Executive Director of Auxiliary Programs & Summer Camps
Applewild School | Fitchburg, MA | Year-Round
Compensation: $90,000 to $110,000 plus benefits
Background
Applewild School is entering a new chapter in its 69-year legacy. In the coming weeks, the school will complete construction of a new, state-of-the-art Athletic & Wellness Center, featuring two gymnasiums, a six-lane swimming pool, squash courts, a strength and conditioning center, a yoga and dance studio, and a virtual golf simulator. This significant investment is complemented by a new boarding facility that opened last year, bringing the campus to 140 total beds across residential buildings that have all been built or renovated within the past five years.
The newly created role of Executive Director of Auxiliary Programs & Summer Camps will be responsible for building thriving summer camp and year-round programs from the ground up, bringing these new facilities to life, reaching prospective families, and unlocking new revenue for the school.
The ideal candidate will bring an entrepreneurial mindset and have experience building youth programs that create exceptional experiences for children and establish strong community partnerships. This is an opportunity to shape the future of Applewild by building a suite of programs that advances the school’s mission and strengthens its regional reputation.
About Applewild School
Applewild School is an independent, coeducational day and boarding school serving students from 3 months through grade 9, including a residential program for grades 3 through 9. Set on a 42-acre hilltop campus in Fitchburg, MA, the school is known for nurturing curious learners and empowering them to lead with confidence, courage, and humanity. Applewild's academic philosophy centers on helping each child understand how they learn best, preparing students to take on rigorous academic work with confidence and go on to the nation's most selective secondary schools.
Founded in 1957, Applewild has grown from a single hillside estate into a campus of classrooms, dormitories, and athletic facilities built through decades of community investment, most recently a new middle school residence and Athletic & Wellness Center.
Rooted in a tradition of excellence in liberal arts education and guided by core values, Applewild draws families from 25 local towns as well as several other states and countries
Position Overview
Reporting to the Head of School, the Executive Director of Auxiliary Programs & Summer Camps will provide strategic leadership for all auxiliary enterprises, including summer camp, enrichment programs, facility rentals, conferences, partnerships, and Horizons at Applewild.
The position will partner closely with Applewild’s year-round professional staff who will support program development, operations, administration, and marketing. During the summer months, this position will hire and lead a team of seasonal staff to run summer programming.
Success in this role will be measured by growth in camper participation, customer satisfaction and retention, annual revenue generation, operational safety and compliance, and alignment with Applewild’s overall mission.
Responsibilities
Business Development and Design of Camp & Auxiliary Programs
- Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan for Applewild's auxiliary enterprise.
- Identify, evaluate, and launch new lines of business that leverage the School's campus, facilities, faculty expertise, and market opportunities.
- Research emerging trends and conduct market analyses to identify high-demand programs to pursue.
- Create innovative educational, athletic, recreational, and community programming that attracts strong enrollment and generates meaningful net revenue.
- Develop and manage strategic partnerships with outside organizations interested in operating programs on campus or leasing Applewild's facilities.
- Continuously evaluate and expand offerings to maximize year-round utilization of campus assets.
- This position will manage the following programs:
- Summer day and residential programs
- Athletic camps and clinics
- Enrichment and specialty programs
- School vacation and short duration school year programs
- Facility rentals and conferences
- Community partnerships
- Horizons at Applewild
- Future auxiliary initiatives developed as part of the School's strategic growth
Financial Oversight & Business Administration
- Develop and manage annual operating budgets for all auxiliary programs.
- Establish ambitious revenue and profitability goals in collaboration with the Head of School.
- Monitor enrollment, financial performance, and key operating metrics.
- Drive continuous improvement with the goal of substantially increasing annual net income and creating a sustainable auxiliary business that contributes significantly to the School's long-term financial health.
Marketing, Sales & Enrollment
- Serve as the chief marketing and enrollment strategist for all auxiliary programs.
- Develop and implement sophisticated multi-channel marketing campaigns utilizing digital advertising, social media, email marketing, community outreach, educational consultants, camp fairs, strategic partnerships, and direct mail.
- Create recruitment events including open houses, school vacation programs, athletic showcases, and family events that build awareness and enrollment.
- Build strong relationships with prospective families, community organizations, schools, and referral partners.
Program Management & People Leadership
- Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate seasonal and year-round staff.
- Build an organizational culture centered on excellence, safety, customer service, and innovation.
- Oversee daily operations for all programs and ensure exceptional participant experiences.
- Collaborate with school faculty and staff to identify opportunities for school-year employees to contribute to auxiliary programming.
- Participate fully as a senior administrative leader of a junior boarding school. Collaborate with the senior administrative team in support of the overall running of the school.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- 5+ years leading residential camps, youth programs, or independent school auxiliary programs, or experience in a related field..
- Demonstrated success building, launching, or growing programs or camps,
- Proven experience managing budgets and achieving ambitious financial goals.
- Strong marketing, enrollment, and business development experience.
- Experience using camp management platforms, CRM, registration, and business management software.
- Familiarity with American Camp Association standards is preferred.
- CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
- Ability to navigate a hilly campus and lift up to 50 pounds when necessary.
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation is $90,000 to $110,000 plus a performance-based bonus structure tied to mutually established revenue, profitability, enrollment, and strategic growth goals.
In addition, Applewild provides healthcare benefits, paid time off, retirement benefits, and tuition remission for eligible-age children. Onsite housing can be provided year-round should a candidate have interest in living onsite.
Pay: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
