Assistant Director

Description The Assistant Director supports the director in the overall management and operation of camp, with a primary focus on overseeing village safety, supervision, and staff development. The position ensures the effective supervision of campers within the villages, oversees the village leaders, and manages behavioral issues. Additionally, the Assistant Director collaborates with the camp leadership team on strategic planning, staff training, and program development to maintain camp traditions and ensure a vibrant camp atmosphere. This position supports Camp Downer’s mission to provide a positive and affordable camping experience for youth in a safe, constructive, and welcoming environment. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1) Planning: Collaborates with the other members of the camp leadership team to develop strategies and organizational plans that ensure smooth operations and effective implementation of camp programming during the summer season. Collaborates with the other members of the camp leadership team and staff to generate ideas, enhance programs, uphold cherished traditions, and foster a vibrant and engaging camp atmosphere. Remains current on camping trends through networking, ACA, and other opportunities to assist with ensuring camp remains a viable offering for the next generation of campers. Engages in ongoing planning and evaluation processes to establish and achieve camp goals and objectives. 2) Management and Staffing: Provides staff with comprehensive training opportunities, tools, and manuals to support their professional development and success. Collaborates with the other members of the camp leadership team to plan and deliver an engaging and informative orientation for all staff members. Supervises village leaders by providing regular guidance, feedback, and support through weekly meetings to ensure effective leadership and camper supervision. Oversees and manages the Evening Activity Committee (EAC) and Very Important Counselor (VIC) as they design and execute evening activities for the entire camp community. Performs evaluations on staff mid-summer and at the end-of-summer. Serves as a mentor for a number of staff members by providing guidance and feedback through weekly one-on-one meetings. Actively contributes to and/or facilitates weekly staff meetings to address challenges, celebrate achievements, and foster collaboration. 3) Policy and Procedures: Adheres to the policies and procedures outlined in the Camp Downer Staff Policies and Procedures Handbook, ensuring a safe and welcoming camp environment. In cooperation with the other members of the camp leadership team, recommends, establishes, implements, and administers camp policies and procedures. 4) Village Supervision and Safety Oversight: Provides support and guidance to village leaders with all village-related matters both camper and staff. Acts as the primary point of contact for addressing and managing camper behavioral issues within the villages. Oversees the supervision policies and procedures within the three villages: Ensures that Daywatch, Nighwatch, and coverage schedules have adequate cabin and village supervision at all times. Ensures that regular and thorough rounds are conducted by staff during Daywatch and Nightwatch and are properly documented. Ensures effective supervision during "village time" by confirming counselors are adequately supervising their campers and there is designated staff supervising the village bathrooms. Holds administrative staff accountable for conducting Village Supervision Checks and completing proper documentation. 5) Coordinates the Camp Downer Leadership Development Program: Supports and functions as a resource for the facilitators of the different levels of the Leadership Development Program. May support the facilitation of at least one level of the Camp Downer Leadership Development Program. 6) Financial Management: Assists in maintaining camp’s financial strength by maintaining appropriate in-camp financial records. 7) ACA Accreditation: Assists with the planning and preparation for periodic ACA accreditation visits. Maintains current knowledge of ACA standards and requirements. Ensures policies, procedures, and documentation are in place to continuously comply with ACA standards. 8) Preparing for End-of-Season: Collaborates with the director to secure the entire camp at the end-of-season according to current specifications. Oversees village leaders and staff in cleaning cabins, bathrooms, and preparing villages for end-of-season storage. Ensures all buildings are cleaned, securely closed and locked. Identifies and reports any damage or repair needs requiring attention during the off-season. Submits the Assistant Director Annual Report to the director for inclusion in camp’s Annual Report. Ensures personal living space is cleaned and cleared of all belongings. 9) Other duties as assigned by camp leadership. May provide off-season assistance with the recruitment, hiring, and planning for the upcoming season.