Alpadia Assistant Camp Manager

At Alpadia, our mission is to encourage language development through immersion and to expand the horizons of our students and staff. As Camp Manager, you'll dive into an exciting role that blends cultural diversity, language immersion, and meaningful personal and professional growth in a unique setting where European language camp meets the American camp adventure. 

Think cultural exchange, adventure-filled days, and professional growth—all in an international setting where no two days are the same. 

What’s in it for you? 

• Hands-on experience using Positive Behavior Support and conflict resolution to create a fun, engaging, and safe environment 

• Stay ahead in the field of education and youth practice with our professional development program designed to advance your career. 

• Work alongside a dynamic team of like-minded professionals from around the world 

• Be part of something bigger—in 2024, we welcomed students from 64 nationalities 

If you’re ready to inspire, grow, and make an impact while having an unforgettable summer experience, this is your chance. 

2. The Role 

The Assistant Manager (Academic & Welfare) is a dynamic leadership role that combines academic oversight with student welfare responsibilities. This position ensures the smooth operation of the camp's academic program while maintaining a high standard of pastoral care, safeguarding, and student well-being. The role requires collaboration with the Camp Manager, Activity Manager, and other key stakeholders to provide an exceptional student experience. 

3. Key Responsibilities 

3.1 Academic Management 

• Be responsible for the overall management of the camps’ academic department. 

• Ensure smooth camp operations through effective management of administrative tasks. 

• Ensure that all classes are correctly staffed and that both internal and external guidelines are met with regards to student/teacher ratios. 

• Ensure that academic files, including academic planners, test results, level changes, observation forms, and staff records, are filled out promptly and kept up to date.    

• Prepare end-of-course certificates for all our students, including tailored remarks from the teachers. 

• Ensure all lessons start and finish on time. 

• Liaise with the Welfare Manager to ensure all students are attending the morning academic program. 

• Lead a daily Teacher’s Meeting, minuting important points raised and discussing as appropriate.   

• Be responsible for Day One organization (including testing and induction for new students where necessary). 

• Collect weekly teacher and student feedback. 

• Ensure all ICT equipment is fully functioning prior to the start of camp and assist Teachers in the use of it.  

• Work with other managers to ensure classes are covered in case of Teacher sickness or absence. 

• Be approachable for day-to-day support, with clear channels for communication established with both teachers and students. 

• Maintain at all times proper levels of student discipline, safety, and welfare, highlighting any issues to the Camp Manager.  

• Lead and assist with the training and induction of the teaching team. 

3.2 Welfare Management

• Line manage the Welfare Team (Welfare Officers & Night Supervisors), being their main point of initial contact 

• Understand child protection and safeguarding policies of the country.   

• Prioritize the safety of students above all else, implementing our Safeguarding and Health and Safety policies working closely with the Camp Manager   

• Act as Designated Safeguarding Staff for the center, caring for sick students and arranging appropriate medical responses  

• Manage and assist with the student presence-check registers of attendance   

• Liaise with internal (Customer Services team and Sales) and external stakeholders concerning matters of student welfare; responding to and resolving any questions, comments or concerns  

• Manage the communication of transfer plans with students and Group Leaders in order to ensure they have a stress-free departure  

• Help manage students effectively and respectfully, following all Alpadia policies and rules, to ensure they enjoy and contribute fully to all aspects of Alpadia’s programme in a spirit of respect towards other students and staff  

• Ensure any safeguarding concerns that come to your attention are dealt with sensitively and escalated appropriately  

• Lead and assist with the training and induction of staff members  

• Create, edit and distribute the Welfare Officer rota   

• Read and distribute the Night Supervisor log overnight to spread any useful information to other members of staff   

• Ensure the administration, in terms of check in, and pocket money etc, is well organized and delivered to ensure the smooth running of the camp and follows all Alpadia procedures and policies, working along with the Camp Manager  

• Manage the allocation of students in accommodation, responding to requests and complaints from internal and external stakeholders  

• Manage the collection and distribution of student pocket money  

• Additional administrative tasks and activities as given by the Camp Manager such as marketing uploads, catering calculations, communicating dietary requirements, completing daily reports, etc.  

