Camp Director - Wildwood

Lead Education Coordinator and Wildwood Camp Director

Full-time Regular

Wildwood Camp, Rindge, NH, US

About Mass Audubon
Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at massaudubon.org. 

About This Position
We are seeking an experienced educator and camp leader who is enthusiastic about working with youth, building a strong community of staff, and supporting nature-based education programs.

During the summer, this position manages Mass Audubon’s overnight Wildwood Camp & Teen Adventure Trips based in Rindge, NH for ages 10-17. This position will guide program development and innovation, staff training and management, camper and family support, and site management. Based on program needs, this position is expected to reside in staff housing on-site at Wildwood for the duration of the summer season.

During the school year, this position supports youth programs for K-12 schools and youth groups in the Metro West Boston or Central Massachusetts region. This role will manage camper and staff recruitment, marketing, and budget management for Wildwood with support from statewide staff during the year.   

The ideal candidate works well in a collaborative environment, is a strong and compassionate leader, and is committed to creating spaces of belonging for campers, caregivers, and staff.

Application Instructions
Please submit a resume and cover letter with your ADP application.

Responsibilities

Year-Round

• Oversee all aspects of Wildwood’s program and curriculum development, marketing, and registration in collaboration with staff in regional and statewide departments
• Recruit, hire, train, lead and evaluate a team of approximately 20 seasonal summer staff such as cabin counselors, trip leaders, waterfront, and adventure staff for Wildwood Camp and Teen Adventure trips
• Collaborate and communicate with the Wildwood Administrative Coordinator and Property Manager
• Support regional educational programs and events on sanctuaries and/or PK12 schools in the Metro West Boston or Central Massachusetts region
• Design and supervise marketing and communication with families before and during programs, and evaluation during and after programs
• Ensure compliance with all safety, health, and camp industry rules, protocols, and practices, including all required documentation for staff, campers, and licensing agencies
• Develop strong, positive relationships with local public health officials, community partners, and regional American Camp Association (ACA) staff; manage and maintain compliance with ACA standards including accreditation for camp
• Plan and teach a variety of PreK-12 School and/or Youth programming as part of a regional education team during the school year

During the summer

• Be responsible for all aspects of camp preparation, training, camper and staff safety, customer service, program planning, and program implementation
• Plan and carry out leadership staff training
• Plan, lead, and delegate responsibilities for staff training, including developing a sense of community, supporting program development, and delivering training on areas such as educational techniques, safety and emergency procedures, waterfront and ropes course, teamwork and more for seasonal camp staff
• Lead regular communication with camp families and caregivers, especially responding to concerns and mediating conflicts
• Provide support, energy, motivation, and a fun and inclusive community for the camp staff and campers
• Ensure activities and lessons meet camp goals and outcomes and are appropriate for abilities of the campers
• Monitor and evaluate program delivery abilities of camp staff; provide feedback, program ideas, and guidance to counselors
• Manage concerns, complaints, and feedback regarding counselor performance, including communication with Human Resources and other supervisory staff
• Ensure that camp staff and campers know and follow all safety and educational procedures during camp programs; track, report, and analyze incidents and safety trends and monitor and incorporate public and camp safety updates to ensure the highest safety standards
• Oversee site maintenance and safety in collaboration with Property Manager; provide guidelines for equipment use and maintenance and supervise staff to perform regular checks of area and equipment for safety, cleanliness, and good repair

Qualifications
At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background. We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:

Must Haves

• Experience with working with children or youth at a residential camp or in a similar environment at a leadership level 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and a desire to work collaboratively on a team 
• Experience in the development and delivery of educational programs and activities 
• Strong supervisory experience including managing and working with multiple persons at a time, of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities 
• Strong organizational, administrative, and decision-making skills  
• Demonstrated commitment to incorporating principals of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice into all areas of work, and a commitment to continued personal learning 
• Current certification in first aid and CPR, or willingness to obtain 
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in most weather conditions 
• Able to physically access sanctuary terrain by foot 

Nice to Haves

• Experience leading a camp through required public health licensing inspections and ACA accreditation process 
• Experience hiring and supervising seasonal camp staff 
• Experience leading a residential camp
• Additional outdoor/first aid skills are beneficial, such as (Wilderness First Aid/Responder, Lifeguard, etc. or similar certification)

Work Schedule
During the months of May through September, the schedule for this position is generally Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week; additional hours and weekend work can be expected during these months when camp is in session in Ringe, NH.

During the months of October through April, the schedule for this position can be variable, and weekend hours at least once a month and/or some evening hours will be required. This position has the option to work a hybrid schedule from October through April, with a mix of in-person and remote work.

Other Requirements
Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.

Mass Audubon’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice 
Mass Audubon embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please submit a resume and cover letter as part of your ADP application.