Location and Job Title:

Director of Camp Services
Valley of the Sun JCC
12701 N Scottsdale Rd
Ste 201
Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Principal Responsibilities:

Director of Camping Services

Position Summary

The Director of Camp Services reports directly to the COO and provides visionary leadership and strategic oversight for all Valley of the Sun J camp experiences, including Shemesh Summer Camp, seasonal break camps, specialty camps, and future camping initiatives. This position is responsible for developing exceptional, safe, inclusive, and innovative programs that create lifelong memories while advancing the mission and values of the Valley of the Sun J.

The Director oversees all aspects of camp operations, including program development, staff recruitment and leadership, budgeting, risk management, marketing, enrollment growth, regulatory compliance, and customer experience. The Director works collaboratively across departments to ensure camp remains a flagship program that strengthens community engagement and contributes to the organization's overall success.

The Director serves as the primary ambassador for camp, fostering strong relationships with families, staff, community partners, and stakeholders while creating an environment where every child feels welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Essential Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a long-term vision and strategic plan for all camp programming.
• Create innovative camp experiences that respond to community needs and current trends.
• Identify opportunities for new programs, specialty camps, partnerships, and revenue growth.
• Establish measurable goals and key performance indicators for enrollment, retention, customer satisfaction, and financial performance.
• Serve as the organizational leader for all camping services.

Camp Operations

• Direct all aspects of summer camp, seasonal camps, and specialty camp operations.
• Ensure programs operate safely, efficiently, and consistently deliver exceptional experiences.
• Oversee daily camp operations, logistics, transportation, scheduling, facilities, and equipment.
• Maintain comprehensive emergency action plans and risk management procedures.
• Ensure camp facilities remain safe, clean, organized, and well maintained.
• Collaborate with Facilities, Security, Aquatics, Membership, Early Childhood, and Youth departments to ensure seamless operations.

Youth Development & Program Excellence

• Design engaging, developmentally appropriate, and mission-driven camp programming.
• Foster an inclusive environment where children of all abilities and backgrounds can thrive.
• Incorporate disability-informed practices and evidence-based supports for neurodivergent campers.
• Ensure programs emphasize character development, leadership, teamwork, creativity, wellness, and Jewish values where appropriate.
• Continuously evaluate program quality using participant feedback and industry best practices.

Staff Leadership

• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, supervise, coach, and evaluate year-round and seasonal camp staff.
• Develop a comprehensive staff orientation and ongoing professional development program.
• Foster a culture of accountability, inclusion, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Mentor Assistant Camp Directors, Coordinators, Office Staff, Unit Leaders, Specialists, and Counselors.
• Conduct regular staff meetings, performance evaluations, and leadership development sessions.
• Partner closely with Human Resources regarding hiring, onboarding, compliance, employee relations, and performance management.

Family Experience & Customer Service

• Create an exceptional customer experience from registration through the final day of camp.
• Build strong relationships with campers and families through proactive communication.
• Respond promptly and professionally to concerns while seeking collaborative resolutions.
• Monitor parent satisfaction and implement continuous service improvements.
• Develop parent resources including handbooks, newsletters, orientation materials, and communications.

Marketing, Enrollment & Community Engagement

• Partner with the Marketing Department to develop annual enrollment and marketing strategies.
• Increase camp enrollment through community outreach, partnerships, school visits, camp fairs, digital marketing, and referral initiatives.
• Assist in developing promotional materials, social media content, newsletters, and website content.
• Build relationships with schools, community organizations, and prospective families.
• Monitor enrollment trends and recommend strategic adjustments throughout the year.

Financial Management

• Develop, manage, and monitor annual operating and capital budgets.
• Meet or exceed enrollment and revenue goals while maintaining expense controls.
• Analyze financial performance and implement strategies to improve sustainability.
• Prepare budget reports, enrollment forecasts, and operational analyses for senior leadership.
• Manage contracts with vendors, transportation providers, specialty instructors, and outside partners.

