Under the guidance of the senior camp director and in consult with the Camp Hi-Rock Management Team, the assistant camp director will provide leadership to the development and implementation of overnight, day and group camp programs such that ongoing targets for growth and retention are met or exceeded. The assistant camp director will assist in implementing a year-round communications plan to maintain and develop relationships with campers, parents, staff, volunteers and group camping program participants and leaders; develop and implement ongoing marketing strategies; ensure an exceptional staff team is recruited, coached and developed; ensure the implementation of responsive and innovative programs; ensure all facilities, equipment and programs meet all standards of the YMCA and the American Camping Association and all regulatory requirements; as well as administer the policies and procedures of the YMCA.
This position requires a passion for and understanding of the significant impact the camp experience can have in the life of a child. The incumbent must be able to build strong relationships with campers and their parents, group and family camping program participants, and group leaders and must be proficient with active listening skills; demonstrate patience; have a demonstrated ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing and to do so with a diverse population in a fast-paced environment. The incumbent must have demonstrated success in working with a team to achieve results. Effective leadership in guiding others to strengthen knowledge, skills, and competencies is key. Creating an environment of trust and respect by empowering others is important to this leader’s success.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
- Bachelor’s degree - required
- At least two seasons of administrative experience in a summer resident camp or comparable setting. (administrative experience should include such roles as unit director, assistant unit director, program director, assistant camp director, camp director, group camping director or their equivalent)
- Must have strong written and oral communication skills and have demonstrated successful skills in communication with parents of children between the ages of 4 and 16.
- Must have experience developing and managing a budget or have demonstrated proficiency in skills related to developing and managing a budget.
- Must have a minimum of two years of successful experience in developing and implementing youth programs in a variety of settings; experience in an overnight camp environment preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel and Google Docs and Sheets – required
- Desktop publishing and Wordpress skills - preferred
- Must have demonstrated strong leadership skills, the ability to multi-task, be detail oriented, and have strong organizational skills.
- Must have demonstrated the ability to work independently and/or with groups.
- Must have demonstrated successful experience in training, supervising, and developing supervisory staff and volunteers.
- Must have strong problem solving skills and the ability to make sound judgments related to all aspects of the program.
The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to the following:
- Positively represent the YMCA in accordance with the four YMCA character values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.
- Supervise daily operations of all overnight, day, group and family camping programs.
- Recruit, hire, train, and coach all staff and volunteers in all overnight, day, group and family camp programs and ensure that all departments under the supervision of the position are adequately staffed.
- Oversee overnight, day, group and family camping programs.
- Oversee food service department ensuring food service meets high quality and health standards, is adequate in quantity, and is provided in accordance with budget expectations. Serve as liaison with food service contractors.
- Develop and improve camping programs by updating curriculum, equipment, content and facilities on an ongoing basis while informed by current camping industry and child development research.
- Ensure all programs operate in a safe manner and operate according to all applicable licensing standards, grant stipulations, YMCA policies, state and local laws, insurer and YUSA risk management recommendations, and American Camping Association standards and in compliance with the camp’s lease with The Nature Conservancy and agreement with the Town of Mount Washington.
- Develop, adhere to, and monitor budgets for all programs for which the position is responsible.
- Assist in developing and implementing marketing strategies using multiple marketing venues for branch programs. Promotion should include but not be limited to upgrading and maintaining the camp website, managing social media presence and paid advertising through social media, ensuring Hi-Rock is included in all relevant camp promotion websites within budget constraints, developing and distributing facility branch displays, developing and distributing summer camp and group camping brochures and registration materials, participating in events at which camp can be promoted including but not limited to camp fairs and regional camp information sessions, developing and implementing a print advertising plan, conducting tours for prospective camper parents and groups, maintaining on-camp marketing displays and hosting summer camp open houses.
- In coordination with the Facility Director, supervise the maintenance and cleaning of all program equipment, facilities and areas including but not limited to high and low ropes courses, climbing tower, waterski boats, and waterfront equipment. Maintain all relevant maintenance and safety records and inspections as they relate to program equipment, facilities and areas.
- Maintain and report on all relevant outcomes and evaluations including those related to the strategic plan and those required for funding sources. Develop and implement plans to respond to the above in order to improve outcomes and evaluation results.
- Maintain relationships with professional and community organizations and agencies.
- Participate in community outreach with local groups and organizations including but not limited to local PTAs, community centers, and service clubs such as Rotary and Kiwanis.
- Participate in activities, workshops, conferences, etc. that will enhance personal and professional growth.
- Promote the Annual Campaign among staff, members and the community. Assist in the coordination of giving campaigns for summer camp staff and parents and group camping participants.
- Assist in the preparation for and implementation of branch special events.
- Assist in developing and maintaining alumni relations.
- Participate in branch management team meetings and activities.
- Participate in meetings and activities of the board of managers and CCC YMCA staff teams, as directed.
- Provide leadership to a branch board task force, as directed.
- Record and report on all accidents and incidents in accordance with YMCA policies in a timely manner.
- Serve as liaison with independent contractors providing services to summer camp and group camping programs including but not limited to international staff and camper agencies, all training providers, and the camp’s health care consultant.
- Take a leadership role in capital planning along with the executive director and facility director.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Effect on End Results:
This position has a strong impact on the effectiveness with which the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA accomplishes its mission. The role requires the camp director to be committed to delivering high quality results, building positive relationships, maintaining a safe environment, and fostering a healthy community for all.
- Camp Hi-Rock overnight, day and group camping programs are recognized in the local community as well as our entire service area as high quality programs.
- Financial, enrollment, satisfaction and retention targets for day, overnight and group camping programs are met or exceeded on an ongoing basis.
- Staff quality is recognized as excellent based on camper and parent surveys and group camping surveys and staff training hours are met or exceeded annually.
- Central Connecticut Coast YMCA strategic plan goals are achieved.
- All applicable licensing standards, grant stipulations, YMCA policies, state and local laws, ACA standards, The Nature Conservancy lease requirements and YMCA of the USA risk management recommendations are met or exceeded.
Trainings & Certifications:
- Must complete online Blood Borne Pathogens and Employee Safety trainings prior to initial assignment to position.
- Must complete other New Employee training within the first 90-days of employment.
- Must complete Child Abuse Prevention trainings within the first 90-days of employment.
- Complete YMCA Team Leader Certification or fulfill requirements within 18 months of hire date – required
- Maintenance of current level 2challenge course operator certifications - required
- Maintenance of current certification in CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, and First Aid -required
- Lifeguard certification and lifeguard, first aid and CPR instructor certifications - required