The Director of Camp Miller is a proven, self-motivated, cause-driven professional who is a member of our Executive Operations Team. Under the direction of Sara Cole, the President and CEO of the Duluth Area Family YMCA, and Jeramy Katchuba, Senior Vice President of Operations, the Camp Miller Executive Director is responsible for the management, oversight, and success of a multi-faceted summer camp, conference/retreat, and group rentals operation. Key areas of responsibility include building and maintaining a robust branch Advisory Council, growing the camp’s Annual Community Support Campaign, building community relations/partnerships, supervising the program directors, and ensuring effective communication and coordination between all YMCA programs, branches, and Executives. The Executive Director collaboratively delivers high-quality programs and services, while growing enrollment. The Executive Director will ensure all campers and guests receive high-quality programs and services with first-class amenities.
The Camp Executive Director is responsible for delivering quality character programs for children, families, and school/ conference groups. The Camp Director ensures that facilities and equipment are maintained, and selects trains, and manages a diverse and quality staff. The Camp Executive Director directs and implements a positive, progressive camp program both on and off-site to grow the off-site adventure-based trips.
The Camp Director is a dynamic outdoor professional with significant experience in planning, leading, and supervising outdoor and environmentally focused programs. This Camp Executive position is located in Duluth during the September-May months (with some weekends at camp) and is onsite with camp during the summer months (Sturgeon Lake, MN). Housing is available year-round at Camp Miller.
- BA/BS from an accredited college or university in business, outdoor education, non-profit management or related field, or equivalent experience required.
- Minimum of three years of experience in camp/ recreational business operations, growth and development, community involvement, relationship building, program/business line development, associate selection, supervision and development, and day-to-day enterprise management preferred.
- Two years of experience in facility management is preferred.
- Progressive programming and management experience in an outdoor residential environment.
- Experience in the outdoors and as an overnight staff member for a minimum of three summers.
- Willing to live on-site in camp provided housing during program months.
- Demonstrated skills in supervision, organizational systems, camping program development, and financial management.
- Understands and can develop and implement the curriculum.
- Demonstrated skills in customer service, large and small group communications, leadership, and group work with adults, teens, and children.
- Certifications: CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer or equivalent, and Basic First Aid (required). Training can be provided upon hiring and must be obtained within 60 days. Higher levels of certification are accepted.
- Strong skills in fiscal management and financial development (including annual campaign, capital, and/or planned giving).
- Highly motivated with the consistent ability to meet or exceed goals, cultivate, and retain members, volunteers, and program participants.
- Ability to quickly build rapport and develop effective relationships with members, volunteers, program prospects, and others to achieve goals.
- Consistently self-driven and goal-oriented with the ability to set effective team and individual goals and take ownership for results.
- Demonstrated ability to multi-task and adapt to changing contexts and priorities.
- Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills with the ability to identify and leverage relevant data to use in planning and decision-making.
- Ability to understand, adapt to, and interact with diverse people, teams, perspectives, and cultures.
- Proficient in using email, the Internet, and other PC-based applications (e.g., Microsoft Office) with the ability to learn and adapt to new technology.
- This position requires a valid driver’s license and will require frequent local travel.
- Commitment of supporting principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action to achieve a diverse work environment
- Maintains responsibility for the safe and effective operations of all Camp Miller programs, facilities, and support areas.
- Ensures the highest standards when it comes to camp operation in every aspect of the camp operations (both internal and external).
- Directs a progressive camp program including on and off-site programs during the summer and a conference and retreat program during the fall, winter, and spring.
- Plans, develops, and implements robust camping programs and leads the innovation of new programs, activities, events, and new business lines.
- Supervises full-time and part-time camp staff.
- Ensures that all supporting documentation and audits are completed to ensure safety and quality standards are met for a top-class camp operation.
- Recruits, hires, trains, and supervises a seasonal staff.
- Develops, implements, and coordinates marketing efforts for recruitment and retention of campers.
- Develops and implements recruiting and retention strategies for a diverse seasonal workforce.
- Develops innovative curriculum in the areas of leadership development, character development, and outdoor education.
- Serves as a participant and active member of the Duluth YMCA program and professional staff in a staff leadership role in annual fund-raising drive and other fund-raising activities.
- Supervises accurate and comprehensive records and files, including participant evaluations as well as full-time and part-time staff evaluations.
- Evaluates the camp’s programs continually, involving staff, group leaders, group participants, campers, parents, and the facility. Advise administrative and maintenance staff as well as the Advisory Council of operational needs and challenges.
- Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending the American Camp Association (ACA) standards training at least once every 2 years.
- Leads ACA accreditation for the Camp Miller facility.
- Maintains current required certifications.
- Fosters an inclusive environment appreciative of differences in the workplace. Meaningfully participate in and lead efforts to support the Y’s commitment to equity and diversity
- Mission Advancement: Reinforces the Ys values within the organization and the community. Effectively communicates the benefits and impact of the YMCA’s efforts for all stakeholders.
- Operational Effectiveness: Integrates multiple thinking processes to make decisions. Involves staff at all levels in the development of programs and activities. Ensures execution of plans. Institutes sound accounting procedures and financial controls. Assigns clear accountability and ensures continuous improvement.
- Personal Growth: Fosters a learning environment embracing diverse abilities and approaches. Creates a sense of urgency and positive tension to support change. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.
- Collaboration: Builds and nurtures strategic relationships to enhance support for the Y. Serves as a community leader building collaboration based on trust and credibility to advance the Y’s mission and goals. Communicates for influence to attain buy-in and support goals. Provides tools and resources for the development of others.
- Behavioral Characteristics: Welcoming, Nurturing, Determined, Hopeful, and Inclusive and Genuine.
To be discussed upon hire.