Camp Programs Director

Engaging as the lead team member, the Camp Programs Director brings a high level of positive energy while providing effective leadership for operations at MEC. The Director will maintain and cultivate a well-established program that meets both state regulations and national best practices and will work closely with an Assistant Director to lead staff training and empower between six to 12 outdoor educators each season. The Director primarily ensures safe programming through daily on-site supervision, approval of camp activities and risk management plans, being a leader during any camp emergencies – including on-call responsibilities.   The Director will also engage services from existing vendors, approve supply requisitions, and work closely with the Office Manager, Facilities & Properties Manager, and Head Cook to sustain already well-maintained facilities, grounds, and food service. The Director will also work with long-standing partner schools to ensure booking of the spring and fall field trip programs, and collaborate with program staff operating in New York City. The Director will oversee capital projects in the off-season with the support of the Facilities and Property Manager. This position will require infrequent travel to New York City throughout the year to visit with school partners, New York City-based staff, and attend board meetings.

We are seeking candidates who

• Have high energy and outstanding prior performance as a leader with positive and effective communication skills.  
• Are passionate about positively impacting youth and can easily build rapport with a broad and diverse population from low-income neighborhoods in New York City
• Have prior experience managing:
  • ground-level/low-ropes challenge course activities,
  • multi-night backpacking trips in remote locations,
  • canoeing trips up to Class II rapids,
  • waterfront swimming program, and
  • able to provide training and direct field support to staff members when necessary in each of these activities.
• Are experienced in making effective leadership decisions during emergency procedures and can respond as needed to directly manage camp and expedition programs.
• Maintain and build relationships with landowners and operators to ensure access to private and public recreation areas throughout Western Massachusetts, Southern Vermont, and Western New York.
• Direct medical care at MEC and screen medical forms as the lead Healthcare Supervisor in consultation with MEC’s Health Care Consultant.
• Have prior experience in managing budgets up to $1million or more
• Preferred but not required: Have prior experience managing capital maintenance and capital construction projects, working closely with the Property Manager and necessary subs, e.g. architects, inspectors, vendors, contractors, etc.

Requirements

• Local regulations require candidates to be at least 25 years old
• Demonstrated proof of supervising programs with similar backpacking, canoeing, and camping programs
• At least two years of experience as a residential camp director preferred; prefer candidates familiar with American Camping Association/Association for Experiential Education accreditation standards and prior senior leadership experience for wilderness expeditionary programming.
• Excellent motivational, organizational, and communication skills
• BA/BS in a related discipline
• First Aid/CPR certification required; prefer candidates with current Wilderness First Responder and CPR/AED certifications
• Prefer candidates with Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguarding certification or similar certification; Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification highly desired.  
• Current Driver’s License and a Safe Driving Record.  Must be comfortable operating 15-passenger vans, towing canoe trailers, towing small-equipment trailers, and training others to do the same.
• Local regulations require background clearances, three professional references, medical physical, and immunization history.
• Christodora requires its camper-facing employees to be fully vaccinated and up-to-date with boosters against COVID-19. MEC is a residential program and requires the Director to live on-site or nearby from April through October, with the option for year-round. The Director is part of an on-call support system.