Resident Camp Director - Akron Rotary Camp for Special Needs

Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 44,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA Akron Rotary Camp seeks a qualified operations leader to handle day-to-day camp programs, hire and train seasonal staff, and supervise both resident and day camp activities.

You will coordinate year-round programs, facility rentals, and community partnerships. This on-site role requires living on camp premises and adherence to safety and health codes, all while prioritizing camper well-being.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in youth work, social services, outdoor recreation, or physical education plus management experience.
• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent work experience.
• Strong leadership and staff development skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversees hiring, training, supervision and development of staff with camper-first focus.
• Develops and manages department budgets and ensures fiscal targets are met.
• Directs camper-centric programs and ensures quality experiences that align with Rotary Camp’s mission.

Skills

Staff development

Budget management

Program development

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

3-5 years youth work experience

Job description

• Location 4460 Rex Lake Drive,Akron, OH, 44319,United States
• Base Pay $44,000.00 - $46,000.00 / Year
• Employee Type FT Exempt
• Manage Others Yes

Contact information

• Phone [phone]

POSITION SUMMARY

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. This position is responsible for the day-to-day program operations of Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs. Responsibilities include but are not limited to hiring, training, and supervising seasonal staff; oversee resident and day camp and camp programs; coordinate year-round programs including respite camps and facility rentals.

ABOUT THE AKRON ROTARY CAMP

Akron Rotary Camp offers several camping programs. The children's overnight camp is geared towards children with disabilities aged 6-17. This is the cornerstone program, which has been offered since 1924. Campers 18 and older can participate in Adult Camp. Day camp is offered to campers ages 6-21. Campers enjoy traditional camp activities while spending each night at home.

Today, our campers represent a variety of disabilities. Many campers have developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, and Down syndrome. Other campers have physical disabilities such as spina bifida, cerebral palsy, and blindness. There are also many campers with learning disabilities, mental health disorders, and multiple diagnoses. A camper just has to have a disability to qualify for any one of the Akron Rotary Camp's programs.

OUR CULTURE

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Staff Development: Oversees the hiring, training, supervision, and development of staff, implementing the YMCA’s best practices focusing on camper/guest first experiences. The camp’s camper population consists primarily of individuals with disabilities, and staff must be specifically trained in care, activities of daily living, adapting programs to meet individual needs, etc.
• Fiscal Management: Conduct the YMCA's business in a sound fiscal manner. Develop, manage, and monitor assigned department budgets and meet or exceed budget targets. Follow established accounting procedures and financial controls.
• Camper Growth: Works with the professional staff team to develop and direct high-quality camper-centric programs that support Rotary Camp’s mission, goals, and strategies. Models generally accepted behavior management guidelines with campers and staff.
• Program Development: Oversees current and new program development and a commitment to excellence in all programs meeting American Camp Association standards and local and state health codes and rules. Develops relationships with community partners such as school districts, Developmental Disabilities Boards, municipalities, etc. Assist with various fundraising events, including the Chili Open, Regatta, Annual Campaign, etc.
• Facility and Equipment Management: Models a camp care attitude to ensure a clean, safe, and well-maintained facility and grounds for campers and guests. This will include cleaning, light maintenance, and training. Implements a planned maintenance program for all relevant program equipment. Works with the Executive Director to report facility needs appropriately and timely. Coordinates care for animals used in the living reptile and amphibian program.
• Strategic Planning: Aids in the branch's strategic planning efforts, which include multiyear plans and annual goals in support of the Association Plan. All plans have measurable outcomes and progress to be shared with the Camp Board at least annually.
• Record Keeping: Maintains and files all branch and Association reports and records, including Camper and Staff Incident/Accident, staff corrective counseling, child abuse, payroll, and business office forms.
• Networking: Represent and promote the YMCA/Rotary Camp in the local community and develop positive working relationships with other organizations, businesses, and governmental entities. Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with community agencies in the service delivery area.
• Professional Meetings and Commitments: Serves as an active member of LEAD+ and a focus group committee. Attends all branch and association meetings as assigned.
• Personal Development: Use the leadership Competency Model as a guide to professional development. Maintain a personal development plan to focus on areas for improvement and leverage strengths.
• All Other Duties as Assigned

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS | ABUSE PREVENTION

Upholding the YMCA’s commitment to the safety and well‑being of youth in our programs is a core responsibility of all staff regardless of position.

• Attend required abuse risk management training.
• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers.
• Adhere to procedures related to managing and supervising high-risk activities.
• Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

This position is required to maintain residence on site and is expected to reside on camp premises. Camp will provide living quarters within the scope of our housing policy. The On-Site Staff Housing Agreement will be signed at the time of hire and always adhered to. A copy of this agreement is available upon request.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

• Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Incorporates different points of view when making decisions. Interprets data, feedback, and information, differentiating among assumptions, anecdotal evidence, and facts. Anticipates risk, implications, and possible outcomes before taking action.
• Developing Self & Others: Recruits, hires, onboards, and develops diverse staff and volunteer teams across multiple dimensions of diversity. Provides support, tools, and resources to set, meet, or exceed goals. Coaches others for continuous development. Addresses sensitive issues, inappropriate behavior, or performance concerns to help others grow.
• Program Management: Translates organizational goals into executable plans. Delegates responsibilities. Challenges inefficient work processes and offers alternatives. Follows through on commitments with an appropriate sense of urgency. Demonstrates flexibility, effectively adjusting to achieve intended outcomes.
• Emotional Maturity: Regulates behavior based on an assessment of the situation, personal feelings, strengths, and limitations. Demonstrates a settling presence, even during times of crisis and challenge.
• Inclusion: Addresses behaviors that do not support inclusion positively and equitably. Ensures staff model equity, inclusion, and cultural competence in all work areas.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have 3-5 years of experience in youth work, social services, outdoor recreation, or physical education plus management experience
• Preferred candidates will have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• Preferred candidates will have certifications in (or receive within (6 months): ServSafe (food handler), Lifeguard Instructor, and High Ropes Facilitator
• Must be 21 years of age
• Must have a good driving record and reliable transportation.
• Must have a positive attitude and the ability to find creative solutions when dealing with conflict
• YMCA Team Leader Certification preferred (or obtain within 18 months)

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This job involves sitting and standing for long periods as well as stooping, squatting, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and climbing
• Must be able to assist a camper lifting up to 50lbs independently
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate; but can occasionally be loud
• Tasks that involve infrequent exposure to blood, bodily fluids or tissues
• The endurance and energy to work long days including athletic activity with kids (14 – 18hr days)Ability to do computer work for extended periods of time