VP of Camping Experience

Under the direction of the SVP, Community Well-Being & Impact, and aligned with the organization’s Christian mission and core values, the Vice President (VP) of Camping Experience will oversee strategy development and operational excellence for camping programs, including Center Day Camp and Resident Camp operations. This role will focus on expanding offerings in environmental education, adventure courses, and conference and retreat events, while enhancing program quality, inclusivity, and sustainability.

The VP will drive the vision, growth, and impact of camping experiences, ensuring they reflect the organization’s commitment to building healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. This role will collaborate with key stakeholders to deliver innovative, mission-driven outdoor programs that transform lives and communities.

Culture Statement

The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core values. We strive every day to collectively embody our purpose of serving as a catalyst to transform lives and communities through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. We are respectful – we treat each other and those we serve as we hope to be treated ourselves. We are caring – we show a sincere concern for others and their well-being. We are honest – we are truthful in what we say and what we do, and we do not make promises we do not intend to keep. We are responsible – we are good stewards of our resources, strive for excellence and our actions are accountable to those we serve. We are innovative – we harness creativity, are solution minded and forward thinking. We lead with faith.

Essential Functions

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for camping programs, including resident and day camps, year-round activities, environmental education, and adventure courses.
• Oversee site development planning to ensure camp facilities meet long-term operational
• Elevate the profile of camping programs within the community and organization through targeted initiatives and outreach.
• Integrate a strategy to enhance the camper and family

Team Leadership

• Recruit, train, and inspire a high-performing team of camp staff and volunteers, fostering a culture of collaboration and professional growth.
• Cultivate the Board experience to leverage volunteers to uplift the viability of the overnight camp experience.

Program Development and Management

• Design and deliver programs that align with current industry standards and meet the holistic needs of campers, staff, and families.
• Utilize a formalized plan to determine the facility needs, enhancements, and future planning of both camp properties.

Community Engagement and Collaborations

• Cultivate trustee relationships and elevate community partnerships to enhance program impact and support.
• Collaborate with enterprise services to ensure efficient operations and seamless program.

Operational Excellence

• Manage the budget for camping operations, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and sustainably.
• Secure funding through grants, donations, and sponsorships to support program growth and innovation.
• Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by leadership.

Required Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree in business administration, human services or related area; related graduate degree preferred.
2. Ten (10) or more years of multi-unit camp leadership experience and a demonstrated experience in strategic planning, board and volunteer development, financial management, philanthropic development, and community relations.
3. Demonstrated success attracting, retaining, leading and motivating quality team and volunteer
4. Demonstrated success leading total operations through supervision of teams development and monitoring of budget, property and facility management, marketing and public relations, membership development, and program development.
5. Demonstrated success establishing and maintaining collaborations and partnerships with community organizations.
6. Experience developing new programs, reviewing and enhancing programs being offered or considered for both fiscal viability and effectiveness.
7. All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.

Working Conditions:

1. While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly required to use a computer
for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart
device.
2. The team member frequently is required to sit and reach and must be able to move around the work environment.
3. The team member must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
4. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to
adjust.
5. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
6. Travel as needed.

Competencies:

1. Change Leadership: Facilitates, co-creates, and implements equitable change for the good of the
organization and/or community.
2. Communication & Influence: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages,
inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause
3. Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound
judgment
4. Functional Expertise: Executes superior technical skills for the role

To learn more about our Y-USA Leadership Competencies, please click here.