Operations Director

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Operations Director – Overnight Camp contributes to the planning, delivery, and continuous improvement of year-round camp programs and operations. Working in partnership with Senior Directors and the broader leadership team, this role helps ensure high-quality, safe, mission-aligned experiences for campers, families, and guests. The Operations Director supports both programmatic and operational functions, including seasonal staff recruitment, training, and supervision; coordination of program and site readiness; management of equipment and resources; and implementation of risk-management practices. The role also assists with participant recruitment and retention efforts, budget planning, and the Camp Annual Campaign, while maintaining strong communication and relationship-building across the camp community. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

Program Leadership 

• Provides year-round leadership in planning, delivering, and evaluating camp programs to ensure high standards of safety, quality, and participant experience. 
• Supports the development and implementation of program goals, metrics, and standards aligned with the camp’s strategic direction and long-range plan. 
• Ensures all programs—summer and extended season—are delivered with consistency, integrity, and alignment to YMCA values and best practices in the camping industry. 
• Oversees training, supervision, and performance of seasonal program and/or operations staff to ensure effective program delivery and excellent customer service. 

Staff Development 

• Recruits, hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates year-round and seasonal housekeeping staff, and in collaboration with senior leadership team, support with other seasonal staff and program leaders. 
• Ensures staff receive appropriate training, coaching, and certification support to maintain safety, skill development, and program excellence across all seasons. 
• Models and reinforces relationship-building skills, positive communication, and a culture of inclusion among staff and participants. 

Operational Support 

• Supports year-round operational functions of camp, including program spaces, participant services, logistics, and general camp readiness. 
• Assists in coordinating facilities, equipment, and site needs to ensure safe, clean, and well-maintained environments for all programs. 
• Manages assigned equipment, supplies, and program resources, including purchasing, inventory, maintenance, and storage. 
• Provides support to transportation, guest services, or other operational areas assigned by senior leadership. 

Community Engagement 

• Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with families, community partners, and peer organizations to strengthen program relevance and visibility. 
• Communicates clearly and consistently with staff, participants, and families to support positive experiences and operational effectiveness. 
• Represents camp at recruitment events, fairs, tours, and community engagements to support enrollment and staff hiring. 

Fiscal Stewardship 

• Supports efficient program delivery through thoughtful planning, cost management, and alignment with organizational priorities. 
• Develop and manage program budgets to meet financial goals and use resources responsibly. 
• Contribute to the YMCA Annual Campaign by securing gifts that advances camp’s overall target. 

Program Experience 

• Ensures a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for all participants. 
• Provides leadership presence during program sessions, assisting with supervision, risk management, and participant support across all seasons. 
• Serves as a lead or support facilitator for non-summer programs as assigned. 
• Ensures compliance with YMCA policies, risk-management practices, and relevant industry standards. 
• Maintains accurate records related to program operations, staff training, certifications, and participant needs. 
• Participates in cross-departmental teams, committees, and planning groups to support coordinated camp operations and continuous improvement. 

Additional Responsibilities 

• Participates in required trainings, meetings, conferences, and retreats as part of the full-time camp leadership team. 
• Contributes to a positive team culture and supports colleagues across departments to ensure seamless year-round operations. 
• Completion of all required annual trainings related to safety, compliance, and child protection as assigned. 
• Performs additional responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director or required of all full-time YMCA staff. 

PROGRAM SPECIFIC ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Supports all year-round operational functions—including dining, security, housekeeping, transportation, and camp center—in coordination with the Senior Operations Director to ensure high-quality service and safety. 
• Supervises seasonal Operations Team members including but no limited to: Dining Hall, Service Corps and camp store.  
• Manages the Coastal Cabin Rental program, serving as the primary point of contact for guest needs and on-site response. 
• Serve in Props role with responsibility for planning and facilitation of 50% of weekend programs.   
• Oversees all transportation operations, including driver training, CDL development, compliance, and coordination of camper, staff, and program travel. 
• Manages the Camps’ vehicle fleet in partnership with the Association Fleet Superintendent, ensuring maintenance, cleanliness, recordkeeping, and operational readiness. 
• Leads major community and partnership initiatives, including Presents for Pamlico Kids, local outreach events, community days, parades and collaborations with education, health, and recreation partners. 
• Provides operational leadership for Extended Season and retreat groups—serving as lead facilitator for 50% of adult/teen retreats. 
• Contributes to recruitment events, the Annual Campaign, and cross-season risk management as part of the Director Teams. 
• Certification Requirements (must obtain within 30 days of starting and maintain throughout employment): CPRO, Basic First Aid, Administering Emergency Oxygen, Serve Safe, and Site Specific High Ropes Certification. 
• This position will require that the incumbent live on site at Camp during the Summer Season and during 50% of Extended Season as assigned by the Extended Season Senior Program Director. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Degree in related field preferred and 1+ year of related experience.  
• Previous overnight camp or youth program experience desired but not required.  
• Experienced in and passionate about creating and fostering communities and relationship building through programs.    
• Demonstrated experience in program and personnel development.  
• Ability to effectively manage staff, programs, and department schedules.  
• Oral, public speaking and written communication skills.    
• Requires a positive attitude, high level of initiative and professionalism, and enjoy working in and creating a strong team environment.  
• Demonstrate initiative, effectively prioritize, and possess strong organizational skills.   
• A commercial Driver’s License, with “P” endorsement, to drive a YMCA bus as needed is a plus but not required. 
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.  
• Multi-lingual desired but not required.  

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.  

• Office and program settings with frequent interaction in various camp spaces including extended time in nature and exposure to varied terrain, wildlife, and changing weather conditions. 
• 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.   
• Flexible schedule required — will include early mornings, evenings, weekends. This includes living onsite during the summer season. 
• 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 site locations, and to off-site meetings and events may be required.  
• Must reside in the Camp Sea Gull/Camp Seafarer/Camp Kanata service area. 
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.