Unit Head

Jewishportland; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community camp organization in Portland, Oregon is seeking a Unit Head to lead unit operations and ensure a positive camp experience for campers and staff. This role involves mentorship, program oversight, and daily support of staff and campers. The ideal candidate must communicate well, understand child development, and lead with confidence, especially during unit activities like overnights and trips. A commitment to camp culture and collaboration is vital for success in this position.

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate effectively with campers and staff.
• Basic understanding of child development.
• Demonstrated maturity, respect, and kindness.

Responsibilities

• Attend leadership and supervisory meetings.
• Implement and support camp policies.
• Oversee programming for assigned unit.

Skills

Communication with campers and peers

Understanding of child development

Maturity and respect

Ability to lead and give support

Confidence in leading large groups

Job description

Position Summary

As Unit Head, you will serve in a vital leadership role responsible for creating a positive, safe, and engaging camp experience for a group of campers and staff. You will oversee all aspects of unit operations, including staff supervision, program implementation, and camper well-being. Working closely with the leadership team, you will help uphold camp policies, coordinate daily activities, and ensure smooth execution of programming, including unit overnights and day trips. As the primary supervisor for unit staff, you will provide mentorship, guidance, and ongoing feedback while fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment. This role offers the opportunity to strengthen your leadership skills, model clear expectations and professionalism, and make a meaningful impact on both staff and campers within your unit.

Supervised by: Camp Director

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate with and care for both campers and peers.
• Have a basic understanding of child development.
• Demonstrate maturity, respect, and kindness.
• Ability to think on your feet, and pivot when necessary.
• Ability to lead confidently and thoughtfully, and applicable experience doing so.
• Ability to give and accept guidance and support.
• A willingness and ability to ask for help.
• Ability to assist in activities, both leading and supporting.
• Be able to work professionally with a variety of staff members and campers.
• Confidence and ability to lead a group of 30+ campers and staff on Unit Overnights and Day Trips
• Qualities of a caretaker.

Responsibilities

• Attend Unit Head, Leadership, and other supervisory meetings.
• Help implement, uphold, and support camp policies.
• Oversee the implementation and execution of all programming for assigned unit.
• Incorporate unit staff members in program planning and leadership.
• Manage all site and supply arrangements with the support and approval of the Asst. Director of Programming.
• Ensure unit staff are always at their assigned locations; know where all of your unit staff and campers are at all times.
• Act as a role model for all staff, including being present within the unit. Be the counselor’s support and assist staff with problems and questions.
• Serve as the primary supervisor for assigned unit staff, regularly evaluating their performances and caring for the well-being of all campers within the unit.
• Act on behalf of the unit for issues involving the camp community.
• Lead regular unit staff meetings; check in with each unit staff individually at least once daily.
• Be directly involved and participate with all campers and staff in the daily program.
• Communicate with the Directing Team on key matters.
• Be able to step outside your comfort zone. The more you buy into Camp's culture, the more fun you and all campers will have together!