Director of Staffing

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Director of Staffing leads the full staff experience for Camp Kanata, shaping a culture of excellence through the hiring, onboarding, supervision, training, and evaluation of all summer staff. Working under the supervision of the Executive Director and in collaboration with the Kanata leadership team, this role advances the camp’s vision for the delivery of exceptional experiences for campers and families and supports the development of emerging leaders through the CILT and CIT programs. 

The Director of Staffing also contributes to broader organizational priorities, including budget planning, risk management, marketing, and development efforts—most notably through leadership in the Camp Annual Campaign. This position is responsible for managing all staffing and development functions in alignment with the mission, goals, and policies established by the YMCA of the Triangle, its Board of Directors, and governing committees. 

This position will require that the incumbent live on-site at Camp Kanata during the summer season.  This position will also require travel as needed throughout the fall, winter, and spring seasons to support recruiting efforts.   

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

Leadership & Community Engagement 

• Model strong relationship-building skills and maintain clear, consistent communication across all areas of responsibility. 
• Build collaborative relationships with community organizations and serve as a positive representative of Camp Kanata in all interactions. 
• Serve as a contributing member of the Kanata Director Team, supporting full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff with professionalism and mission-aligned leadership. 
• Facilitate on-site weekend programs on a rotational basis with other Directors. 

Staffing Strategy, Recruitment & Retention 

• Drive the execution of Kanata’s Vision plan related to staffing strategic priorities, ensuring a strong, safe, positive culture for all participants. 
• Lead all initiatives, in conjunction with camp staff and volunteers, for the Launchpad programs. 
• Partner with camp leadership to shape staffing and retention goals and implement a relevant recruitment plan and comprehensive retention strategy. 
• Lead the full life cycle of summer and extended-season staff, including recruiting, screening, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, training, supervision, evaluation, and termination. 
• Ensure staff model the Y voice, deliver extraordinary service, and embody the YMCA mission.  

Development & Teen Leadership Programs 

• Develop and implement a progressive leadership development program that prepares summer staff for advancement at camp and beyond. 
• Lead the Kanata Trainee Program, ensuring strong program design, continuous improvement, and meaningful outcomes. 
• Drive expansion of teen leadership offerings throughout the year, including Teen Leadership Weekend. 
• Lead the delivery of the Kanata Overnight Camp Fellowship program and supervise 1–2 Fellows per cycle. 
• Supervise summer Head Counselors and Trainee Coordinators, guiding training, coaching, program planning, and problem solving. 
• Develop staff training learning outcomes, content, and agendas, and maintain staff support tools such as the Staff Handbook, Training Manual, devotion manual, and cabin resource book. 
• Inspire and coach summer staff through weekly staff meetings and in-service trainings. 

Operational Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Manage staffing budgets and other assigned financial responsibilities in alignment with camp priorities. 
• Participate in YMCA of the Triangle teams, task forces, and work groups to ensure alignment with Association best practices and policies. 
• Assist with additional operational functions such as ACA Accreditation, special staff training, and advisory board engagement. 
• Maintain readiness to support camp operations beyond defined responsibilities, responding with flexibility and a positive attitude as a member of the director team. 

Development and Mission Advancement  

• Support the Camp Annual Campaign by recruiting volunteers, securing personal gifts, and participating in donor cultivation efforts. 
• Uphold and model the YMCA’s mission, values, and commitment to inclusion and equity in all interactions. 
• Completion of all required annual training related to safety, compliance, and child protection as assigned. 
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Executive Director or required of all full-time YMCA staff. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree preferred and minimum of four years of progressive leadership and program development experience. 
• Experience with recruitment, hiring, and growth and development of staff within a program setting, preferably in an overnight or day camp setting. 
• Thorough understanding of employment law as well as American Camp Association accreditation standards as they relate to the hiring and supervision of staff. 
• Passion for building community and fostering meaningful relationships through programs and services. 
• Experience supporting program delivery and staff development in a team-based environment. 
• Ability to coordinate staff, programs, and schedules effectively in a dynamic setting. 
• Strong communication skills, including written, verbal, and public-facing interactions. 
• Demonstrates initiative, sound judgment, and strong organizational and time-management skills. 
• Builds inclusive, mission-driven relationships with youth, families, and community members from diverse backgrounds. 
• Bilingual or multilingual skills preferred 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. 
• 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 YMCA of the Triangle | Camp Kanata service area. 
• Must reside on-site at Camp Kanata during summer overnight camp 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 $60,382, 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.