Compliance, Safety & Risk Management

• Maintain compliance with all state licensing requirements and American Camp Association (ACA) standards.
• Ensure adherence to organizational policies and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Oversee camper health records, incident reporting, emergency preparedness, and medication procedures.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts in risk management and child safety.
• Promote a culture where safety is everyone's responsibility.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate enrollment, staffing, licensing, and program records.
• Oversee camp registration systems and camper databases.
• Coordinate Camp Committee meetings and provide updates to senior leadership.
• Prepare reports, evaluations, and annual program assessments.
• Participate in leadership meetings and organizational planning initiatives.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Leadership
• Operational Excellence
• Team Development
• Budget & Financial Management
• Risk Management
• Customer Experience
• Program Innovation
• Community Engagement
• Inclusive Leadership
• Problem Solving
• Collaboration
• Emotional Intelligence
• Change Management

Minimum Qualifications:

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Education, Human Services, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in camp administration, youth development, recreation, or similar programs.
• Minimum three years supervising professional and seasonal staff.
• Experience managing budgets and achieving financial goals.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Current CPR, First Aid, and AED certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).

Preferred

• Master's degree in Recreation, Education, Human Services, Business Administration, or related field.
• American Camp Association experience.
• State childcare licensing experience.
• Experience working within a Jewish Community Center or nonprofit organization.
• Experience serving children with diverse learning, behavioral, developmental, and accessibility needs.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to walk throughout a large campus and camp environment for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to participate in camp activities and respond quickly during emergencies.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed during camp season and special events.

Salary:

$85,000 - $95,000

Agency Information:

OUR FACILITY

Located on the 32-acre Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus in North Scottsdale, the aesthetics and architecture of the building are unparalleled. We strive to provide an exceptional member experience in a friendly, well-maintained, state-of-the art facility.

Cardiovascular equipment, strength training machines, functional trainers and a complete free-weight area line the perimeter of our 50,000 square foot fitness facility. The center of our fitness facility contains a flexible, sport court/indoor gym, which is an ideal space for basketball, volleyball and indoor soccer. In addition, five different group fitness studios provide space for classes like dance/exercise, cycling, Pilates, TRX and functional fitness. The campus also has outdoor fields to accommodate softball, soccer, football and other outdoor recreational activities.

Well-appointed men's and women's locker rooms with Jacuzzi and steam room, a family changing room, and massage and spa rooms, complete the picture.

The center's Olympic size pool is home to our youth swim team and offers up to eleven lanes for your daily lap routine. Individual and group swim lessons for all ages and water aerobic classes, as well as competitive swim skill-building instruction are the heart of the aquatics program. We also offer a gated-children's activity pool, splash pad and Sunday Funday poolside events, terrific for the whole family.

The campus also features seven multi-use classrooms, a dedicated game room/teen lounge, arts and crafts room, teaching kitchen and state-of-the-art Early Childhood Center for infants through Pre-K, as well as an outdoor sports court/playground and amphitheater.

As a kosher campus, the onsite Caf?; Milk and Honey serves a dairy and non-meat menu featuring American, Italian, Mexican and Israeli cuisine and also offers kosher catering. The caf? and catering service are under the supervision of the Greater Phoenix Va'ad Hakashruth.

Ample, well-lighted parking is provided with special senior citizen parking added to our designated handicapped parking spaces.

The Campus offers multi-purpose social hall rental for private, community and Jewish religious events.

OUR PROGRAMS

The Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center (VOSJCC) offers a wide range of educational, cultural, social, fitness and recreational programs for people of all ages and backgrounds.

The VOSJCC promotes active and healthy lifestyles by encouraging physical activity for all levels and age groups. We offer personal training, swimming programs and a multitude of group fitness classes for all ages as well as a wide variety of youth sports and adult leagues.

Our Early Childhood Center provides a nurturing, play-based program with experienced, passionate teachers. Children learn about Jewish holidays, customs and values in a high-quality educational environment. Additionally, preschoolers have the advantage of participating in movement classes and swim lessons.

The Center's Youth and Camping programs not only nurture your child's thirst for knowledge and adventure, but they also provide a fun and safe place to learn fundamental values that will serve them well throughout life.

We engage the community through celebration, learning and shared experiences. Members have the opportunity to make the most of each day in a variety of ways; whether be by continuing their education, pursuing their fitness goals, taking a class, attending a lecture, or participating in a hobby. Our staff takes pride in creating innovative programs that enable all segments of the community to participate.

The arts are an integral and enriching part of life at the VOSJCC and provide a memorable venue for communal events and celebrations. Music, dance, theater, lectures and art classes are just some of the featured programs. Personal creative expression is encouraged through an array of cultural classes and programs throughout the year.