YMCA Camp Carter Senior Program Director

YMCA Camp Carter is a beautiful 360-acre year-round summer camp located right in the heart of Fort Worth, TX. At camp, we offer 11 weeks of care that runs from Tuesday, May 26th through Friday, August 7th with an exciting variety of camp options to please every kind of camper at every age! Our traditional multi-activity camp provides options like STEM, arts, horseback riding, swimming, boating, fishing, and more! In our shoulder season, we offer Groups & Retreats, Conferences, Events, Equestrian Programs, Outdoor Education Field Trips, Family Camps, Holiday Camps, and much more. Learn more about Camp Carter in this quick video: https://youtu.be/ZoxPalxUmic?si=4Q_WrrMjBozWsq0e

The Senior Program Director is a high-ranking program leader at YMCA Camp Carter and provides strategic oversight for the camp’s core, revenue‑generating program areas: Day Camp, Overnight Camp, Outdoor Education, and Groups, Retreats & Events. This role blends high‑level vision with hands‑on leadership, ensuring programs are mission‑aligned, safe, innovative, and consistently delivered at a high standard.

The Senior Program Director is a key member of the Camp Carter leadership team and reports directly to the Branch Executive Director. While the SPD is not directly responsible for departments such as Equestrian, Aquatics, Maintenance, Food Service, or Custodial, they are a high‑ranking leader on site and are expected to bring a can‑do, solution‑oriented mindset and a willingness to jump in and support camp operations as needed.

This position requires living onsite in provided housing and includes nights, weekends, and early mornings consistent with overnight camp operations, supported by a reasonable rotating Manager‑on‑Duty (MOD) schedule.

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. It's who we are, who we aspire to be and how we show up every day. We are cause-driven. We don't just show up, we show up with purpose. As a cause driven leader you are expected to be:

• Welcoming - Accept neighbors eagerly, warmly, hospitably, and as equal participants.
• Nurturing - To care for, support, and help develop through encouragement.
• Hopeful - Take an optimistic or positive view of future outcomes.
• Determined - To devote full strength and concentrated attention to the cause.
• Genuine - To be honest and open in relationships with others.

We act with intentionality to connect people to our cause. Join us and help transform lives!

Reporting Structure & Team Leadership

The Senior Program Director directly supervises and leads:

• Program Director of Day Camp & Outdoor Education
• Groups & Retreats Director
• Seasonal Overnight Camp Director
• In addition, the SPD provides leadership, coaching, and strategic direction to year‑round and seasonal program staff and collaborates closely with fellow department heads across camp.

Why You’ll Love This Role
As a Senior Program Director, you will have the opportunity to:

Lead and mentor a talented team of full‑time, part‑time, and seasonal program leaders
Live onsite in a private 4‑bedroom, 3‑bath home with utilities covered (compensation value of $24,000 annually)
Shape and oversee transformative camp experiences for youth, families, schools, and groups
Strengthen community partnerships that expand access, impact, and visibility For ALL
Champion program quality, safety, and creativity aligned with YMCA values and ACA standards
Core Focus Areas
The Senior Program Director oversees the design, implementation, evaluation, and growth of Camp Carter’s core program portfolio. Direct program leadership is required year‑round, working alongside full‑time program directors in the off‑season and collaborating with seasonal camp directors during peak summer operations.

All responsibilities are guided by the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth Camp Leadership Playbook, organized around three leadership lenses:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in education, recreation, outdoor education, environmental sciences, or a related field
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a camp director, with strong preference for overnight camp or residential program experience
• Proven experience leading multi‑program camp or youth development operations
• Strong background in staff supervision, program design, and risk management
• Ability to lead with clarity, flexibility, and a solutions‑focused mindset
• Excellent communication, organizational, and relationship‑building skills
• Knowledge of or experience with American Camp Association (ACA) standards preferred

Day camp leadership experience is valuable and transferable; candidates must understand the operational demands of overnight camp environments, including nights, weekends, and early mornings.

1. The Program Architect
You are the chief designer of Camp Carter’s program experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee and integrate all program areas: Day Camp, Overnight Camp, Outdoor Education, and Groups/Retreats
• Design seasonal calendars, program rotations, and curriculum frameworks
• Ensure programs are age‑appropriate, inclusive, engaging, and mission‑centered
• Align Outdoor Education curriculum with TEKS standards and school partner expectations
• Maintain consistency across programs while encouraging creativity and staff ownership
Provide hands‑on leadership during program delivery, especially during high‑impact seasons

2. The Quality Compass
You ensure Camp Carter programs don’t just run — they run with excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead program quality assurance, evaluation, and continuous improvement systems
• Maintain ACA accreditation readiness, documentation, and staff training
• Oversee risk management practices, camper safety systems, and behavior support strategies
• Train and support staff in supervision, inclusion, camper wellness, and crisis response
• Monitor feedback from campers, families, schools, and group partners to inform improvements

3. The Growth Gardener

You cultivate the relationships and strategies that grow Camp Carter’s reach and impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and sustain partnerships with school districts, nonprofits, and community organizations
• Support outreach efforts, open houses, and referral strategies across program areas
• Collaborate with marketing staff to tell the Camp Carter story and increase visibility
• Monitor enrollment trends and proactively address participation barriers
• Represent Camp Carter at community meetings, events, and conferences

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $52,000 – $55,000 (commensurate with experience)
• Housing: Required onsite living in a private 4‑bedroom, 3‑bath home with utilities included
• Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance; life and disability coverage; YMCA retirement plan with up to 12% employer contribution (once eligible); generous paid time off (up to 288 hours annually); and free or discounted YMCA programs for you and your family