What are the responsibilities and job description for the Norton Outdoor Center Operations Director position at YMCA of the USA?
Lead. Inspire. Explore. 🌿🏕️ The Norton Outdoor Center (NOC) Operations Director role is your chance to make an impact!
Job Description
The Norton Outdoor Center (NOC) Operations Director is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational management, and program development of the YMCA’s 80-acre outdoor center. This role oversees all aspects of summer camp, outdoor education, adventure programming, summer swim program, childcare and facility operations, ensuring a safe, mission-driven, and high-quality experience for participants, families, and staff.
The ideal candidate is a proven leader in camp and outdoor recreation management, with expertise in youth development, risk management, and staff leadership. This position plays a key role in enhancing community engagement, financial sustainability, and program innovation at the Norton Outdoor Center.
Qualifications
5 years of leadership experience in camp, outdoor recreation, or youth development.
Strong knowledge of ACA accreditation, risk management, and outdoor education best practices.
Proven ability to lead large-scale camp operations and seasonal staff teams.
Experience managing budgeting, facility operations, and program growth strategies.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build community partnerships and drive engagement.
Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Outdoor Education, Youth Development, or related field preferred.
CPR, First Aid, Lifeguard, and Ropes Course certifications preferred (or willingness to obtain).
Essential Functions
Outdoor Program & Camp Leadership
Direct all aspects of summer day camp, serving up to 1,000 children per season (500/day peak capacity).
Oversee year-round outdoor education and childcare, adventure programming, and group rentals, ensuring engaging and inclusive experiences.
Ensure compliance with ACA accreditation, state regulations, and risk management policies.
Develop and implement innovative camp programs that enhance participant engagement, skill-building, and outdoor education.
Lead program expansion efforts to maximize community impact and center utilization.
Staff Leadership & Development
Recruit, hire, and train seasonal and year-round staff, fostering a culture of teamwork and excellence.
Supervise and support camp leadership, activity specialists, and outdoor program staff.
Implement staff development and certification programs, including safety training, leadership workshops, and skill-building opportunities.
Facility & Operations Management
Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Norton Outdoor Center, ensuring safe, well-maintained facilities and grounds.
Partner with maintenance teams to manage facility needs, equipment, and outdoor infrastructure.
Ensure effective risk management, emergency preparedness, and participant safety protocols.
Manage pool, ropes course, hiking trails, and other outdoor amenities to support diverse programming.
Community Engagement & Fund Development
Build and maintain partnerships with schools, community organizations, and corporate partners to grow outdoor education programs.
Work closely with the development team to secure grants, sponsorships, and fundraising support for camp scholarships and capital improvements.
Serve as a YMCA ambassador, representing NOC in the local community and regional outdoor education initiatives.
Financial & Strategic Leadership
Develop and manage annual budgets for camp, outdoor programming, and facility operations.
Ensure financial sustainability by maximizing program enrollment, partnerships, and facility rentals.
Contribute to strategic planning efforts to enhance the YMCA’s outdoor programming and community impact.
Job Description
The Norton Outdoor Center (NOC) Operations Director is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational management, and program development of the YMCA’s 80-acre outdoor center. This role oversees all aspects of summer camp, outdoor education, adventure programming, summer swim program, childcare and facility operations, ensuring a safe, mission-driven, and high-quality experience for participants, families, and staff.
The ideal candidate is a proven leader in camp and outdoor recreation management, with expertise in youth development, risk management, and staff leadership. This position plays a key role in enhancing community engagement, financial sustainability, and program innovation at the Norton Outdoor Center.
Qualifications
5 years of leadership experience in camp, outdoor recreation, or youth development.
Strong knowledge of ACA accreditation, risk management, and outdoor education best practices.
Proven ability to lead large-scale camp operations and seasonal staff teams.
Experience managing budgeting, facility operations, and program growth strategies.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build community partnerships and drive engagement.
Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Outdoor Education, Youth Development, or related field preferred.
CPR, First Aid, Lifeguard, and Ropes Course certifications preferred (or willingness to obtain).
Essential Functions
Outdoor Program & Camp Leadership
Direct all aspects of summer day camp, serving up to 1,000 children per season (500/day peak capacity).
Oversee year-round outdoor education and childcare, adventure programming, and group rentals, ensuring engaging and inclusive experiences.
Ensure compliance with ACA accreditation, state regulations, and risk management policies.
Develop and implement innovative camp programs that enhance participant engagement, skill-building, and outdoor education.
Lead program expansion efforts to maximize community impact and center utilization.
Staff Leadership & Development
Recruit, hire, and train seasonal and year-round staff, fostering a culture of teamwork and excellence.
Supervise and support camp leadership, activity specialists, and outdoor program staff.
Implement staff development and certification programs, including safety training, leadership workshops, and skill-building opportunities.
Facility & Operations Management
Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Norton Outdoor Center, ensuring safe, well-maintained facilities and grounds.
Partner with maintenance teams to manage facility needs, equipment, and outdoor infrastructure.
Ensure effective risk management, emergency preparedness, and participant safety protocols.
Manage pool, ropes course, hiking trails, and other outdoor amenities to support diverse programming.
Community Engagement & Fund Development
Build and maintain partnerships with schools, community organizations, and corporate partners to grow outdoor education programs.
Work closely with the development team to secure grants, sponsorships, and fundraising support for camp scholarships and capital improvements.
Serve as a YMCA ambassador, representing NOC in the local community and regional outdoor education initiatives.
Financial & Strategic Leadership
Develop and manage annual budgets for camp, outdoor programming, and facility operations.
Ensure financial sustainability by maximizing program enrollment, partnerships, and facility rentals.
Contribute to strategic planning efforts to enhance the YMCA’s outdoor programming and community impact.
