Summer Camp Director

Position Summary

The Hilltop Summer Camp Director is responsible for creating and leading a fun, safe, and well-run mountain bike–oriented summer camp program. This role oversees all summer camp operations including program design, staff hiring and training, daily coordination, safety and risk management, parent communication, and budget oversight. The Director models Hilltop’s mission and values while building a strong, positive team culture and delivering high-quality recreational and educational experiences for Alaskan youth.

Camp dates and camper ages.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Program Development:

• Plan and organize a diverse range of engaging activities, curriculum, and programs suitable for various age groups. 
• Oversee daily camp operations including activity transitions, staff coverage, schedules, and all-camp coordination. Lead daily or weekly staff meetings to communicate priorities, safety reminders, and operational updates.
• Collaborate with staff to create a well-rounded schedule that promotes an appreciation of the natural world and fosters a love of the outdoors.
• Works closely with the Director of Education to implement mountain biking into the curriculum. Includes overseeing hiring and training of bike counselors in conjunction with the bike school.
• Responsible for all stages of the employee life cycle for seasonal teams; attraction, recruitment, training, development, retention, and separation.
• Design and lead comprehensive pre-camp training as well as ongoing in-service training covering safety procedures, child management, activity facilitation, and professional conduct.
• Provide ongoing guidance, support, and evaluations to ensure staff performance meets established standards. Maintain a visible leadership presence throughout the camp day and lead daily or weekly staff meetings.
• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment that encourages teamwork and professional development. Ensure programming is inclusive and accessible. Coordinate reasonable accommodations for campers as appropriate and support staff in adapting activities to meet diverse needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Camper Engagement:

• Oversee camper behavior management practices, support counselors in addressing behavioral challenges, and intervene directly in escalated situations, including parent communication and behavior action planning when necessary.
• Foster a positive and inclusive atmosphere where campers feel comfortable and excited to participate in outdoor activities.
• Address and resolve any camper concerns or issues promptly and effectively.

Safety and Compliance:

• Develop, implement, and oversee emergency action plans, including medical incidents, severe weather, missing campers, and evacuation procedures. Lead staff training and drills, ensure incident reports are completed promptly, and serve as the primary decision-maker during emergencies.
• Implement and enforce safety protocols and procedures to ensure the well-being of campers and staff.
• Stay informed about and adhere to all relevant regulations and guidelines.
• Manages all customer contact for their programs, including responding to email and phone inquiries in a timely fashion, providing exceptional customer service, and managing sensitive and escalated matters for prospective and attending camp families.
• Maintain accurate records including attendance records, incident reports, attendance, staff certifications, training documentation, and compliance-related records in accordance with licensing and organizational requirements.

Communication:

• Maintain open and transparent communication with campers, parents, and staff.
• Provide regular updates via print and electronic media to keep parents informed about camp activities, policies, and important dates.
• Conduct end-of-season evaluations of staff and programs, compile participation, and outcome data, and provide recommendations for program improvements, staffing needs, and operational efficiencies.

Budget Management:

• Manage the camp budget efficiently, making decisions that maximize resources while providing exceptional experience for campers.
• Work with Hilltop Ski Area administrative staff to manage financial transactions, record-keeping, and reporting.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED required.
• Candidates who meet the American Camp Association standard of being at least 25 years old are preferred.
• Director must have at least two seasons of camp supervisory experience. An equivalent combination of experience working in a childcare or education setting for at least one year coupled with supervisory experience will be considered to satisfy this requirement.
• Past management or leadership experience is required; experience hiring and managing teams of six or more is preferred.
• Bachelor’s Degree is preferred, but work experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Prior Mountain Bike instructing and guiding, or other teaching experience preferred.
• Knowledge of implementation and facilitation of technical, and/or specialty training events and programs.
• During camp programs, the Director is expected to be on-site. When camps are not in session, most planning work can be done remotely.
• On-site management at camp can be physically demanding, with extended periods of time on your feet outside and occasional activity requiring physical exertion.
• Highly proficient in computer skills. (Microsoft Office, Excel, etc.)
• Ability to design, develop, implement, and evaluate responsive programs and curriculum.
• Ability to ride a bike.

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, manage, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Note

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.