Day Camp Director

Job Description

Job Description

The Camp Director is a full-time, year-round position responsible for overseeing the daily operations and long-term success of an indoor/outdoor day camp located in Rochester, New York. This individual leads all aspects of planning, supervising, and executing camp programming, while ensuring a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for campers and staff alike. A strong candidate will demonstrate effective leadership, clear communication, and strong organizational skills, with a commitment to youth development and community engagement.

Responsibilities include:

• Oversee and direct all aspects of recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and training of staff for year-round school vacation programs, summer day camp, and backyard programming.

• Directly manage staff scheduling and coverage to ensure safe, compliant, and effective operations across all programs, including school vacations, day camp, backyard programs, and special events.

• Hold primary responsibility for the implementation, monitoring, and enforcement of all safety procedures and emergency protocols.

• Lead routine and required inspections to ensure full compliance with health and safety standards established by the Office of Children and Family Services, Department of Health, and Department of Labor.

• Maintain full accountability for accurate, timely, and compliant records related to participation, incidents, inspections, and staff training.

• Provide hands-on leadership by working directly with participants to ensure a safe, engaging, and high-quality camp experience.

• Supervise, evaluate, and support staff performance, providing ongoing training, feedback, and professional development.

• Design, implement, and oversee daily camp schedules and age-appropriate programming aligned with organizational goals.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for campers and families, including greeting, orientation, and daily sign in procedures.

• Establish, communicate, and enforce camp rules, behavioral expectations, and emergency procedures for both participants and staff.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with parents and caregivers through regular communication, problem solving, and expectation management.

• Address camper behavior issues, parent concerns, and conflict resolution in a timely and professional manner.

• Lead recruitment efforts for campers and staff through outreach to local schools, community organizations, and partner agencies.

• Oversee and support marketing and outreach strategies to promote programs and drive enrollment.

• Ensure facilities, equipment, and activities consistently meet or exceed required health and safety standards through ongoing monitoring and inspection.

• Oversee purchasing, organization, and inventory management of program supplies and materials within budget guidelines.

• Ensure completion and submission of all required administrative tasks, documentation, and reports electronically on daily and weekly timelines.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in childhood education, psychology, recreation, or a related field is required.

• Demonstrated leadership experience in a camp, educational, or recreational setting, with responsibility for supervising staff and overseeing programs.

• Experience working with children and families, including parent communication and conflict resolution.

• Proven experience recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and training seasonal and year-round staff.

• Strong ability to manage staff, communicate expectations clearly, and address performance or behavior concerns.

• Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments and maintain a flexible schedule aligned with program needs.

• Ability to lift and carry items up to 50 lbs occasionally.

• CPR and First Aid certification required or willingness to obtain certification prior to employment.

Benefits:

• Health, Dental and Vision

• Retirement Plan, Life and Disability Insurance

• Employee Assistance Program

• Free membership to the JCC Fitness and Aquatics Center

The Louis S. Wolk JCC of Greater Rochester is committed to providing an enriching environment for both staff and children. If you are passionate about children's programs and committed to high-quality care, we encourage you to apply.