• Ensure rules in the residence are followed at all times and the accommodation is kept tidy  

• Ensure the students go to bed and wake up at the appropriate times, directing and managing the wider team as appropriate  

• Assist in the check-in/check-out procedure  

• Take a leading role in daily meetings and contribute towards the ongoing improvement of camp processes discussed during these meetings 

3.3 Student Behaviour Management 

• Take overall responsibility for student behavior and discipline, addressing major issues. 

3.4 Staff Management, Support, and Leadership 

• Manage teams effectively and respectfully, considering their personal development and providing all necessary support. 

• Provide guidance, support, and training to teams. 

• Lead and assist in the training and induction of staff members. 

• Assist with staff performance management, disciplinary actions, and staff appraisals, providing constructive feedback. 

• Assist with the preparation and distribution of staff rosters. 

• Take a leading role in daily team meetings to provide feedback and improvements. 

3.5 Communication and Relationships 

• Ensure professional communication with host providers and external partners. 

• Be friendly and approachable and develop positive relationships with students. 

• Keep parents and agents informed through collaboration with the Sales and Admissions team. 

• Nurture a positive work environment that supports and motivates staff. 

• Collaborate with other departments for smooth camp operations. 

3.6 Customer Service  

• Liaise with the Camp Manager to resolve any instances of issues, questions, or concerns raised by students, agents, parents, or other stakeholders. 

• Provide exceptional customer service to both internal and external customers at all times 

3.7 HR  

• Ensure that all staff are fully and properly inducted and that they have operational knowledge of procedural documents and ALPADIA policies relevant to their role  

• Have a good working knowledge of managed staff job descriptions and procedures associated with their role  

• Liaise with the Recruitment Officer on matters of staff pay, holiday, sickness and other related HR issues  

3.8 Compliance   

• Have good working knowledge and understanding of ALPADIA procedural documents and policies relevant to the role  

• Be familiar with the accrediting body’s inspection criteria relevant to the department   

3.9 Team Participation and Professional Development 

• Engage in professional development and training. 

• Participate in weekly meetings. 

4. Person Specification 

Essential: 

• Strong leadership and organizational skills. 

• Understanding of safeguarding, child protection, and welfare policies. 

• Ability to handle student welfare concerns with sensitivity and professionalism. 

• Experience in managing and supporting staff teams. 

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to handle high-pressure situations. 

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. 

• A proactive and flexible approach to work. 

Desirable: 

• Teaching qualification (CELTA, TESOL or equivalent). 

• First aid qualification. 

• Experience in academic management, teaching, or student welfare in an educational or summer camp setting. 

• Experience working with international students. 

• Previous experience in residential camp settings. 

5. Timetable  

The working week is a varied and busy one and you will find there are always things to do. You should anticipate a demanding workload in a fast-moving, exciting environment. The Assistant Camp Manager is entitled to have one day off per week. 

6. Pre-Employment Checks  

As our roles involve the pastoral care and safeguarding of junior students our employment offers are conditional upon satisfactory completion of the relevant nation’s statutory and regulatory pre-employment vetting procedures.   

7. Physical Requirements 

• Sitting 

• Standing 

• Walking 

• Climbing 

• Lifting up to 50 pounds  

• Pulling 

• Pushing 

• Carrying 

• Grasping 

• Reaching 

• Bending 

• Visual Acuity 

• Color Determination 

• Speaking 

• Listening 

*An equivalent degree abroad or acceptable experience in lieu of education: two years of experience for every year of formal education required 

8. We offer you: 

• A developing and enriching summer experience 

• The chance to make long term connections and friends 

• Meaningful engagement with international students and the chance to give back 

• A sense of belonging with many returning staff members each year 

• Development of your social, relationship and leadership skills 

• Join a booming community of Alpadia staff members who return each year. 

• An industry competitive salary 

• Role training and the opportunity for experiential learning throughout 

• An unforgettable experience in a dynamic atmosphere 

• Attractive bonus options for returners and the possibility of career progression