Camp Executive Director

Camp Executive Director | Camp du Nord | $88,000 - $105,000 | Full-Time

At a Glance:
Lead through change while building trust, preserving organizational traditions, and maintaining strong operational results. Relationship-focused leader who communicates effectively, develops high-performing teams, and inspires confidence through transparency, collaboration, and emotional intelligence.

Schedule:

• Full-Time
• Schedule varies based on camp operations and seasonal programming needs
• Required to live on-site in camp-provided housing during program months
• On-call while participants are engaged in camp programs
• Occasional local travel for meetings, training, and special events

Pay:

The salary range for this position is $88,000 - $105,000 annually.  We take into consideration an individual’s background and experience in determining salary; therefore, base pay offered may vary considerably depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.  The compensation package includes a wide range of other benefits and earned time off that vary depending on part-time or full-time status.

Necessary Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to lead effectively through organizational transition while maintaining trust, stability, and operational excellence.
• Skilled at building strong relationships with community members, volunteers, alumni, and stakeholders by honoring traditions while thoughtfully guiding change and innovation.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop leadership teams through clear communication, collaboration, and shared accountability.
• Exceptional communication and listening skills, with the ability to navigate differing perspectives, facilitate productive conversations, and build consensus.
• Emotionally intelligent and steady under pressure, bringing transparency, consistency, and sound judgment during periods of change.
• Experience balancing an organization's legacy with strategic planning and continuous improvement to meet future needs.
• Demonstrated success fostering a culture of trust, resilience, and adaptability among staff, volunteers, and the broader community.
• Visible and approachable leader who inspires confidence through strong relationships, authentic engagement, and operational excellence.

1.          Job Summary: 

The Camp Executive Director is responsible for delivering high-quality programs for all participants, which include youth, families, and adults. In partnership with Program Director, the incumbent recruits, hires, trains and supervises a diverse and high-performing staff team. The incumbent sets the strategic direction of the camp and achieves annual fundraising goals, in partnership with the volunteers of the Community Board. The incumbent ensures that facilities and equipment are maintained.

2.          Essential Functions: 

·       Supervise camp operating team, including but not limited to Program Directors, Property Manager, Kitchen Manager, Program Coordinators, and other full-time and seasonal team members.

·       Oversee the process to recruit, hire, train, and supervise the seasonal staff of 50 .

·       Communicate directly with program supervisors, operations staff, and seasonal staff, and instructors, to build skill sets and reach both individual and location goals.

·       Oversee program quality, risk management, camper and staff satisfaction.

·       Ensure high-quality camping, outdoor education, teambuilding, preschool conference and retreat programs.

·       Deliver relevant programming in the areas of leadership development, progressive skill development, and social emotional learning.

·       Perform day-to-day operations of camper services, engage in vendor relation management, and carry out fiscally responsible decision making.

·       Perform annual reviews of part-time and full-time team members.

·       Develop and implement recruiting and retention strategies for diverse seasonal work force.

·       Maintain accurate and comprehensive records and files related to participant health and team member performance.

·       Evaluate the camp’s programs on an on-going basis involving all stakeholders including team members, community partners, participants, campers, parents, and volunteers.

·       Provide risk management oversight for programs, including emergency response, management of evacuations and camper behavior challenges (including family contact), and incident reporting.

·       Execute a high level of judgment and independent decision making aligned with the adventure/camping vision.

·       In partnership with the Program Directors, work with the marketing team to market experiences and review frequently to adjust or create new offerings.

·       Achieve fundraising goals, including Annual Fund and periodic capital campaigns.

·       Works closely with Association departments to set direction and achieve goals in the following areas; People and Culture, Risk and Enterprise Management, Mission Advancement (Fund Development), Marketing, Technology and Adventure leadership.

·       Serve as an engaged contributor on the broader Y Adventure and Y of the North leadership teams in pursuit of common goals.

·       Maintain relationships with outside industry professionals to aid in program development as well as team member continuing education.

·       Achieve and adhere to American Camp Association accreditation standards and Department of Health Standards compliance standards.

·       Partner with Community Advisory Board Chair to implement board’s chart of work.

3.          Relationships: 

This position reports to the VP of Camp Operations who reports to the Chief Operating Officer. The incumbent interacts regularly with camp participants, general public, summer staff, and volunteers.

4.          Qualifications: 

·       Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience,

·       Minimum of three (3) years of management experience to include supervision and budgets.

·       Progressive programming and management experience in an outdoor residential environment.

·       Willing to live on-site in camp-provided housing during program months and be on-call while participants are engaged in camp programs.

·       Demonstrated skills in supervision, organizational systems, camping program development, fundraising, and financial management.

·       Understands and able to develop and implement curriculum.

·       Demonstrated skills in customer service, large and small group communications, leadership, and group work with adults, teens and children.

·       Proficiency in Microsoft Suite, including Word, Outlook, Excel and Teams, and other computer programs necessary to perform the duties of the job.