Director of Camp and Youth Programs

JCC of Greater Ann Arbor

Title:             Director of Camp and Youth Programs

Department:  Child and Family Services

Reports to:    Director of Child and Family Services

Status:          Full-time, exempt

The JCC of Ann Arbor is seeking a passionate Camp and Youth Programs professional to join our team and lead our highly successful day camp (Camp Raanana) and our school age program (KidZone).  

Summary of Responsibilities

The Director of Camp and Youth Progams primarily leads and directs Camp Raanana, which has a capacity of 100+ children and predates the 1985 founding of the Ann Arbor JCC. The Director supervises all aspects of Camp Raanana’s year-round operation, including program and resource development, program implementation; marketing, recruitment; hiring and supervision of staff, budgeting and financial management; managing the camp site in collaboration with MUCC (Michigan United Conservation Club); and alumni relations. The Director also supervises all aspects of other youth programs and staff such as our KidZone Afterschool program, and serves as the PJ Library Professional for the JCC.  The Director collaborates with fellow programming professionals to plan and execute community and family programs, as well as to recruit and support JCC Maccabi games participants.  The Director works in a professional manner with the Board of Directors’ camp and youth activities advisory committee. The Director participates in strategic planning for Camp Raanana and youth programs and participates as a collaborative team member in broader agency programs.

Major Responsibilities

Staffing

1. Recruits, trains, and supervises over 30 staff including counselors, junior counselors, CITs, specialists, and support personnel for summer camp sessions and year round youth programs.  
2. Develops an orientation and training including on-going training for camp counselors and specialists in multiple areas including camp policies and procedures, strategies for working effectively with children, and general and Judaic programming.
3. Develops staff at all levels to meet highest standards of performance and assume additional responsibilities as appropriate.
4. Oversees performance assessments of staff.

Recruitment and Retention

1. Develops and implements a year round strategy to ensure successful recruitment and retention of campers in a competitive market.
2. Develops and implements a year round communications program with campers and their families in order to promote camper retention and recruitment.
3. Develops relationships with potential campers and families through collaboration and relationship building with the JCC’s Early Childhood Center.
4. Develops and implements JCC’s KidZone Afterschool and Kidzone Vacation programs.
5. Works closely with the JCC’s other family and community programming professionals.
6. Develops relationships with partner agencies for recruitment and programming for all programs.

  Strategic Planning

1. Development and implementation of a strategic plan in conjunction with JCC Executive staff and the Board of Directors’  Camp & Youth Programs Committee to ensure the continued long term success of Camp Raanana.

Program Development

1. Ensures development and implementation of innovative and meaningful programming for all areas of the camping experience including sports, recreation and the arts.
2. Weaves informal Jewish education throughout Camp Raanana’s programs.
3. Implements programming for camp families which will encourage a commitment to camp.

 Financial Management

1. Ensures all financial activities meet the guidelines established by the JCC’s Finance Department.
2. Works closely with the Finance Department, to develop and administer the budget for Camp Raanana and other youth programs. Monitors revenues and expenses to ensure financial goals are achieved.

 Site Management

1. Oversees on-going campsite operations, working with the Facilities Director and MUCC liaisons on repair and upgrades of infrastructure and care of buildings and grounds to ensure comfort and safety of campers and staff.

 Alumni Relations

1.       Develops a core of camp alumni to create an additional source of support and revenue for the Camp.
2.       Engages alumni through use of social media, written communications, programs and meetings.

Desired Skills and Experience

1. Bachelor's degree or higher in Education, Jewish Education or equivalent experience with Jewish Education, resident/non-resident summer camp, and/or child development.
2. Staff supervision and training
3. Budget development and financial management
4. Previous experience or familiarity with Jewish Community Centers, Jewish camps, or other equivalent Jewish organizations.
5. Familiarity with Jewish culture and community.
6. Passion for Jewish camp and informal Jewish education and developing the resources necessary to be successful.
7. Strong interpersonal spoken and written communication skills.

 Why you want to work with us:

• Our mission is to build community, and our staff are the key to making sure everyone - children, families, colleagues - feels like they belong.
• We don’t just take care of children, we make the world a better place by helping raise responsible and compassionate citizens.
• We work in teams - everyone shares in the responsibilities of managing a vibrant center.
• We celebrate - A LOT. Not all of our families or staff are Jewish, but everyone is included in our many joyful celebrations.

This is a full-time position and benefits include:

• health & dental insurance
• matching 403b retirement plan (403b is the non-profit equivalent of a 401k)
• low-cost Aflac coverage
• paid personal days and vacation
• 12 paid Federal holidays and other holiday days.
• Up to 10 paid Jewish holidays
• JCC membership