Senior Program Director

YMCA of the USA • port murray, nj, United States • $90 - $120 / year • 23h ago

YMCA Camp Bernie Senior Program Director

Job Description

The Senior Program Director provides senior-level leadership for YMCA Camp Bernie’s Outdoor Education programs, serving as the primary leader responsible for curriculum quality, instructional delivery, school partnerships, staff development, and participant experience. In addition to leading Outdoor Education, this position oversees summer camp operations, year-round programs, groups, retreats, and related camp experiences to ensure consistent quality, safety, mission alignment, and operational excellence across all program areas. Reporting directly to the SVP of Childcare and Camps and serving as second in command, this role serves as a trusted strategic and operational partner, supporting executive decision-making, departmental planning, budget management, staff leadership, risk management, and cross-functional coordination across camp operations.

Qualifications

Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Outdoor Education, Recreation Management, Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, or a related field required.
Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in outdoor education, camp leadership, youth development, residential camp operations, nonprofit programming, or a related field, including at least 2 years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
Preferred experience: Experience overseeing Outdoor Education programs and supporting summer camp or year-round camp operations in a YMCA, residential camp, retreat center, school partnership, or similar environment.
Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage complex camp operations, support executive-level priorities, build school and community partnerships, make sound decisions, communicate effectively, and deliver high-quality service in a mission-driven environment. CPR/AED/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain required, along with mandatory state background checks and clearances.
Preferred Certifications: ACCT Level 2 or CCM and/or American Red Cross lifeguard or Lifeguard Instructor.
Strategic Thinking and Innovation: Ability to identify opportunities, improve systems, solve problems, and develop creative program and business strategies that advance community impact and financial sustainability.
Technical Proficiency: Strong operational knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and ability to use registration, scheduling, reporting, and communication systems to manage departmental performance.
Physical Stamina: Ability to perform indoor and outdoor activities, ascend/descend stairs, lift to 50 lbs., walk on uneven surfaces, and operate office machinery.
Flexible Schedule: Ability to work off-hours and weekends for special events when required.

Essential Functions

Outdoor Education Leadership: Lead the vision, planning, delivery, and continuous improvement of Camp Bernie’s Outdoor Education programs as the primary focus of the position. Develop and refine curriculum, instructional standards, schedules, staff training, and program systems that support high-quality school, youth, and community experiences. Ensure Outdoor Education programs are mission-centered, age-appropriate, engaging, safe, and aligned with YMCA values and educational outcomes.
Summer Camp and Program Oversight: Provide senior oversight for summer camp, year-round camp programs, groups, retreats, and special program experiences. Partner with program leaders to ensure consistent standards for staffing, supervision, schedules, participant care, program quality, and family or client communication. Support planning and execution across seasons to strengthen program continuity, camper and participant retention, and overall camp impact.
Senior Operational Leadership: Serve as the number two operational leader to the SVP of Childcare and Camps for YMCA Camp Bernie. Support executive leadership with day-to-day decision-making, annual planning, budget development, revenue and expense monitoring, staff structure, compliance, risk management, and implementation of strategic priorities. Provide leadership coverage and direction when the SVP is unavailable or when delegated.
Staff Leadership and Cross-Functional Coordination: Recruit, hire, train, supervise, coach, and evaluate Outdoor Education and program staff while supporting seasonal leadership teams. Coordinate closely with facilities, food service, registration, marketing, finance, and other YMCA departments to ensure programs are well-planned, adequately staffed, properly resourced, and delivered with a high level of service and professionalism.
Act as the SVP’s senior program and operations partner, representing camp leadership in meetings, supporting enterprise-wide initiatives, preparing reports and recommendations, leading special projects, and helping translate strategic priorities into consistent execution across Outdoor Education, summer camp, retreats, groups, and year-round programs.
Perform all other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Health, vision, and dental insurance
Paid vacation, sick, and bereavement days
Retirement Savings & 403(b) Smart Account after eligibility requirements are met.
On-Site Housing

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