Executive Director

POSITION SUMMARY:

Camp Barbara is a 92.5-acre overnight and day camp located in Bailey, North Carolina, serving youth and teens through outdoor-based, adventure-style experiences.

The Executive Director of Camp Barbara provides overall leadership and strategic direction for the camp, advancing its mission through program excellence, community engagement, and sustainable growth. Working closely with the Vice President of Operations - Overnight Camping | Y Guides and leaders across the YMCA of the Triangle, this role is responsible for building partnerships, growing participation, and positioning Camp Barbara as a destination for youth development, teen engagement, leadership development, and group experiences.

The Executive Director oversees all aspects of camp operations, including programs, staffing, facilities, and financial performance, and plays a key role in shaping the culture, credibility, and long-term success of a new and evolving camp.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Program and Operational Excellence

• Ensure a fun, safe, engaging, and impactful camper experience that aligns with overnight camping standards and the YMCA of the Triangle.
• Lead the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of year-round programs, focusing on quality, relevance, and financial growth and sustainability.
• Achieve and exceed enrollment goals through proactive recruitment strategies, partnerships, and community engagement.
• Collaborate with the Operations and Facilities Director to prioritize facility maintenance, capital projects, and future expansion needs.
• Build, manage, and strategically oversee an annual budget of $1.5M - $3M, ensuring robust financial controls, efficient allocation of resources, and proactive forecasting to support sustainable growth, program expansion, and operational excellence.
• Represent Camp Barbara and maintain a professional tone in all communications with stakeholders, including parents, campers, staff, volunteers, user groups, and donors.

Team Leadership & Workforce Development

• Lead, supervise, and support Camp Barbara Associate Director and seasonal staff, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture that encourages growth.
• Champion professional development opportunities and create clear pathways for advancement within the team.
• Oversee the full employee life cycle—including recruitment, onboarding, training, ongoing supervision, and offboarding—while promoting continuous learning and teamwork.
• In partnership with YOTA staff, develop and maintain tools to support seasonal staff, such as the Staff Handbook and Staff Training Manual.

Growth and Program Development

• Leverage partnerships and relationships with YMCA of the Triangle youth development, teens, wellness, and membership branches, in addition to Eastern North Carolina YMCAs, and other youth-serving organizations to increase participation and engagement.
• Advance the reach and impact of programs in the Bailey, NC region through advocacy and partnerships.

Professional Engagement & Additional Duties

• Maintain accreditation through the American Camp Association and engage in broader industry networks, including participation in ACA and Y-USA conferences and committees.

• Completion of all required annual trainings related to safety, compliance, and child protection as assigned.

• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Vice President of Operations – Overnight Camping | Y Guides.

CAMP SPECIFICS:

Camp Name: Camp Barara

Budget Size: ~~ $1.5MM - $3MM

Number of Full-Time Staff: 2

Number of Part-Time Staff: 10-15+

Annual Campaign/Capital Campaign Goal: ~~$50,000+ for annual 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years of progressive leadership experience in overnight camping, human services or a related field. History and work experience with an overnight camp operation is encouraged.
• Proven leadership and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability in program design, development, and delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to encourage teams and staff; able to actively coach, mentor, and lead through complex initiatives, change, and challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask, work under pressure, and meet deadlines with quality and excellence.
• Strong financial management skills, with the ability to develop, implement, and manage budgets and evaluate financial performance and take action when needed.
• Outstanding communication skills – including writing, presentation delivery, facilitating meetings, and public speaking, both in-person and through virtual platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to work with community partners, third-party organizations, and high-level volunteers to move work forward.
• Proficient with Microsoft 365 Office applications (e.g. Word, Teams, SharePoint, PowerPoint, OneDrive, PowerBi, Excel and Outlook).
• Ability to quickly understand and use data to drive business decisions and planning.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong collaboration and influential leadership skills.
• Strong understanding of business imperatives, strategic priorities, funding opportunities and proven success in strategy development, implementation and tactical execution.
• Demonstrated and successful experience assessing situations, defining problems, collecting data, and drawing valid conclusions.
• Proven ability and capacity to address and resolve employee conflicts and work toward/find equitable solutions.
• An outstanding commitment to the YMCA Mission and Purpose – with the proven ability to model and teach unifying behavior to support Y culture and develop high-performing and collaborative teams. 
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Ability to manage and accomplish multiple projects and work assignments with little supervision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• The position requires normal vision, hearing, and speech, with or without reasonable accommodations, to effectively perform assigned duties.  
• Work is primarily performed outdoors across camp facilities and grounds, with some time in program and office settings
• Moderate noise levels; may be louder during youth or community activities
• Regular use of computer, phone, and other office technology
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching; occasional lifting or moving up to 40 lbs
• Some work performed outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Flexible schedule required — may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and occasional travel between branches, camps or sites.
• On-site or on-call presence, including the potential to live on-site during peak program seasons, may be required based on operational needs.
• Must be able to provide valid identification for employment eligibility verification.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to reliable transportation.
• A clean driving record is required to meet YMCA insurance standards.
• Travel between branch and/or site locations, and to off-site meetings and events is required.

• Must reside in the YMCA of the Triangle and the Camp Barabara service areas.

• Must reside on-site during overnight camping programming.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Salary & Benefits

This is a full-time exempt position with a salary starting at $76,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The YMCA of the Triangle offers a generous benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance; paid time off; an annual YMCA membership; and participation in the YMCA Retirement Fund, including a 12% employer contribution once eligibility requirements are met.