Director of Camp Hidden Valley (Full-Time)
hace 3 días
New York
Job Description CAMP DIRECTOR, CAMP HIDDEN VALLEY Since its founding in 1877, The Fresh Air Fund, a not-for-profit youth development organization, has provided free life-changing summer experiences outdoors to more than 1.8 million children from New York City’s underserved communities. Young people also participate in year-round leadership, career exploration and educational programs. For more information, visit . Position Summary Camp Hidden Valley is a residential summer camp for children ages 8–12, offering a wide range of activities from swimming, sports, and outdoor adventure to music and art. Each summer, Camp Hidden Valley runs four sessions, serving approximately 80 campers per session with the support of 60 dedicated staff members from around the world. The camp fosters a fun, inclusive environment where children build confidence, explore new interests, and form lasting friendships. Counselors and campers create a strong sense of community through classic camp traditions such as campfires and s’mores, spirited cheers, camp carnivals, and shared cabin life — all while embracing the joy, connection, and discovery that make each summer at Hidden Valley unforgettable. The Camp Director, Hidden Valley provides inspiring, strategic and operational leadership for Camp Hidden Valley while supporting all aspects of the camper registration process. This role combines direct oversight of one of the organization’s residential summer camps (including overall leadership, management, and operations of the camp) with responsibilities related to community outreach, family engagement, camper enrollment, application review, and program placement. The Camp Director ensures a safe, engaging, and high-quality experience for all campers and staff, reflecting The Fresh Air Fund’s mission and commitment to youth development. This is a full-time position. From September through May, this role is based in the NYC office and currently requires three days a week in the office with occasional trips to Sharpe Reservation in Fishkill, NY as required. The Fresh Air Fund offices are open and available all week, and all employees are permitted and encouraged to come to the office to work. The Fund may modify its remote work policy generally or with respect to any position at any time. From June through August, this position also requires 24/7 on-site in-residence leadership at Camp Hidden Valley in Fishkill, NY from June through August. The Camp Director, Hidden Valley reports to the Senior Director of Camping, with functional and project oversight provided by the Senior Program Director Team. Responsibilities I. Camp Director Responsibilities • Program Planning & Evaluation: Develop, implement, and assess camp programs using data and feedback to drive continuous improvement and ensure alignment with youth development practices and organizational goals., • Staff Recruitment & Onboarding: Set hiring goals and lead recruitment, interviews, selection, and onboarding for both domestic and international staff. Report out on and be accountable for key performance indicators., • Facilities & Logistics: Collaborate with maintenance and facilities teams to prepare camp for summer operations, ensuring safety, functionality, and readiness across all buildings and outdoor spaces., • Compliance &Risk Management: Ensure adherence to all relevant regulations, including Department of Health standards, American Camp Association (ACA) guidelines, and Fresh Air Fund policies. Assist with the development, review, and documentation of policies and procedures to mitigate risk., • Professional Development: Engage in ongoing professional development to remain current on industry best practices, accreditation standards, and emerging youth development trends., • In-Residence Leadership: Live on-site for the full summer session, providing leadership, supervision, and oversight of all camp programs and operations., • Program Implementation: Ensure safe and smooth daily operations that promote inclusion, and enrichment. Respond promptly and effectively to crises, emergencies, and behavioral issues., • Leadership & Supervision: Provide effective and inspiring leadership, supervision, and professional development for all staff. Foster a supportive culture that encourages feedback, accountability, and growth., • Staff Training, Oversight & Support: Plan and facilitate staff orientation and ongoing training. Monitor staff performance, provide mentorship, and uphold high standards of care and professionalism., • Family Communication: Serve as the primary point of contact for families regarding camper concerns, ensuring timely, transparent, and compassionate communication., • Facilities & Administration: Partner with facilities and administrative teams to maintain a high-quality experience for participants. Oversee facility cleanliness, supply management, and payroll accuracy. Participant Application Registration • Review participant applications and supporting documents to determine appropriate program placement and readiness for camp participation., • Provide ongoing support to families throughout the application process., • Assist with re-interviews of returning campers and interviews for new applicants., • Collaborate with the Support Services Manager to identify and recommend appropriate accommodations or additional support for campers., • Support the development and implementation of systems to improve efficiency and consistency in application review and approval processes., • Participate in departmental and cross-departmental meetings to align efforts and support organizational projects., • Support year-round family engagement and outreach activities., • Host info presentations, registration events and orientation events for families., • Focus on retention of returning families through intentional touch points and application support., • Conduct outreach in the community (schools, community-based organizations, foster care agencies, shelters, and other organizations) to educate the community on summer opportunities., • Build and maintain community-based partnerships with schools, community groups, and service organizations., • Recruit and support parent ambassadors to promote programs in the community., • Facilitate presentations and attend events to promote camper registration in the community. Additional responsibilities as assigned. Qualifications • Must be at least 25 years old by the start of camp., • Extensive experience in residential camp settings, including prior supervisory roles., • Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to inspire staff and foster a positive camp culture., • Experience in program development, evaluation, and continuous improvement., • Knowledge of youth development practices and principles., • Ability to handle crises, emergencies, and behavioral issues with maturity and diplomacy., • Flexibility to work extended hours, evenings, and weekends., • Bachelor’s degree preferred., • Bilingual in Spanish or Mandarin preferred., • Valid driver’s license preferred., • Passion for youth development, equity, and The Fresh Air Fund’s mission of providing transformative outdoor experience. Salary & Benefits The salary for this role is $80,000. The Fresh Air Fund offers a generous benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, and employer and employee retirement contribution plans. Application Instructions To apply, please submit a Camp Director, Hidden Valley application. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. No calls or recruiters, please. The Fresh Air Fund is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring, and dedicated to diversity in its work and on its staff. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations, and communities to apply.