Program Director

The Akron Rotary Camp is a 6 acre camp on in Summit Co, Oh with overnight and day camps for children and adults with special needs.

Camp Description

The Akron Rotary Camp is a 6-acres on Rex Lake in Summit Cunty Ohio with 7 primary camper cabins and multiple standalone staff residences for full-time staff.


Akron Rotary Camp offers several camping programs. The children's overnight camp is geared towards children with disabilities aged 6-17. This is the cornerstone program, which has been offered since 1924. Campers 18 and older can participate in Adult Camp. Day camp is offered to campers ages 6-21. Campers enjoy traditional camp activities while spending each night at home.


Today, our campers represent a variety of disabilities. Many campers have developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, and Down syndrome. Other campers have physical disabilities such as spina bifida, cerebral palsy, and blindness. There are also many campers with learning disabilities, mental health disorders, and multiple diagnoses. A camper just has to have a disability to qualify for any one of the Akron Rotary Camp's programs.

Job Description

This position is responsible for the day-to-day program operations of Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs. Responsibilities include but are not limited to hiring, training, and supervising seasonal staff; oversee resident and day camp and camp programs; coordinate year-round programs including respite camps and facility rentals.

Qualifications

• Must have 3-5 years of experience in youth work, social services, outdoor recreation, or physical education plus management experience

• Preferred candidates will have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience

• Preferred candidates will have certifications in (or receive within (6 months): ServSafe (food handler), Lifeguard Instructor, and High Ropes Facilitator

• Must be 21 years of age

• Must have a good driving record and reliable transportation.

• Must have a positive attitude and the ability to find creative solutions when dealing with conflict

• YMCA Team Leader Certification preferred (or obtain within 18 months)

Essential Functions

• Staff Development: Oversees the hiring, training, supervision, and development of staff, implementing the YMCA’s best practices focusing on camper/guest first experiences. The camp’s camper population consists primarily of individuals with disabilities, and staff must be specifically trained in care, activities of daily living, adapting programs to meet individual needs, etc.

• Fiscal Management: Conduct the YMCA's business in a sound fiscal manner. Develop, manage, and monitor assigned department budgets and meet or exceed budget targets. Follow established accounting procedures and financial controls.

• Camper Growth: Works with the professional staff team to develop and direct high-quality camper-centric programs that support Rotary Camp’s mission, goals, and strategies. Models generally accepted behavior management guidelines with campers and staff.

• Program Development: Oversees current and new program development and a commitment to excellence in all programs meeting American Camp Association standards and local and state health codes and rules. Develops relationships with community partners such as school districts, Developmental Disabilities Boards, municipalities, etc. Assist with various fundraising events, including the Chili Open, Regatta, Annual Campaign, etc.

• Facility and Equipment Management: Models a camp care attitude to ensure a clean, safe, and well-maintained facility and grounds for campers and guests. This will include cleaning, light maintenance, and training. Implements a planned maintenance program for all relevant program equipment. Works with the Executive Director to report facility needs appropriately and timely. Coordinates care for animals used in the living reptile and amphibian program.

• Strategic Planning: Aids in the branch's strategic planning efforts, which include multiyear plans and annual goals in support of the Association Plan. All plans have measurable outcomes and progress to be shared with the Camp Board at least annually.

• Record Keeping: Maintains and files all branch and Association reports and records, including Camper and Staff Incident/Accident, staff corrective counseling, child abuse, payroll, and business office forms.

• Networking: Represent and promote the YMCA/Rotary Camp in the local community and develop positive working relationships with other organizations, businesses, and governmental entities. Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with community agencies in the service delivery area.

• Professional Meetings and Commitments: Serves as an active member of LEAD+ and a focus group committee. Attends all branch and association meetings as assigned.

• Personal Development: Use the leadership Competency Model as a guide to professional development. Maintain a personal development plan to focus on areas for improvement and leverage strengths.

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

• Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Incorporates different points of view when making decisions. Interprets data, feedback, and information, differentiating among assumptions, anecdotal evidence, and facts. Anticipates risk, implications, and possible outcomes before taking action.
• Developing Self & Others: Recruits, hires, onboards, and develops diverse staff and volunteer teams across multiple dimensions of diversity. Provides support, tools, and resources to set, meet, or exceed goals. Coaches others for continuous development. Addresses sensitive issues, inappropriate behavior, or performance concerns to help others grow.
• Program Management: Translates organizational goals into executable plans. Delegates responsibilities. Challenges inefficient work processes and offers alternatives. Follows through on commitments with an appropriate sense of urgency. Demonstrates flexibility, effectively adjusting to achieve intended outcomes.
• Emotional Maturity: Regulates behavior based on an assessment of the situation, personal feelings, strengths, and limitations. Demonstrates a settling presence, even during times of crisis and challenge.
• Inclusion: Addresses behaviors that do not support inclusion positively and equitably. Ensures staff model equity, inclusion, and cultural competence in all work areas.