POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Youth and Camp provides strategic leadership, planning, administration, and oversight for the Jewish Community Center's youth programming and summer camp operations. This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating programs that provide exceptional experiences for children and families while ensuring compliance with all applicable licensing, accreditation, and safety standards.
The Director oversees program operations, manages departmental budgets, supervises full-time and seasonal staff, develops new programming, exercises independent judgment in managing departmental operations, and collaborates with other departments to support the JCC's mission and strategic objectives
Essential Job Functions
- Provide leadership and oversight for all youth programming, including Kidz Inn After-School Program, School Break Specials, Fit & Sit, Kids Night Out, Birthday Parties, enrichment programs, and other youth initiatives.
- Direct all aspects of the JCC Summer Day Camp, serving approximately 250 campers in kindergarten through eighth grade, ensuring a high-quality, safe, and engaging camp experience.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate new youth and camp programs that reflect community needs, member interests, and industry best practices for children of all abilities.
- Establish departmental goals, policies, procedures, and operational standards that support program excellence.
- · Ensure compliance with all applicable Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) licensing requirements, American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation standards, and JCC policies.
- Prepare, administer, and monitor departmental operating budgets, including revenue, expenses, staffing, and program performance.
- Analyze participation trends, evaluate program effectiveness, and implement improvements to increase member engagement, program quality, and financial performance.
- Collaborate with other JCC departments to coordinate specialty camps, enrichment opportunities, community events, and cross-departmental programming.
- Oversee the scheduling, maintenance, safety, and appropriate use of youth program facilities, including the Youth Lounge, Youth Lounge Kitchen, Art Room, Fit & Sit Room, Pavilion, and other assigned spaces.
- Manage program registration, staffing plans, risk management practices, and operational logistics.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with participants, families, community partners, vendors, and staff.
- Respond to participant concerns and resolve issues professionally and promptly.
- Exercise independent judgment in establishing program priorities, allocating resources, and making operational decisions consistent with organizational goals.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and operational needs of the JCC.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Directly supervise the Assistant Youth Director, Youth Programs Coordinator, and other assigned staff.
- Recruit, interview, hire, train, schedule, coach, evaluate, and develop full-time, part-time, and seasonal youth and camp staff.
- Provide ongoing performance management, mentoring, coaching, and accountability for departmental employees.
- Develop staffing plans that ensure appropriate coverage while maintaining budget objectives.
- Recommend compensation adjustments, promotions, disciplinary actions, and termination of employees in accordance with JCC policies.
- Promote a positive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment focused on safety, service excellence, and continuous improvement.
- Exercise sound judgment and independent decision-making in the supervision of staff, administration of programs, and management of departmental operations.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
- Strong leadership, organizational, and supervisory skills.
- Knowledge of youth development principles and best practices in youth programming and camp administration.
- Ability to develop both short- and long-term program strategies.
- Experience managing multiple programs, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
- Knowledge of budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation.
- Strong interpersonal, customer service, and conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, staff, and community partners.
- Knowledge of child development and current educational trends.
- Experience supporting children of varying abilities and backgrounds.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Canva, Daxko, and other business software.
Other Requirements
- Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
- Ability and willingness to operate a 15-passenger vehicle when required.
- CPR/First Aid certification or the ability to obtain certification within three months of employment.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Education, Recreation, Child and Youth Development, Social Work, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in youth programming, camp administration, childcare management, recreation, or a related field.
- Previous supervisory or management experience required.
- Experience managing departmental budgets, staff, and program operations is strongly preferred..
Physical Requirements
Occasionally = 0% - 33% of the work day
Frequently = 34% - 66% of the work day
Constantly = 67% - 100% of the work day
- May occasionally be exposed to communicable diseases and bloodborne pathogens while performing job duties.
- Work is occasionally performed in well-lighted, climate-controlled office areas as well as throughout the JCC facility and outdoor program areas.
- Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to frequently stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, and supervise activities for extended periods.
- Ability to frequently work outdoors for prolonged periods during summer camp operations, including covered pavilions, athletic fields, playgrounds, and pool areas, while exposed to varying weather conditions.
DISCLAIMER
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
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- The Jewish Federation of Omaha strives to create and maintain a caring, inclusive, and united community rooted in Jewish values and traditions. We embrace and value differences and employ personnel without regard to actual or perceived sex, gender identification, sexual orientation, race, color, ethnicity, religious background or beliefs, descent or nationality, disability (including physical, intellectual or mental disability), genetic information, pregnancy status, leave status, marital status, socio-economic status, neurodiversity, veteran status, citizenship status, age, height, weight, and/or any other characteristic or status protected by federal, state, or local law. The Jewish Federation of Omaha welcomes, respects, and values all people. Our culture is a dedicated space that includes diversity of thought, inclusiveness of everyone, and a feeling of belonging
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $44,000.00 - $66,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Camp or Youth: 3 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
