Executive Director

Organization Overview:

Rowe Camp and Conference Center (Rowe) is an historic camp and retreat space in the mountains of northwest Massachusetts that builds community and transforms lives by creating opportunities for people to explore, reflect, grow and play. Our vision: a world filled with people who are actively creating inclusive, participatory communities filled with joy, respect, love, and a little bit of weirdness.

Nestled in the picturesque Berkshires in the town of Rowe, Massachusetts, Rowe provides camps, retreats, and workshops for people of all ages. In the summer months between late June and September, Rowe offers camp programs for youth and adults that foster a strong sense of community, promote self-exploration and creative expression, and create strong bonds and lifelong friendships. The spirit of Rowe continues in spring and fall when we function as a welcoming in-person and online workshop and retreat center for people seeking to explore their creativity and interests, reflect on their lives and the world we live in, learn or practice a new skill, and gather together in community. Online workshops are offered throughout the year. Since its founding 100 years ago, Rowe has welcomed thousands of people of all ages and from all walks of life and has become a beloved home to generations of “Rowies.” People love Rowe and they love themselves for coming to Rowe.

This year, Rowe celebrates the 100th anniversary of summer camps with a Centennial Celebration in June. Established in 1924 by Reverend Anita Trueman Pickett, the camp was envisioned as a sanctuary to confront and address the pressing issues of race, industry, and war. Then in 1974, Executive Director Douglas Wilson inaugurated Rowe as a retreat and workshop space for adults to explore far-ranging subjects in community with one another. Since then, Rowe has evolved into a vibrant camp and retreat community that is welcoming, loving, and human-centered for everyone we serve.

Role Overview:

Rowe is in search of an Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter. The Executive Director of Rowe will serve as the organization’s visionary leader and operational steward. From crafting strategic initiatives to overseeing day-to-day operations, this person will be instrumental in ensuring the continued success and sustainability of Rowe. With a focus on fostering a culture of inclusivity and hospitality, the Executive Director will lead with empathy, integrity, and a passion for our mission and vision.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Collaborate with the Board to develop and execute short and long-term strategic goals aligned with Rowe’s mission and vision.
• Program Management: Plan a calendar of mission-aligned programming in collaboration with the Board and staff. Direct the organization, coordination, and management of camps, retreats and workshops. Develop marketing strategy and oversee implementation.
• Financial Oversight: Safeguard financial resources to ensure the long-term health of Rowe. Develop and implement effective financial strategies, systems, and processes. Work with the board on the annual budget. Ensure compliance with audit and tax requirements.
• People Management: Manage the recruitment, hiring, and development of a highly effective year-round staff team as well as surge staffing as needed. Oversee the hiring, training and supervision of summer camp directors. Provide all employees with coaching, mentorship, performance management and reviews. Manage, engage with, and leverage a robust roster of volunteers.
• Revenue Generation: Drive revenue and ensure sustainability by generating opportunities for use of the facilities. With the Board, support fundraising and membership campaigns to meet annual fundraising goals.
• Summer Camp Management: Serve as camp manager during youth summer camps and/or delegate related responsibilities to staff and/or volunteers. Ensure compliance with health, licensing, and other requirements. Work with co-directors to respond to emergent needs during camp.
• Facility Management: Closely monitor the health of facilities including 21 buildings on our 50 acre campus. Maintain a roster of current and upcoming projects. Obtain bids and oversee work with contractors and volunteers. Respond promptly to unexpected building and grounds repairs.
• Community Engagement: Establish and maintain welcoming and collaborative relationships with constituents, including campers, attendees, guests, donors, Unitarian Universalist congregations, the Unitarian Universalist Association, and other stakeholders. Lead outreach efforts to promote Rowe and its programs to diverse audiences. Continue to develop and maintain connection to Rowe’s volunteer base.
• Board Relationships: Meet regularly with the Board executive committee to identify and meet benchmarks and deliverables. Prepare and deliver Executive Director reports for monthly board meetings. Liaise with committee chairs to share information and collaborate on current projects.
  

Who You Are:

Required Qualifications: (We encourage applicants who meet a majority of the requirements below to apply, even if you do not meet all of them.)

• At least three years of progressive leadership and management experience in a nonprofit organization, preferably in camping, education, ministry, adult facilitation, hospitality or a related field.
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• A connection to and understanding of youth and/or human development.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to execute and/or learn sound and responsible budget management practices.
• Ability to generate organizational revenue, and lead budget management, fundraising (individual giving), and strategic organizational planning.
• Technical ability to comfortably operate: a client relationship management system, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workplace, Quickbooks, and HR and payroll management systems.
• Familiarity with or ability to learn nonprofit governance and labor laws, procurement practices, GAAP standards.
• Familiarity with or ability to learn Massachusetts Recreational Camp laws.
• Ability to effectively collaborate and communicate, such as with staff, the Board, volunteers, alumni, and other stakeholder groups.
• Strong community engagement, partnership building, and relationship-building skills.
  

Values you hold:

• Exemplify Rowe’s core values of being welcoming, accepting and inclusive.
• Understand the resource constraints of non-profit organizations and the necessity to wear many hats and creatively solve problems.
• Always seek understanding in your interactions with others inside and outside of the organization.
• Appreciation for Unitarian Universalist (UU) values of interdependence, pluralism, justice, transformation, generosity, and equity; with all values being centered around love.
  

Nice-to-Have Qualifications:

• Experience as a camp or retreat center director, or experience leading youth programming or adult conference programming.
• Experience working closely with a board of trustees/directors
• Demonstrated success contributing to fundraising efforts yielding at least low 6 figures, annually.
• Master’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience
  

Compensation:

The salary range for this position is $65,000-$75,000, commensurate with experience. Annual performance raises are determined with the Board. Benefits for full-time staff also include medical and dental coverage, a retirement plan, and paid sick and vacation time.

The Rowe Center provides a rare opportunity to live your values in the workplace. High priority is placed on community, acceptance and joyful work and life. Rowe also offers an employee housing program (some food, all utilities included, and a rental subsidy so employees can not only work, but also live on our tranquil 50-acre wooded campus nestled in the heart of the Berkshire mountains.

Intangible benefits of the position include living and working in the beautiful hardwood forests of western Massachusetts and interacting with a community of forward-thinking, ethical, and progressive people who are seeking to collectively do good in the world.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a resume, letter of interest, and contact information for three references to hiring@rowecenter.org. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials by April 8, 2025. The ideal start date is no later than September 1, 2025.

Rowe Camp and Conference Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We celebrate the unique perspectives and talents of our community and strive to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Discrimination on the basis of race, gender, religion, age, disability, or any other protected status is not tolerated.