What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Director of Division position at Commonpoint Queens?
STATEMENT OF THE AGENCY:
Commonpoint is a non-profit, multi-service agency with flagship sites in Little Neck, Bayside, Forest Hills, East Elmhurst, and Jamaica, with 80 additional sites throughout the community that provide a diverse array of programs and services to over 85,000 individuals. The mission is to sustain and enhance the quality of family and individual life for all members of our community, regardless of religion, ethnic or cultural background, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual preference, age, or disability, within a pervasive and inclusive environment that facilitates individual growth, meets individual needs and builds community. We accomplish this mission through various social, educational, and recreational services that reach community members of all ages and backgrounds.
Camp Background: Island Quest Day Camp joins the agencies of Commonpoint, Friedberg JCC, Suffolk Y JCC, & Gural JCC to introduce a brand new, innovative day camp located in Wheatley Heights at the Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds. Island Quest Day Camp is open to ages 4-15 and will provide a unique opportunity for campers as they find their
quest through seek, innovate and compete program areas.
Camp Dates:
Commonpoint is a non-profit, multi-service agency with flagship sites in Little Neck, Bayside, Forest Hills, East Elmhurst, and Jamaica, with 80 additional sites throughout the community that provide a diverse array of programs and services to over 85,000 individuals. The mission is to sustain and enhance the quality of family and individual life for all members of our community, regardless of religion, ethnic or cultural background, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual preference, age, or disability, within a pervasive and inclusive environment that facilitates individual growth, meets individual needs and builds community. We accomplish this mission through various social, educational, and recreational services that reach community members of all ages and backgrounds.
Camp Background: Island Quest Day Camp joins the agencies of Commonpoint, Friedberg JCC, Suffolk Y JCC, & Gural JCC to introduce a brand new, innovative day camp located in Wheatley Heights at the Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds. Island Quest Day Camp is open to ages 4-15 and will provide a unique opportunity for campers as they find their
quest through seek, innovate and compete program areas.
Camp Dates:
- 2025 Season: June 30-August 22.
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 am to 4:30/5:00 pm.
- Must be able to attend all training dates: Monthly Leadership meetings (January-April), May 18th, June 1st, June 8th, June 22nd and June 29th.
- Must be able to attend every day of camp.
Position Purpose:
Assistant Directors of a Division act as a liaison between the Directors and Group Leaders for which they are responsible. Assistant Directors are direct supervisors of Group Leaders and Counselors in their groups and assist the Directors with all activities, group issues and staff performance throughout the summer. They are also responsible for effectively communicating with parents to keep families informed and engaged during the camp season. The Assistant Directors are fully involved in all aspects of their campers’ day, including meal supervision, group management and scheduling. They meet with the Directors to exchange information and maintain an open line of communication with their counselors and campers.
Essential Job Functions Pre-Camp:
Assistant Directors of a Division act as a liaison between the Directors and Group Leaders for which they are responsible. Assistant Directors are direct supervisors of Group Leaders and Counselors in their groups and assist the Directors with all activities, group issues and staff performance throughout the summer. They are also responsible for effectively communicating with parents to keep families informed and engaged during the camp season. The Assistant Directors are fully involved in all aspects of their campers’ day, including meal supervision, group management and scheduling. They meet with the Directors to exchange information and maintain an open line of communication with their counselors and campers.
Essential Job Functions Pre-Camp:
- Staff Trainings.
- Attend Planning Meetings & program development.
- CPR/First Aid Training (as needed).
- Assist with staff paperwork.
Essential Job Functions Camp 365:
- Assistant Directors will attend off -season events such as recruitment events and parent/camper engagement events both virtually and/or in-person.
Essential Job Functions During Camp:
- Responsible for following and enforcing all guidelines, set forth in the Island Quest Day Camp Staff Manual.
- Oversee the day to day program direction, supervision, and organization of campers and staff in their Division which will consist of multiple groups.
- Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers and staff through effective communication, relationship development, and respect for inclusion, equity and empowerment of youth.
- Create a culture of trust and open communication within your Division.
- Ensure campers and staff are properly supervised at all times and maintain appropriate DOH requirements for ratio.
- Be aware of and implement the health & safety guidelines with campers and staff.
- Serve as the key point of contact and provide frequent communication with parents/guardians.
- Ability to support Group Leaders in their need to make a successful summer.
- Participate in the development and implementation of program activities for campers and staff within the mission and the culture of the camp.
- Provide for the progression of activities within the framework of individual and group interests and abilities.
- Keep records as required, including documenting all incidents.
- Be alert to campers needs and assist them with personal and/or health problems, and discuss with associate director or camp director when appropriate.
- Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance is adhered to; report repairs needed promptly to the Senior Manager of Operations.
- Apply appropriate behavior management techniques and interventions for campers when necessary.
- Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude and behavior.
- Be prepared to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers and staff in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury).
- Provide ongoing supervision for Group Leaders and staff throughout the summer.
- Deliver formal mid-season and end of season performance evaluations for each Group Leader in your Division and assist Group Leaders with staff evaluations as well.
Minimum Qualifications & Requirements:
- Minimum (3) years experience working with young people or within the field of Youth Development.
- Basic understanding of the developmental needs of young people.
- Ability to effectively and positively interact with all age levels.
- Minimum 2-4 years of supervisory experience.
- Commitment to work collaboratively with others to create a safe and supportive camp environment.
- Approach every interaction from a strengths based perspective.
- Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing needs.
- Strong skills and experience in communicating and working with families and children of varying ages & abilities.
- Energetic, enthusiastic and demonstrate a desire to get your hands dirty and have fun.
Commonpoint is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and résumé, as a Word or PDF document only, to Michael Donnelly at michael@islandquestdaycamp.org. Please indicate “Assistant Director of Division” in the subject line. Due to the high volume of applicants, only qualified candidates will be contacted.
