Camp Director Job Description

Use our editable job description template to hire your next summer camp director.

Insights for Camp Director Job Descriptions

Job Responsibilities

Bucket activities into no more than four categories.

Data & Numbers

Include specific metrics around camper enrollment, revenue, budgets, growth targets, staff, etc.

Working Model

Outline onsite / hybrid / remote work expectations upfront.

Camp Director Job Description (sample)

Camp Director (full time, year-round)

{CAMP NAME}  /  FULL TIME  /  YEAR-ROUND  /  {CITY, STATE}

CampHire is recruiting a Camp Director to join the team at {Camp Name}. Based in {City, State}, {Camp Name} facilitates {About Us}. The Camp Director will lead the overall direction and vision for the camp, as well as manage the day-to-day operations. 

This is a full time, year-round position that requires living onsite at camp throughout the year, with housing provided. The salary range is {Low Salary Band} to {High Salary Band} plus medical, dental, vision, housing, and retirement benefits (and matching). 


Overview of Camp Director 

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Camp Director is responsible for all camp-related operations and activities, including management of the facilities, food service, staff, and programs. This is a senior management position that partners closely with {Camp Name}’s leadership team and Board of Directors on strategic priorities, long range plans, and growth models to build and launch a new summer camp.

The primary focus areas of this role are operations, facilities management, project management, people leadership, and planning. In addition, candidates should have well-rounded knowledge of vendor management, budgeting, and community engagement. This position will also lead recruiting efforts to hire and onboard a staff of {# of} seasonal employees.

This person will have a meaningful impact on building culture and community, and will be an influential voice in designing the future of camp. If you are a camp professional with a proven track record in operations, this is the job for you. 

What You’ll Do

Year Round Activity

  • Develop long-range plans to improve facilities. Manage uplift projects, construction of new buildings, and maintenance upgrades from end-to-end. 

  • Manage food service operations to serve 3 meals a day to {# of} campers and staff during program sessions.

  • Manage relationships with third-party vendors. Oversee RFP process, contract execution, and storage of records (SOWs, COIs, W-9s). Negotiate contracts and manage these relationships to ensure smooth operations and ongoing supply of necessary goods and services.

  • Lead a team of 2-4 full time maintenance, operations, and hospitality professionals.

  • Recruit seasonal staff to support daily operations at camp, including maintenance, facilities, office administrators, medical, and food-service providers. Support recruitment of counselors and program leaders.

  • Oversee the creation and management of the operational budget inclusive of utilities, supplies, construction, payroll, and other expenses. Conduct cost analysis, and devise plans to secure the long-term financial health of the organization. 

  • Lead camper marketing and recruitment, as well as enrollment  administration.

  • Establish operational safety standards, protocols, inspections, emergency procedures, and staff training in accordance with American Camping Association (ACA) accreditation standards.

  • Coordinate and manage alternative use of the property during the off-season, including nonprofit programming, weddings, retreats, and corporate functions.

  • Partner closely with the Director of Human Resources and operations team members to manage payroll, invoices, Camp vehicles, and credit cards. 

  • Document activities in Salesforce, and establish processes and protocols leveraging camp software and project management systems.

  • Be an ambassador to the community by forging relationships with local neighbors and businesses, and spreading the mission of the nonprofit through outreach and education. 

  • Serve as the liaison to local community, government, and accrediting organizations.

Seasonal Activity

  • Oversee youth summer camp operations for {# of} kids in 2-week sessions from June-August.

  • Coordinate logistics and set up the site to accommodate the needs of activities.

  • Lead a team of {# of} seasonal staff members including housekeepers, maintenance workers, kitchen crew, nurses, and program leaders.

  • Oversee general appearance and upkeep of camp facilities. Ensure safety and cleanliness of grounds at all times. Partner with maintenance teams to make repairs.

  • Conduct routine inventory and procurement of supplies. 

  • Work with Health Center staff to manage camper records, process insurance paperwork, and log incident reports. 

  • Oversee all Camp program related travel for participants and Camp staff.

  • Responsible for opening and closing of camp, equipment upkeep, records management, and end-of-season reporting.

Who You Are

You take ownership. You are accountable for personal and team results. You take initiative without being asked. You get your hands dirty when needed. You lead by example.
You're a proven leader. You can identify potential and develop talent. You are a cheerleader and coach. You know how to bring the best out of people. You care.
You can handle complex stuff. Logistics is in your DNA. You know how to add structure and build processes. Multitasking doesn’t phase you. 
You believe in the power of camp. You understand the inner-workings of camp. You know firsthand the impact of camp on campers. You exude passion in your work.  

Minimum Qualifications 

  • Must be able to live onsite at camp in {City, State} or reliably commute

  • 4+ years experience in camp leadership, site operations, or related field required

  • 2+ years of people leadership managing a large team required

  • Advanced knowledge of facilities management, maintenance, and construction required

  • Knowledge of camp management systems preferred

  • Bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Recreation or similar degree preferred

About {Camp Name}
{About Us}

Fast Facts

  • Role Type: Full Time, Year-Round, Salaried

  • Location: Onsite, {City, State}

  • Compensation: {Salary Band}

  • Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement Plan, Housing, Paid Time Off

Download the Camp Director Job Description Template