What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sports Program Coordinator position at JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF DENVER?
Camp Shai is the JCC in Denver’s premier Jewish Day Camp serving children entering Kindergarten through 6th grade. Individuals of all backgrounds, faiths, and families are welcome. At Camp Shai, we offer a little something for everyone with a variety of engaging and fun activities. From sports to theater to engineering, our campers are building their skills, bolstering their confidence, and creating magical summer camp memories. At Camp Shai, we place an emphasis in our programming on the universal values of kindness (chesed), respect (kavod), community (kehillah), courage (ometz lev), and good attitude (ruach).
This is a seasonal position: Expected Start Date 3/16/2026 – Tentative End Date 8/14/2026.
Camp is the perfect environment for campers to develop their skills outside of the classroom and build their confidence – and yours too! Your work will make a difference in supporting campers to improve their ability to make and maintain friendships, increase their confidence to try new activities, and create a safe space for everyone to be themselves, campers and staff alike. Being a staff member at camp helps you to gain the skills you want from an internship in a concrete, hands-on, and fun way!
We are seeking individuals for the Sports Program Coordinator role that are adaptable, goal-oriented, and excited to work in a fast-paced and fun environment where everyone is welcome. The Sports Program Coordinator will work directly with the Camp Leadership Team to manage and facilitate the athletic programs for all campers enrolled in the Shai Sports specialty camp.
Our Ideal Candidate
- You are eager to share your knowledge of team sport concepts and methods.
- You are passionate about working with kids and creating a welcoming, creative, and fun environment that celebrates learning and growth.
- You are flexible and excited by challenges that require creative problem-solving and determination.
- You enjoy working in a dynamic environment and are ready to bring that camp energy this summer, whether you are dancing across the stage in a silly costume or face painting with campers during downtime.
- You want to grow your skillset, and you are ready to both give and receive feedback.
- You are a team player that relishes opportunities to collaborate with your colleagues.
- You exercise patience and empathy when dealing with others and exude positivity.
Role and Responsibilities
- Program Development & Oversight
- Work directly with the Camp Shai year-round team during the off season to build out the summer sports program with regular check-ins regarding new curriculum, summer staff applications, and plans for summer staff training
- Manage all summer sports programs during camp and make program adjustments as needed while programs are in session
- Analyze and implement feedback from campers, families, and staff regarding the program’s quality, safety, and enjoyment
- Inspect facilities and sports equipment for cleanliness, safety, and upkeep while programs are in session
- Collaborate with the Camp Shai year-round team on the staff recruitment and hiring process for summer sports staff
- Operations & Purchasing
- Develop sports program curriculum and other sports-related activities as requested
- Create and provide Assistant Director of Programs (ADP) with detailed program schedule for sports campers and staff before the start of the camp season
- Communicate with the ADP on all schedule and program planning to ensure seamless inclusion of Shai Sports into Camp Shai’s overall programming
- Oversee and manage the Shai Sports budget for supplies and equipment
- State Licensing & American Camping Association (ACA) Accreditation
- Uphold all childcare licensing requirements for school-aged programs as dictated by the Office of Early Childhood in Colorado
- Coordinate with Assistant Director to ensure that all Sports Camp staff have completed all required paperwork and tasks in accordance with state licensing requirements
- Staff Development & Leadership
- Coordinate with Camp Shai’s year-round team to develop and facilitate a specialized pre-camp training for all Camp Instructors
- Directly supervise and support Sports Camp Coaches, Nature Camp Instructor, and Judaics Camp Instructor during the camp season
- Collaborate with Camp Shai’s seasonal leadership team during the camp season to ensure staff management and development meets the standards of expectations for all managerial staff at Camp Shai
Physical Demands and Working Environment
- Physical Demands: This job requires personnel to have operative auditory and visual functioning. Employees must also be able to walk upwards of two (2) miles each day, including use of stairs and uneven terrain. Employees may also stand, sit in chairs or on the ground, run, and swim. Mental requirements include, but are not limited to, the ability to concentrate, effectively cope with stress, adapt to, and stay alert in a professional environment, as well as an ability to problem solve and de-escalate crisis situations and challenging behaviors. Reasonable accommodation may be granted for qualified applicants.
- Work Environment: Working conditions may include being in indoor, open classroom spaces and spending extended time outdoors under the sun.
Qualifications and Education Requirements
Basic Qualifications
- Must be at least 21 years of age
- Must hold a bachelor's degree or the equivalent work experience in a related field
- Must have 2-3 years of experience in managing youth sports programming
- Must hold at least 1 year (460 hours) of verifiable experience working with school-age children
- Must obtain First Aid & CPR certifications before the start date of camp. Opportunity for certification will be made available through the JCC prior to Staff Orientation. Certifications must be conducted by a Division of Early Care and Learning approved training vendor.
- Must be able to fulfill requirements for employment at the Staenberg-Loup JCC, including background screening, three professional references, documentation, and compliance with CDHS (Colorado Department of Human Services) law
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree in education, social work, or another related field
- Previous experience in a leadership or supervisory role a plus
- Previous coaching or sports instruction a plus
Additional Notes
Advantages of Working at Camp Shai
- Specialized Training in Program Instruction Before Camp (May 16th - 17th, 2026)
- Comprehensive One-Week Orientation Before Camp (June 1st – June 5th, 2026)
- Support and Mentorship from Camp Leadership Team
- Ongoing Professional Development and Individualized Performance Feedback
- Fitness & Aquatics Membership During Time of Employment
- Involvement in a Fun-Loving Community of Camp Professionals
Benefits Overview
This is a seasonal job and is ineligible for benefits.
Note: This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive statement of every duty and responsibility which will ever be required of an employee in this position; however, the employee will be held responsible for all duties assigned.
The Jewish Community Center values diversity and inclusiveness and is an equal opportunity employer.
Salary : $25 - $28