Program Lead, Camp

The Camp Program Lead is a key position in the operations of our Catalyst Camps programs. The role works closely with the Director of Camps & School Age Quality and the Camps & School Age Quality Manager to manage programmatic, staffing, and health & safety aspects of the assigned, single seasonal camp location, in accordance with the agency’s program, financial and people management goals.

Program Leads are a camp program leader that must be able to coach, mentor, and provide ongoing observation and feedback to camp staff that results in implementation of quality programming. Program Leads ensure that all children receive quality staff-child interactions and are supervised, at all times, in a safe and healthy environment.

The Program Lead position acknowledges and celebrates diversity among staff, children, and families, and provides an environment that reflects the diversity within a community. They create camp environments that reflect the backgrounds and experiences of children, families, and staff.

Essential Job Functions:

• Collaborates with center staff to provide an enriched, dynamic camp program and environment, that meets the diverse and cultural needs and interests of children, families, and local community.
• Supports camp staff to ensure the principles of Catalyst Camps developmentally appropriate programs and other relevant quality standards reflected in the program design and implementation.
• Support all camp staff by role-modeling quality interactions and activities planning based on observations and children’s interests.
• Manage staff performance proactively; coach, support and provide feedback to staff regularly so that they can deliver their best.
• Nurture team spirit in the center and maintain high staff morale.
• Build workplace culture by communicating the mission, modeling workplace values, and promoting actions/behaviors that foster ownership for expected outcomes.
• Ensures that camp staff provides families with quality camp experience and service for their children/youth by addressing any issues or concerns from families.
• In collaboration with the Director of Camps & School Age Quality, Camps & School Age Quality Manager, and regional Program Quality Managers, to facilitate camp trainings for seasonal staff.
• Management of the team at the assigned camp location, size ranging from 4-10 staff. Support recruiting and retaining key talent and high performers.
• Ensure that staff schedules meet required adult to child ratios.
• Assist Director of Camps & School Age Quality and Camps & School Age Quality Manager with the budget for the assigned camp location by following budget guidelines. Adhering full compliance with all agency policies and procedures related to financial management.
• Support with purchasing for the assigned camp location and ensure that staffing levels and other expenses are managed prudently. Control all costs through prudent purchasing of materials and services and careful management of staffing ratios.
• Identify ways to improve the financial performance of the assigned camp location and take proactive actions to grow the business
• Establishes strong relationships and connections with children, families and school partners/lease representatives while maintaining excellent customer service.
• Ensures and maintains a reciprocal partnership with leased location representatives. Acts as first point of contact for day-to-day communication with location lease representatives during program operating season.
• Program Leads are in ratio approximately 33% of the time.

Education & Experience:

Education

The MINIMUM formal relevant education required by the position. Relevant experience/certifications in lieu of formal education will be considered.

• In progress or completed AA degree in Youth Development, Education, Recreation Management, General Management or related field.
• PREFERRED: In progress or completed BA degree in Recreation Management/Administration, Youth Development, Child & Adolescent Development, Education or related field.

Experience

The MINIMUM relevant experience necessary to qualify for the position. Experience in lieu of education is to be counted as part of formal Education and not as part of the required experience.

• 1-4 years of experience in Youth Development/Early Childhood/Teaching or related field with some direct and demonstrated skills in developing and implementing a quality day camp or similar program.
• PREFERRED At least 2 prior seasons of administrative or supervisory experience in an organized camp or similar program. (residential/day camp or out of school time program)

Other Qualifications:

• Facilitate fun
• Positive interactions
• Embrace silliness
• Think outside the box
• Be active in outdoor and indoor programs

Shift Type: Full Time, Short-Term (5/28/25 - 8/1/25)

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4pm

Compensation: $24.96 - $37.44 hourly

What We Offer:

• Paid sick time
• Employee Assistance Program
• Access to the Calm app
• Tickets at Work employee discounts

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace.