Camp Hoover Director

The Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus, OH  43209

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Camp Director, Camp Hoover                            

Dept. No: 410             

Department: Children and Camp Services

DOL Status: Full-Time, Exempt            

Supervisor: Director of JCC Camps

Mission Statement:

The Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus is a human service agency offering a varied program that is Jewish in nature.  It is committed to enhancing the quality of individual and family life through the promotion of physical, intellectual, and spiritual wellness.  It provides educational and cultural programs that reflect the Jewish heritage, health related activities and many services to the community at large.  Through its wide array of programs, the JCC pursues its mission of strengthening the individual, family, and community. 

The JCC nurtures a passion for Jewish learning and living.  Through programs and services, the JCC provides comfortable and inviting environments in which the community can thrive.

Agency Expectations:

• To ensure the highest quality of programs and services and possess a working knowledge of agency programs and services.          
• To represent the agency and provide the highest quality of customer service to individuals and groups with whom you come into contact.   
• To welcome, thank and engage JCC members and guests on a daily basis.  
• To treat fellow staff with respect.   
• To adhere to all policies and practices provided in the employee handbook.
• Wear a JCC Staff ID badge and attend appropriate staff meetings.   

Position Summary: The Camp Hoover Director leads all aspects of the summer experience at Camp Hoover, the JCC's outdoor day camp featuring waterfront and pool programming, ropes, archery, and traditional camp adventure. This position is responsible for camper wellbeing, staff development, program quality, and site readiness throughout the summer season. As a member of the camp leadership team, the Director also serves in year-round capacities alongside colleagues in the Children and Camp Services department, including camper recruitment and retention, family engagement, staff hiring, and support of school-year programming such as JClub Afterschool, School's Out Days, and Parent's Night Out.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Camper Management:

• Know the individual needs of every camper, including health conditions and allergies, and ensure staff are educated and prepared to support them.
• Communicate with camper families in a professional and timely manner regarding injuries, concerns, and questions.
• Support counselors in managing camper behavior and provide fair, consistent consequences and disciplinary follow through.

Staff Management:

• Participate in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring new and returning summer staff, and contribute to hiring and termination decisions.
• Develop and lead staff orientation and in-season training that prepares each team member to lead successfully and grow professionally.
• Maintain supportive, professional relationships with staff and respond to individual needs throughout the summer.
• Provide ongoing coaching and guidance to counselors and conduct formal performance reviews at midsummer and at the close of the season.
• Maintain Camp Hoover staff attendance, schedules, and timecards.

Program Management:

• Model and implement the Jewish values reflected in the Camp mission.
• Design creative, thoughtfully planned programming that challenges and excites campers while teaching new skills.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of all summer program schedules to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Ensure program staff have the guidance, training, and skills needed to create and deliver engaging programs.
• Oversee certifications for ropes and archery staff.
• Ensure safety procedures for every program area are taught and upheld all summer.
• Partner with the Aquatics Department to schedule lifeguards for pool and waterfront activities.
• Conduct an annual review of ACA and DCY standards and ensure full implementation.

Grounds Management:

• Collaborate with the Director of JCC Camps and the Facilities Manager on ongoing maintenance and capital needs, and submit work orders as needed.
• Work with the Aquatics Department to ensure the pool and waterfront are properly prepared, maintained, and closed from the start to the end of summer.
• Ensure grounds and facilities remain clean, safe, and well maintained throughout the season.

Year-Round Engagement and Children's Department Support:

• Create and sustain a strong, positive Camp presence in the community to attract new families, retain returning families, and meet annual registration goals.
• Coordinate with the Director of JCC Camps and the Marketing Department on camper recruitment, including camp fairs, community events, synagogue and school presentations, and marketing materials.
• Develop new ways to keep current campers and families engaged during the school year.
• Participate in the planning and delivery of JClub Afterschool, School's Out Days, Parent's Night Out, and other Children's Department programming.
• Position includes occasional weekend engagement, including but not limited to camp fairs, Hoover family days, seasonal rentals, and family programs.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

• Outdoor work in summer heat and variable weather for extended periods.
• Ability to walk the camp site throughout the day, stand for long stretches, and lift up to 40 pounds.
• Extended hours during the summer season, including early mornings, occasional evenings, and special events.
• Reliable transportation and a valid driver's license for travel between Camp Hoover and the JCC campus.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health coverage, retirement plan, and paid time off.
• Complimentary JCC membership.
• Professional development opportunities, including conferences and training through the camp and Jewish communal network.
• A collaborative leadership team and a community that deeply values its camp professionals.

1. Knowledge and Education - Minimum Required or Preferred: Bachelor's degree preferred in education, recreation, social work, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. Familiarity with American Camp Association (ACA) standards and Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) licensing requirements, or willingness to learn them quickly.
2. Experience - Minimum Required or Preferred: Two to five years of leadership experience at a day or overnight camp, such as assistant director, unit head, program director, or a comparable supervisory role. Demonstrated success supervising, training, and developing seasonal staff.
3. Special Skills: Strong judgment in camper behavior management, risk management, and emergency response. Excellent communication skills with parents, staff, colleagues, and community partners. Highly organized with the ability to manage schedules, logistics, and competing priorities during a fast-paced season. Comfort with Jewish culture, holidays, and values, and enthusiasm for bringing them to life in a camp setting. Current CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain before the start of the summer season. Proficiency with standard office technology and registration or camp management software. Successful completion of a background check required.