Work at YJ

Job Description: Director of Staff Care, Camp YJ, Amherst, NH

Job Length: June 16 - August 15, 2025

Who We Are: Camp YJ is an independent, non-profit overnight camp for kids ages 8-15 from a variety of Jewish backgrounds. We are located on 168 scenic wooded acres on the shores of Lake Baboosic in southern New Hampshire. Since 1939, campers,counselors, and alumni have experienced the Joy of Judaism and incredible Journeys of growth that shape their lives by being part of our camp community.

Our community is composed of:

• ~400 campers largely from the eastern seaboard and their families –– at least 30% of our campers have a parent who went to YJ
• Summer staff of 80 counselors –– 80% of whom are former campers and 20% are international
• 20 summer administrators, specialists, and medical professionals –– all of whom are college graduates and some with 10+ years of experience at CYJ
• 6 year-round staff (current configuration: f/t Executive Director, f/t Chief Operating Officer, f/t Director of Facilities, f/t Assistant Director, p/t Director of Recruitment and Family Engagement, p/t Director of Alumni Engagement)
• 5,000 active alumni –– many of whose children and grandchildren attend camp

We welcome children 8-15 years-old (completing grades 2-9) for 2 week, 3 ½ week and 7 week sessions. Our oldest campers (completing grade 10) participate in a culminating, educational experience in Israel or Europe for 5 weeks and then return to camp “deep in the hills of New Hampshire” for 2 weeks of leadership training.

Camp YJ is a private, independent, non-profit organization and is not affiliated with the Young Judaea movement or other camps with similar names. We are proud to be the original Camp YJ.

Job Summary:

Camp YJ is seeking a compassionate, organized, and proactive Director of Counselor Care to join our summer leadership team. This position is dedicated to supporting overnight camp counselors in all aspects of their roles, fostering a positive and productive work environment, and ensuring staff have the resources they need to succeed. The Director of Counselor Care will serve as a key mentor and advocate for our counselors, helping them navigate challenges and thrive in their roles.

Key Responsibilities:

Staff Support and Advocacy:

• Act as the primary resource for counselors, providing guidance, mentorship, and encouragement to help them succeed in their roles.
• Address concerns or challenges counselors may face, both professionally and personally, in a supportive and confidential manner.
• Collaborate with the leadership team to ensure counselor needs are considered in camp policies and

Training and Development:

• Assist in planning and leading staff training sessions, with a focus on counselor wellness, communication skills, and conflict resolution.
• Offer ongoing coaching and feedback to counselors, empowering them to grow as leaders and role models for campers.
• Develop and manage an organized schedule for counselor days off, ensuring equitable distribution of time off while maintaining adequate coverage.
• Coordinate international staff time off, including arranging group outings or providing support for those exploring local areas.

Community Building:

• Foster a positive and inclusive staff culture by organizing morale-boosting activities, check-ins, and team-building opportunities.
• Act as a liaison between counselors and camp leadership to ensure clear communication and a sense of connection across all teams.
• Help to coordinate international staff days off, including arranging group outings or providing support for those exploring local areas.

Qualifications:

• Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree in education, psychology, social work, or a related field preferred. Prior experience working in a camp or youth development setting is preferred.
• Leadership Skills: Ability to mentor, inspire, and support staff in a dynamic
• Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to mediate conflicts and foster collaboration.
• Problem-Solving: Resourceful and creative in addressing challenges and finding solutions that benefit both staff and campers.

Application:

Please submit a resume and cover letter outlining why you are interested in this position and how your qualifications make you a good fit. Please email to: Ryan Rosen, Assistant Director, [email protected].