Seasonal Camp Director - FAIRFIELD YMCA

Description

This position supports the mission and work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization. The Seasonal Camp Director leads overall operations of seasonal day camp, including hiring, training, scheduling, program quality, and staff supervision. This role ensures strong risk management, camper and family communication, and compliance with YMCA policies, licensing and health requirements, and Association standards to create a safe, welcoming, high-quality camp experience for all.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Models the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in relationships with campers, families, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
2. Provides day-to-day leadership for camp operations, including schedules, unit coverage, transitions, activity flow, and overall program quality.
3. Leads seasonal staffing for camp (in coordination with HR/branch leadership), including recruitment support, selection, onboarding, training, supervision, scheduling, and performance management.
4. Builds a positive, inclusive camp culture; coaches staff on supervision, behavior guidance, customer service, and professionalism to support a strong camper experience.
5. Ensures consistent risk management and compliance with YMCA policies and procedures, including youth protection expectations, the Rule of Three, emergency procedures, and required documentation.
6. Maintains active on-site leadership presence, including constant situational awareness of camper supervision and rapid response to incidents, behavior concerns, and parent/guardian needs.
7. Oversees camper and family communication, including timely responses to questions/concerns and proactive partnership to support retention and satisfaction.
8. Oversees camp administrative requirements such as rosters/attendance, incident and accident reporting, health and safety procedures, and any licensing/health department requirements applicable to the camp program.
9. Partners with facilities leadership (and/or site contacts) to support camp space readiness, equipment needs, basic upkeep reporting, and resolution of facility concerns impacting safety or program delivery.
10. Supports sound fiscal management for assigned camp areas, including supply planning, basic budget tracking, and meeting timelines for required submissions.
11. Attends required meetings and completes all required trainings within assigned timelines; pursues learning that supports camp quality and YMCA standards.
12. Other duties as assigned in support of branch operations and member/community experience.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old and meet State of CT licensing requirements for camp administrative leadership (or equivalent qualifying experience).
• 2+ years of experience in a licensed day or resident camp setting in a senior counselor/specialty director (or comparable) role.
• Demonstrated ability to lead camp operations, including staff scheduling, daily logistics, and program execution.
• Proven ability to supervise, coach, and hold seasonal staff accountable with professionalism, consistency, and sound judgment.
• Strong communication and customer service skills with children, families, staff, and community partners; able to remain calm and solutions-focused under pressure.
• Safety-conscious and observant; able to respond quickly and appropriately to emergencies and changing conditions.
• Must complete new employee training and camp/department onboarding requirements; must maintain CPR/AED, First Aid, and O2 Administration certifications (or obtain within required timeframe established by the Association).