Where Passion Meets Purpose: Transforming Summers for Campers and Staff

At DEAN Adventure Camps, we believe in creating transformative experiences for children and staff alike. We provide opportunities to Discover passions, Explore endless possibilities, Achieve goals, and Navigate thrilling adventures. Guided by our core values of Trust, Care, Education, and Creativity, we strive to be a leader in summer programming excellence.

We are seeking a dynamic individual to serve as our Day Camp Director at our summer location in partnership with Sidwell Friends School in Washington, DC, and HR Director for DEAN Adventure Camps. This dual role is ideal for someone passionate about operational excellence, team development, and camper engagement. Full job description can be seen HERE

Your Role As a Camp Director:

• Lead the delivery of world-class camp experiences for 150-300 campers weekly.
• Manage a diverse team of 30-50 seasonal staff weekly, including Assistant Directors, Counselors, and CITs.
• Coordinate daily schedules, curriculum implementation, and classroom management to ensure seamless operations.
• Serve as a liaison between DEAN and our partner, Sidwell Friends School, to maintain alignment and collaboration.
• Support other DEAN camp locations post-Sidwell season, requiring travel and overnight stays.
• Lead your team to spearhead recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of seasonal staff.
• Design, lead, and collaborate with various members of DEAN to create and implement training programs for our summer seasonal team and our year-round team.
• Manage workplace compliance, including but not limited to: wage and hour laws, workplace safety, ensuring hiring practices comply with EEOC guidelines, background checks, I-9 Verifications, offer letters, and more.
• Analyze labor trends to refine hiring and operational strategies.
• Lead operational development of your site, which may require on-site visits, including but not limited to: interviewing leadership level positions, on-site tours, open houses, etc.

Skills & Experience Needed for Success

• Experience: 5-7 years of combined experience in applied camp management, HR leadership, education, or similar fields.
• Leadership: Proven ability to mentor and inspire teams while managing large-scale operations. A collaborative spirit and a passion for developing people and programs.
• HR Expertise: Strong knowledge of recruitment, training, compliance, and policy development.
• Technological Proficiency: Google Workspace, working in an HRIS, and willingness to be trained or familiar with software such as Airtable, Asana, Hubspot, etc.
• Strong Communication Skills: Exceptional ability to connect with families, staff, and leadership verbally and in writing.
• Commitment: On-site availability during summer and understanding of the time commitment; remote flexibility during the off-season. Physical ability to work outdoors, especially in the summer,  lift 35+ pounds, and respond quickly in emergencies
• Resilience and Adaptability: Camp is a fast-paced environment where needs and situations constantly evolve. This role requires someone with a proven track record of pivoting effectively, making well-informed decisions, especially in emergency situations, and considering all perspectives.

Compensation, Benefits, and Opportunities

• Compensation: $68,000-72,000 annually
• Health Benefits: Up to 75% company coverage for medical plans and full coverage for life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with 3% company contribution.
• Time Off: 10 PTO days, a week off in September, and recognized holidays (26 days total).
• Camp Discounts: Reduced or free camp tuition for dependents and discounts for friends and family.
• Professional Growth: Access to training and development opportunities.
• Travel Reimbursements: Housing accommodations, federal mileage reimbursement, and meal stipends for approved travel.

DEAN Adventure Camps is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based upon a candidate's qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration and are made without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, religion, or any other category protected by applicable law.

Ready to Lead and Inspire?

Join us at DEAN Adventure Camps and make a lasting impact on campers and staff. Together, let’s create experiences that inspire and adventures that last a lifetime.

Interviewing will begin the 2nd week of January 2025.