated leader to manage professional sports programs across multiple states, build teams, and ensure exceptional camp experiences.

You will oversee projects, coordinate with partners and venues, and supervise staff while managing budgets and operations during peak summer seasons. This role requires hands-on leadership and travel across locations.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of proven leadership experience in professional sports, collegiate athletics, sports operations, event management, sports programming, or a related field.
• Experience in teaching, organizing, coaching and/or competing in basketball and/or baseball at an organized level preferred.
• Demonstrated success managing projects, coordinating logistics, and working with multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead Projects & Operations: plan, coordinate, and execute professional sports camps and experiences across PA, NJ, DE, and FL within budget and high standards.
• Bring Sports Experiences to Life: coordinate with partners, venues, vendors, and internal teams to deliver programs and events.
• Be A Hands-On Leader: oversee camp readiness, facilities, equipment, logistics, and on-site operations; solve problems as needed.
• Lead & Develop: support Camp Directors and seasonal staff, set expectations, build relationships, and foster accountability.
• Manage Relationships: communicate with partners, ESF leadership, families, and cross-functional teams.
• Drive Results: manage program budgets and resources, evaluate performance, identify opportunities.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Full-time, year-round, Monday–Friday (some weekends required during peak camp season)

Work Arrangement

In person at ESF HQ, Ops Center in Bridgeport, PA and travel to locations during summer months

Reports To

CEO and Chief Financial Officer (dual reporting)

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW:

Build Your Career in Sports. Make a Lasting Impact.

Are you passionate about sports, energized by challenges, and ready to take the next step in your career? ESF Camps & Experiences is seeking a motivated, resourceful, and ambitious leader to help lead, manage and grow our professional sports programs, including Phillies Baseball Academy (for boys & girls ages 6-17), Phillies Phantasy Camp (for men & women ages 30+), and Jr. 76ers Camps (for boys & girls ages 6-17).

This is an exciting opportunity for an emerging sports professional who combines strong project management skills, a hands-on work ethic, and the ability to lead people and deliver results.

We're looking for someone who can think big, manage the details, roll up their sleeves, and make things happen.

What You'll Do

• Lead Projects & Operations: Manage the planning, coordination, and execution of professional sports camps and experiences throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Florida ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and at the highest standards.
• Bring Sports Experiences to Life: Coordinate with professional sports partners, venues, vendors, and internal teams to deliver exceptional programs and special events.
• Be A Hands-On Leader: Oversee camp readiness, facilities, equipment, logistics, and on-site operations. Anticipate challenges, solve problems, and jump in wherever needed.
• Lead & Develop: Support Camp Directors and seasonal coaching staffs for each sport, establish expectations, build relationships, and foster a culture of accountability and collaboration.
• Manage Relationships: Work confidently with professional sports partners, ESF executive leadership, families, and cross-functional teams, providing clear communication, recommendations, and project updates.
• Drive Results: Manage program budgets and resources, evaluate performance, and identify opportunities to improve operations, customer experiences, and program growth.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for an up-and-coming leader who is ready for greater responsibility and wants to grow with ESF. We are seeking someone who:

• Has a genuine passion for sports and understands the power of sports to positively impact young people.
• Is an excellent project manager who can organize people, manage multiple priorities, and consistently deliver results.
• Takes initiative, anticipates needs, and finds solutions rather than waiting for direction.
• Is equally comfortable communicating with senior executives and working hands-on at a camp or event.
• Can lead teams, build relationships, manage up, and hold yourself and others accountable.
• Brings energy, humility, curiosity, and a strong work ethic to everything you do.
• Wants to learn, grow, and take on increasing leadership responsibility.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of proven leadership experience in professional sports, collegiate athletics, sports operations, event management, sports programming, or a related field.
• Experience in teaching, organizing, coaching and/or competing in basketball and/or baseball at an organized level (including youth/recreational, travel/club, interscholastic, intercollegiate, and/or professional) preferred.
• Demonstrated success managing projects, coordinating logistics, and working with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated experience in customer service, with a strong focus on relationship building and customer satisfaction.
• Experience managing budgets, vendors, events, or operational resources.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience.
• Ability to travel and work flexible hours during the summer camp season and special events.

Experience working with professional sports organizations, collegiate athletic departments, or youth sports programs is a plus.

Why Join ESF?

• Make a Difference: Help create extraordinary sports experiences that build confidence, character, and lifelong memories for young athletes.
• Work in Professional Sports: Collaborate with iconic sports organizations and help bring exciting programs and experiences to life.
• Grow Your Career: Gain meaningful responsibility, work alongside experienced executives, and develop the skills to become a future leader.
• Make Your Mark: Join a team where initiative, hard work, fresh ideas, and a willingness to get things done are valued.

About ESF Camps & Experiences

ESF Camps & Experiences has been a vital influence in the camping industry since its evolution in 1982. ESF (Education, Sports, and Fun) features award-winning camp programs in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Maryland, Delaware, and Florida for people of all ages. ESF is considered one of the country’s leading camping companies and people developers.

ESF has benchmarked with blue-chip companies and organizations which include Disney, GE, Cirque du Soleil, Four Seasons, The US Marine Corps and IDEO. ESF operates an impressive portfolio of 40 nationally recognized Day Camps in multiple states (www.esfcamps.com), baseball camps with the Philadelphia Phillies (www.philliesacademy.com) in 4 states, basketball camps in 5 states with the Philadelphia 76ers (www.jr76erscamps.com). ESF has launched new programs in recent years, including ESF Pre-College/BOLD Summers (www.boldsummers.com), our pre-college academic program.

We also have a non-profit foundation which focuses on after-school mentoring and summer camps for underserved youth in 2 states (www.esfdreamcamp.org), and a non-profit foundation which provides a unique acting program to children and adults with physical disabilities (www.actingwithoutboundaries.org).

ESF is widely recognized as one of the country’s premier youth development organizations and people-development companies. In 2019, ESF was honored by the Aspen Institute as a “Project Play Champion” — the only camp organization in the world to receive this distinction.

If you're ready to turn your passion for sports into a career with purpose, we'd love to hear from you.