Location and Job Title:

Director of Camps & Youth
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
411 E. Clinton Ave.
Tenafly, NJ 07670

Principal Responsibilities:

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Kaplen JCC is seeking a Director of Camps & Youth to serve as the senior leader and head of JCC camping, holding overall responsibility for the quality, growth, culture, and success of its full camp and youth portfolio. In this role, the Director will lead, supervise, and develop the year-round team, establishing clear expectations, strong accountability, and a collaborative environment across agency departments. The position owns the camper, family, and staff experience while driving enrollment, retention, and operational excellence across traditional day camp, specialty camps, Start Up Nation, Inclusion, and year-round youth programming.

Equally a forward-thinking visionary and an exceptional operator, this leader will challenge existing models to foster ongoing innovation in operations and programming. A key priority will be preparing for the opening and full utilization of the JCC's new camp and programming facility--identifying cutting-edge offerings, optimizing space, and establishing strategic partnerships to firmly position the JCC as a premier destination for Jewish day camp and youth experiences.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Leadership & Camper Experience

• Establish the vision, culture and standards for an exceptional camper and family experience across all camps and ensure widespread understanding and compliance.
• Lead, supervise, coach and develop the year-round Camp & Youth professional team and senior seasonal leadership.
• Foster a culture of belonging, relationships, Jewish values, fun and personal growth.

• Maintain a visible presence throughout camp, including programs, staff, camper engagement and overall camp culture.
• Ensure continuous improvement and innovation across camp and youth programs.

Enrollment, Retention & Growth

• Establish annual enrollment, retention targets with a growth mindset for a camp operation serving approximately 650-700 campers.
• Develop and lead an annual outreach and recruitment strategy in partnership with Marketing.
• Use data and feedback to identify opportunities for growth and strengthen camper retention.
• Build strong pathways from JCC programs, particularly Early Childhood and year-round youth programs, into summer camp and back into JCC school year programs.

Camp Inclusion

• Provide strategic oversight of the camp Inclusion program.
• Ensure inclusion is integrated throughout the broader camp experience and culture.
• Partner with Inclusion and Camper Care professionals to ensure appropriate camper support, staffing, family partnership and staff training.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen and responsibly expand inclusion capacity.

Financial & Strategic Leadership

• Develop, manage and provide strategic and financial leadership for a Camp & Youth portfolio operating with an annual budget of approximately $2.8 million.
• Monitor revenue, expenses, payroll and program performance.
• Evaluate all aspects of camp & youth for quality, demand, mission impact and financial sustainability and growth.
• Identify new programs, partnerships and opportunities for responsible growth.

Agency-Wide Collaboration

• Collaborate across the JCC, including Early Childhood, Aquatics, Athletics, Performing Arts, Special Services, Israel Center, Facilities, Security, Finance, HR, Marketing, Development and Membership.
• Maximize agency expertise, facilities and resources to strengthen the camp experience.
• Partner with organizational leadership on evolving program and operational needs, including future opportunities connected to the new & expanded camp building.

Safety & Family Leadership

• Maintain overall accountability for camp safety, regulatory compliance and emergency readiness.
• Serve as the senior relationship leader for camp families and manage significant or escalated concerns.
• Represent camp within the JCC and broader community.

SALARY RANGE: $95,000-$105,000

BENEFITS

Complimentary JCC family or Individual membership

employee discounts on all programs, services and events

Generous paid time off (Note: To support camp operations, a PTO blackout period applies during peak summer camp season, typically mid-June through late August), paid floating federal holidays, paid Jewish holidays.

Health and dental insurance

403b employer contribution

FSA/HSA options

Life insurance

long-term disability

To Apply: Please send cover letter and resume to Emilie Pulecio at: [email protected]

Minimum Qualifications:

• Significant leadership experience in camp, youth development, education or a comparable environment.
• Demonstrated success leading professional and seasonal teams.
• Strong understanding of camper experience, youth development and staff culture.
• Experience managing budgets and driving enrollment or program growth.
• Strong strategic, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to inclusion, Jewish values and building a strong sense of community.
• Ability to lead through others while maintaining clear accountability.

Salary:

$95,000 - $105,000

Agency Information:

Kaplen JCC On The Palisades is a welcoming home away from home for all who pass through its front doors. Our 185,000 square foot building plus acres of outside grounds feature 2 fitness centers, an indoor and outdoor aquatics center, group exercise, spin and pilates studios, 2 gymnasiums, tennis and racquet courts, indoor track, a luxurious spa, multiple playgrounds and fields and so much more. The JCC is home to the renowned Thurnauer School of Music, Leonard and Syril Rubin Nursery School, Neil Klatskin Day Camp, and the JCC Dance and Drama Schools. The JCC is also proud to offer extensive, high quality programs and services to adults of all ages, as well as to seniors and individuals with special needs.

VISION

Our vision is to be the center point of Jewish life in our community and to engage all generations in our mission and values.

MISSION
Deeply rooted in Jewish values and tradition, the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades is a vibrant home for the Jewish People that welcomes all and cultivates the social, intellectual, physical and spiritual well-being of the entire community.

VALUES

We are committed to demonstrating the following values and ask respect for these values from those with whom we interact:

COMMUNITY
CONNECTION TO JUDAISM AND ISRAEL
INTEGRITY
QUALITY
RESPECT
RESPONSIBILITY
SAFETY
TIKKUN OLAM (repairing the world)