Director of Specialists - Camp Hayden-Marks

Job Description

Job Description

DIRECTOR OF SPECIALISTS

Since its founding in 1877, The Fresh Air Fund, a not-for-profit youth development organization, has provided free life-changing summer experiences in the outdoors to more than 1.8 million children from New York City’s underserved communities. Young people also participate in year-round leadership, career exploration, and educational programs. For more information, visit www.FreshAir.org.

Position Summary

Director of Specialists help in the overall management of camp by directing the day-to-day camp program, supervising program staff (specialists), coordinating camp schedules, and assisting with administrative work. The Director of Specialists ensures campers receive quality experiential education throughout their encampment. This position is for applicants who have prior experience working at a camp and are looking for an opportunity to learn more about the inner workings of a camp program.

The Director of Specialists will report to either the Camp Director or Assistant Director.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for ensuring that each program area provides experiential learning opportunities for campers.
• Directly supervise and evaluate 16-18 Program Staff.
• Evaluate activity areas and activity instructors to support and improve as necessary.
• Assist the Camp Director in planning and carrying out pre-camp and in-service staff training.
• Plan and facilitate an orientation program for all Program Staff in addition to helping to plan and facilitate the general camp orientation.
• Responsible for ordering and maintaining supplies and equipment related to all activity areas.
• Be prepared to assume the role of any activity counselor in the event of their absence.
• Observe and provide support to program staff in their activity space.
• Work with volunteer groups and help coordinate volunteer activities.
• Address stressful situations appropriately in a fast-paced, interactive environment.
• Assume responsibility for the safety and well-being of campers.
• Understand that campers come first, and decisions should be made in the best interest of the campers.
• Explain and enforce the camp's policies, traditions, and rules.
• Be an active member of the camp community by participating in camp programming, including camp-wide events, overnights, hikes, swimming, activities, and village meetings. At times, lifting heavy objects may be necessary.
• Demonstrate a caring, supportive, and professional demeanor, including avoiding fraternizing with general staff while on / off duty.
• Strive to work cooperatively with fellow staff to achieve the goals of the program.
• Understand that the position involves living in cabins with little to no privacy and eating all meals in a large, noisy dining room.
• Time off each encampment will be arranged by a supervisor.
• Invest time with campers and staff to meet their needs, challenge their capabilities, and serve as a role model during their time at camp.
• Assume responsibility for using and caring for camp equipment and facilities.
• Be familiar with emergency procedures and follow them when necessary.
• Additional responsibilities as needed and assigned.

Qualifications

Employment Period : June 8, 2025 – August 16, 2025

Compensation : $3,300 - $3,800, commensurate with experience

Benefits : None

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit a Director of Specialists application. We are hiring on a rolling basis and encourage interested applicants to apply as early as possible. No calls or recruiters, please.

The Fresh Air Fund is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring, and dedicated to diversity in its work and on its staff. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations, and communities to apply.