Assistant Camp Director

Camp Zeke

Camp Zeke

Administration, Customer Service, Operations · Full-time
Lakewood, PA, USA
USD 55k-65k / year
Posted on Jan 8, 2025

About Camp Zeke:

Camp Zeke is an independent Jewish overnight camp dedicated to celebrating healthy, active living through amazing food, awesome sports, fitness that feels good, and culinary arts! Situated on 560 beautiful acres in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Camp Zeke welcomes over 500 children each summer and hosts various retreat groups and family camps throughout the spring and fall. We're seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking leader who is detail-oriented and organized to join our year-round leadership team in a multifaceted role encompassing both camp program and retreat center management.

Position Summary:

The Assistant Director joins Camp Zeke's leadership team to shape our summer program, assist with managing our shoulder season retreats, find awesome staff, and keep things running smoothly. This role requires a mix of leadership skills, a passion for great customer service, and facility oversight. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, fun environment, working collaboratively to ensure campers, retreat guests, and staff experience a memorable, enriching, and positive environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Summer Camp Program & Operations

  • Program Development: Design, plan, and implement the summer activity schedule, including epic special events, creative theme days, staff appreciation programs, and orientation. Oversee programmatic elements to ensure engaging and structured activities. Collaborate with camper and staff care, food service, maintenance and facilities teams on program implementation.
  • Staff Coordination: Create staff rotations and daily schedules; lead a team of program heads, assisting them in lesson planning, supply organization, and program execution.
  • Leadership & Safety: Collaborate with the Camp Director to maintain a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for campers and staff, ensuring all health and safety protocols are adhered to.

Retreat Center Management

  • Sales & Marketing: Show off our space to prospective retreat groups, connect with potential client organizations, attend fairs, and assist in creating engaging monthly newsletters and marketing materials.
  • Pre-Retreat Planning: Assist groups with event planning, staffing needs, and menu coordination. Handle retreat-specific logistics, including housing assignments, space allocation, and program development in coordination with group leaders.
  • Onsite Retreat Management: Oversee retreat setup, liaise with maintenance for specific needs, and ensure cleanliness and functionality of facilities. Welcome groups, provide support throughout their stay, and ensure food service and other needs are met.
  • Preparation & Upkeep: Ensure the facility is prepared for each retreat and review essential systems (heating, air conditioning, plumbing) in coordination with the facility supervisor. Work with the maintenance team to address any issues that arise during retreats or the camp season.
  • Damage & Incident Management: Inspect facilities for damages post-retreat and coordinate necessary repairs and maintenance with appropriate teams.

Seasonal Staff Recruitment, Hiring & Supervision

  • Hiring Process: Manage recruitment efforts, including job postings, outreach to colleges and other organizations, and managing staffing fairs. Follow up on staff leads, conduct pre-interview screening, and manage references.
  • Staff Management: Confirm staff dates, conduct orientation, update staff records, and coordinate with HR for paperwork follow-up. Actively engage returning staff.
  • In-Season Management: During the camp season, provide day-to-day support and leadership to staff, address any performance concerns, and foster a positive, collaborative work environment.

Year-Round Marketing, Recruitment & Community Engagement

  • Outreach & Tours: Give tours to prospective camper families and retreat groups, conduct outreach, and help with marketing efforts, including newsletters, digital campaigns, and representing Camp Zeke at recruitment fairs.
  • Community Engagement: Maintain positive, proactive communication with camper families, retreat clients, and community partners to build strong relationships and promote Camp Zeke's mission.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will bring:

  • Experience: 5-7 years in camp or retreat management, with experience in program development, scheduling, and customer service. Relevant skills and a passion for creating great camp experiences are key!
  • Organizational Skills: Ability to juggle multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and work well under pressure.
  • Customer Service Orientation: Strong people skills and a dedication to meeting the needs of campers, families, and retreat groups.
  • Marketing & Sales Background: Experience in community engagement, digital marketing, and building relationships.
  • Technical Skills: Proficiency in Google Workspace or Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and experience with databases. Comfortable with remote work tools.
  • Industry Knowledge: Understanding of best practices for Jewish overnight camping and retreat management. Familiarity with American Camp Association accreditation guidelines.
  • Personal Attributes: Flexibility, adaptability, and a strong problem-solving approach.

Additional Requirements:

  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Possession of a valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
  • Reside onsite from April to mid-November (comfortable accommodations provided, including kosher meals)
  • Successful background checks with fingerprinting
  • Knowledge of Jewish customs and traditions is a plus

Perks:

  • Salary Range: $55,000-$65,000, based on experience and qualifications
  • Option to participate in a Simple IRA retirement plan after a year (with company matching employee contributions up to 3% of salary) and healthcare plan
  • Paid holidays and vacation
  • Full summer camp tuition at Camp Zeke for any eligible camp-aged children
  • Sweet onsite accommodations with kosher meals provided during onsite months
  • Opportunities for professional development.
  • Family leave: we offer paid maternity/paternity leave for all employees who have been working with us for at least 6 months.

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and references to laurie@campzeke.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understand the scope of the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, or responsibilities associated with the position.

Employment at Camp Zeke is contingent upon the successful completion of background checks

Camp Zeke is an equal opportunity employer.

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