JOB SUMMARY
The Director of Camps & Youth Programs at The Roth Family JCC of Greater Orlando is responsible for crafting and executing the vision to create a leading Jewish summer camp program, the Andrew Hansen Mandell JCC Summer Camp, including its hallmark program, Camp J, which serves K through 10th graders. This role oversees the development, implementation, and continued success of all camp programs, fostering individual growth, building community, and strengthening connections to Judaism, the Jewish people, and Israel. Additionally, this position creates and manages engaging year-round programming for youth in grades K-8. The role encompasses strategic planning, program development, staff management, camper engagement, and administrative oversight, requiring a passion for camp, children’s programming, and the Jewish mission of the JCC. Located in Maitland, FL since 1973, The Roth Family JCC is part of Shalom Orlando, the center of Jewish life in Central Florida.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Strategic Leadership and Vision
- Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive vision for a leading Jewish summer camp program and year-round youth programming, ensuring alignment with the mission of the JCC and infusing Jewish values into all activities.
- Establish and monitor goals, benchmarks, and evaluation systems for all programs, continuously assessing their effectiveness and impact on participants.
- Collaborate with key leadership on space requirements, resource allocation, and long-term planning.
- Build and lead a camp advisory committee composed of parents, alumni, and other community stakeholders to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with community needs.
- Stay informed about trends in Jewish camping, youth development, and educational programming, incorporating best practices into the JCC’s offerings.
2. Program Development and Innovation
- Design, develop, and oversee the implementation of comprehensive programs for all age groups, including the main camp program, specialty camps, auxiliary camp options, and year-round youth activities that foster individual growth, build community, and strengthen connections to Judaism, the Jewish people, and Israel.
- Create and manage the overall program schedules, including daily activities, special events, and field trips.
- Work in partnership with the aquatics department to ensure safe and engaging water-based activities are integrated into camp programs, adhering to all safety standards and regulations.
- Continuously assess and refine program offerings to ensure they meet participant needs, align with current trends, and support the organization’s mission.
- Oversee the procurement and management of all necessary equipment and supplies.
- Create a progressive camp experience where campers look forward to new opportunities each year.
- Develop year-round engagement programs to connect campers to their summer experience and recruit prospective participants.
3. Staff Management and Development
- Develop and implement a comprehensive staffing plan for both summer camp and year-round youth programs, establishing a clear organizational structure and leadership team to oversee various aspects of operations.
- Oversee the hiring process for all positions, ensuring the recruitment of qualified and passionate staff for both seasonal camp and year-round roles.
- Implement staff retention strategies, including creating career advancement opportunities and facilitating ongoing professional development.
- Develop and implement a robust training program, including comprehensive orientation for new hires, ongoing in-service training for all staff, and specialized leadership development for the program leadership team.
- Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide continuous feedback to promote staff growth and program improvement.
- Foster a positive work culture that aligns with the organization’s values and mission across all programs.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant labor laws and organizational policies in staff management.
- Collaborate with administrative professionals to create and oversee efficient systems for program registration.
4. Marketing & Community Relations
- Develop and implement a comprehensive year-round marketing and recruitment strategy for both summer camp and youth programs, in collaboration with the marketing department.
- Monitor and analyze enrollment trends, participant feedback, and program outcomes to inform marketing strategies and program improvements.
- Actively engage with the Orlando community online and offline to connect with potential participants and families for all programs, promoting activities in community forums and events.
- Maintain effective communication with parents throughout the year, providing timely updates and information about camp and youth programs.
- Serve as an ambassador for The Roth Family JCC’s camp and children’s programming in the wider community, cultivating relationships with key stakeholders including families, alumni, and community partners.
- Organize and participate in open houses, parent orientations, and other events to showcase programs to prospective and current families.
- Develop and implement strategies to increase participant retention and referrals across all programs.
5. Financial Management and Compliance
- Work with the finance department to plan and track program budgets, monthly statements, and forecasts, adhering to all organizational finance guidelines.
- Monitor enrollment for camp; regularly report key benchmarks/statistics to JCC leadership.
- Develop strategies to expand program revenue through business planning.
- Ensure compliance with all state and national licensing requirements.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Skills and Experience
- A minimum of 5-7 years of camp management and administrative experience, Jewish camp experience preferred
- Strong knowledge of and passion for Jewish culture, heritage, and traditions
- Proven leadership and staff management skills
- Excellent financial management and budgeting abilities
- Proven marketing, recruitment, and retention experience
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and social media platforms
- Innovative and creative approach to program development
- Ability to handle high-pressure situations and emergency management
- Ability to change work schedules as needed for the program
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Certifications and Physical Requirements
- American Red Cross CPR/First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain)
- Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds
- Comfort working in both office and outdoor camp environments
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment includes a typical climate-controlled office and significant time outdoors in various weather conditions during camp season. Travel may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
JCC INFO
The JCC is an equal opportunity employer to all qualified persons without regard to race, creed, color, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental handicap, or veteran status.
Since 1973, The Roth Family Jewish Community Center of Greater Orlando in Maitland has been the center of Jewish life in Central Florida and home to award-winning preschool, after school, summer camp, fitness, sports, arts and community programs.
APPLY NOW: https://shalomorlando.org/job-opportunities/#campdirector