The Assistant Camp Director – Programming, Retreats, and Rentals (PRR) is a key member of the camp leadership team responsible for creating an exceptional, distinctive, and memorable experience for campers and guests. The primary responsibility of this position is to develop, plan, lead, and execute outstanding camp programming, making programming one of the camp's key differentiators from other overnight camps. The position also oversees year-round programming on the camp property, including programs operated by the camp and programming for outside organizations utilizing the property. The Asst. Dir. PRR will also oversee the staff in charge of Judaic along with overseeing the foodservice component of camp. In addition, the Assistant Director PRR supports camper enrollment and recruitment efforts and will travel periodically for recruitment and outreach. This position also supports staff recruitment and retention efforts under the direction of the Asst Dir Staffing. The successful candidate will combine creativity, Jewish values, operational excellence, strong organization, and exceptional execution to turn innovative ideas into high-quality experiences.
Responsibilities
Summer Programming Leadership:
Develop and lead a creative, innovative, age-appropriate summer programming plan that reflects the camp's mission, Jewish identity, and commitment to excellence.
Ensure programming provides variety, excitement, meaningful experiences, and opportunities for connection, personal growth, and community.
Intentionally incorporate Jewish values, culture, and traditions, Continuously identify new activities, trends, experiences, and ideas that can distinguish the camp from competing programs.
Coordinate programming with camp leadership to ensure activities support the overall camper experience and daily camp schedule.
Evaluate programming throughout and after each summer and use camper, staff, and parent feedback to improve future programming.
Advance Planning & Seasonal Staff Leadership:- Have a majority of the upcoming summer's programming substantially developed by April 1.Develop a preliminary plan for the remaining programming by April, intentionally leaving room for input from part-time summer counselors.
- Upon arrival of seasonal staff, lead a collaborative process to finalize the remaining programming using their prior camp experience, creativity, talents, and knowledge of current camper interests.
- Recruit, train, supervise, and lead part-time programming staff and counselors responsible for implementing summer activities.
- Provide staff with clear expectations, schedules, activity plans, safety procedures, and standards for exceptional execution
- Coach and support staff throughout the summer, providing feedback and accountability to ensure consistent quality.
- Create an environment where seasonal staff contribute ideas while maintaining appropriate structure and leadership.
Materials, Equipment & Resource Management:
Identify all materials, equipment, supplies, and other resources required for summer programming well in advance.
Research and locate resources at the best combination of price, quality, availability, and appropriateness.
Develop and maintain organized inventories and purchasing plans.
Manage the programming budget and make thoughtful decisions regarding expenditures.
Ensure materials and equipment are properly stored, maintained, distributed, and used throughout the summer.
Establish systems that minimize waste, loss, and unnecessary replacement costs.
Plan for future seasons by evaluating which resources should be retained, replaced, or upgraded.
Year-Round Camp Property Programming:
Develop, plan, and manage programs and activities on the camp property throughout the non-summer months.
Create opportunities that increase year-round engagement and utilization of the camp property.
Coordinate schedules, staffing, supplies, facilities, equipment, and other logistical requirements.
Evaluate programs and recommend improvements based on participation, feedback, operational effectiveness, and financial considerations.
Outside Organization Rentals:
Develop and manage programming and activities for outside organizations utilizing the camp property.
Work with rental groups to understand their goals, schedules, and program needs and develop appropriate programming options.
Coordinate with camp leadership, facilities, food service, and other departments to ensure successful events.
Be present on-site when appropriate to oversee execution and resolve issues.
Provide a welcoming, professional experience that strengthens the camp's reputation and encourages repeat use of the property.
Identify opportunities to enhance rental experiences through additional programming and activities.
Judaic, Foodservice, and Marketing:
Oversee and ensure the quality of foodservice provided by the Sabra vendor. Oversee the Judaic program for camp which includes hiring PT staff members responsible for delivering the Judaic program and ensuring its quality.
Camper Recruitment & Enrollment:
Support the camp's annual camper recruitment and enrollment goals.
Represent the camp at community events, school visits, recruitment programs, open houses, and other outreach opportunities.
Participate in prospective-family meetings, tours, and information sessions.
Communicate the camp's unique programming and overall experience to prospective campers and families.
Travel periodically as needed to support recruitment efforts.
Work collaboratively with the enrollment team to follow up with prospective families and support camper retention, which will include off-season events and reunions.
Emergency Standard Operating Procedures:- Responsible for maintaining guidelines and protocols of the American Camper Association (ACA)
- Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures for all emergency situations (weather, intruder, loss of power, etc.) and train staff in their role regarding these procedures.
- Work with camp facilities staff and security to ensure best practices and feasibility of plans.
- BA/BS in a related field is required.
- A minimum of 3-5 years working in the camping industry is preferred.
- Residing in St. Louis, Kansas City, Dallas, or Houston is preferred.
- Ability to be solution oriented and forward-thinking.
- Ability to complete multiple tasks and high volume of work on deadline.
- Must be able to travel throughout the year and reside at camp during the summer season.
- Ability to follow through on assigned tasks with limited supervision.
- Ability to work with all levels of an organization, with ability to meet potential campers and their families and make presentations to them.
- Demonstrated ability to interview, hire and supervise staff, manage priorities, effectively deal with emergencies, and communicate via written and verbal methods.
Must have demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).Must have a demonstrated ability to learn new software programs, as industry specific programs are utilized in this position (i.e., Salesforce, CampMinder).Take initiative, strong organizational skills and detail oriented.
Independently apply and carry out policies and procedures within assigned area of responsibility.
First Aid/CPR/AED certification is required. Training is provided.
Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background check according to Camp Sabra policies.
Preferred Experience:
Previous experience in overnight camp, youth programming, recreation, and education.
Physical Demands:
Must be able to sit, stand, walk long distances over gravel and rough terrain, lift and carry up to 40 pounds, use hands to handle controls; be able to talk and hear. This employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to participate in games with staff and campers requiring running, stooping or and bending. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. During camp season the majority of the work is outdoors in summer heat and humidity; the majority of the work is inside during off season.
