Associate Camp Director

                   Associate Camp Director

Job Summary

The Associate Camp Director’s objective is to oversee the day to day operations of Camp Chaverim. The Associate Camp Director works under the direct supervision of the Senior Director of Camp & Summer Program (SDCSP). Camp Chaverim serves nearly 450 campers each summer with 275-350 campers per week ages Pre-K to rising 6^th graders.

This is a full time position in the summer months with planning and coordination responsibilities from January - June.  In those months outside of camp season, there will be an estimated 5 - 15 hours per week with flexibility in scheduling.

Essential Responsibilities

Pre Camp & Daily Camp Operations

• Assists SDCSP in setting operating protocols before start of camp - supervises operating protocols once camp starts, including staff shifts, break times & floater fill-in assignments.
• Assists SDCSP in creating daily camp group and staff schedules and coordinates facility usage
• Coordinates the programming of camp, including special events.
• Assists SDCSP in assigning campers and staff to groups.
• Assists SDCSP in ordering of program supplies and equipment, arranges its proper distribution, and keeps track of inventory.
• Assists SDCSP in organizing and approving trips out of camp; and assures that appropriate activities, supplies, staffing, and crisis management are in place.
• Plans, manages and coordinates late night camp programming.

Communication & Collaboration

• Ensures that there is timely and adequate communications to parents from camp, the units, and the individual camp groups.
• Responsible for communicating with parents on an ongoing basis as needed
• Is available for camper, staff, or parental concerns; and makes sure they are dealt with in a satisfactory fashion.
• Assists SDCSP with Year-Round informational communication with camp staff as needed
• Promotes year round communication with families as needed via email and/or Camp Instagram page.

Strategic Planning

• Assists SDCSP in developing, monitoring, and managing the camp budget.
• Collaborates with SDCSP in defining camp goals and plans the program to reflect these goals.
• Supervises and evaluates all programs, operations, and facilities in conjunction with SDCSP.
• Prepares an evaluation and summary of current season including inventories, staff evaluation, camper reports, and recommendations for the following season.

Health & Safety

• Assists SDCSP in completing all required permitting documentation required with Department of Health.
• Obtains required First Aid and CPR training to be in compliance with Department of Health as well as ensuring other necessary staff receive required certifications.
• Monitors safety and all procedures as they pertain to the complete welfare of all the children and staff.
• Ensures that all staff adhere to all Health Department requirements and regulations for employment.
• Defines and monitors crises management plan, including emergency procedures.

Regular Conversations

• Directly supervises camp supervisory team including 5 Unit Heads, CIT Director & Camp Aquatics Director. At minimum weekly meetings should be scheduled along with daily check-ins.
• Directly oversees Camp Health Director to ensure all Department of Health regulations are followed at all times including, health practices, medication application and general camper care.
• Weekly check-ins with Camp Aquatics Director alongside the JCC’s Aquatics Director to ensure positive camp aquatics program and appropriate uses on the pool.
• Develop agenda of items for weekly check –ins with all Unit Heads .
• Daily check-ins and provide support as needed to Shlichim (Israeli Staff).
• Works closely with the JCC’s Maintenance Director in preparing and maintaining the camp facilities and areas of the building and property that are used by camp.

Staff Leadership

• Works alongside SDCSP to recruit, hire and train camp staff.
• Develop an evaluation process that ensures all staff are properly evaluated during the summer and at the completion of the summer.
• Collaborates with SDCSP to plan and conduct staff orientation and ongoing staff training.
• Assigns staff activities and other responsibilities.
• Provides leadership in how Jewish programming integrates into camp programming including leading daily songs & blessings, reinforcing the weekly Jewish Values and planning and leading weekly Oneg Shabbat.
• Leads in building and sustaining spirit and enthusiasm amongst campers and staff; provides leadership in the adherence by campers and staff to all camp and JCC rules, policies, and procedures; helps to establish appropriate camper behavior and effective behavior management techniques; and leads by example in the respect of property and the care of equipment and supplies.
• Is aware of any challenges making camp anything other than a fun, safe, nurturing environment for all campers and staff.
• Helps provide an atmosphere for good morale, teamwork, and well-being among the camp family.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have a bachelor’s degree
• Minimum of 24 weeks of administrative or supervising experience in camping
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to show initiative and work independently
• Demonstrates situational awareness
• Shows compassion and good crisis management skills
• Demonstrates competent, professional communication skills, both written and verbal
• Demonstrates proficiency with computer software: including MS Word and Excel

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for prolonged periods time.
• Ability to bend at the waist, squat  and pick items off the floor.
• Ability to walk, hike, and  climb, long distances.
• Must have great eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate outdoor equipment and participate in camp activities.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Schenectady JCC is an equal opportunity employer. As such, employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications and abilities.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religious creed, sex, transgender status, gender identity or expression, gender dysphoria, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital and familial status, domestic violence victim status, military status, protected Veteran status, known relationship or association with any member of a protected class, or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. This job description is to be used as a guideline to describe the current functions and requirements of the position. The job description may change at any time based on business needs and/or job reorganization.