Location and Job Title:

Director of Camp & Youth Programs
Louis S. Wolk Jewish Community Center of Greater Rochester
1200 Edgewood Ave
Rochester, NY 14618

Principal Responsibilities:

Position Summary

The Director of Camp & Youth Programs is a full-time, year-round leadership position responsible for overseeing the planning, operations, and ongoing development of the JCC's day camp (Camp Sisol), school vacation programs, and outdoor recreation offerings, including the JCC's evolving Backyard experience, a family-centered outdoor campus focused on play, exploration, and connection.

This role balances hands-on program leadership with operational management, ensuring that all programs operate safely, effectively, and with a consistently high-quality participant experience. The Director serves as a visible and trusted leader for staff, campers, families, and community partners, and plays a key role in shaping outdoor and recreational experiences that support youth development and family engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Camp, Recreation, and Outdoor Program Leadership

• Oversee all aspects of year-round camp and recreation programming, including summer day camp (Camp Sisol), school vacation programs, outdoor recreation, and Backyard-based family programming.
• Design, implement, and manage daily schedules and age-appropriate activities that support youth development, family engagement, and positive social experiences.
• Provide hands-on leadership by being regularly present in programs, engaging directly with participants and staff.
• Support the continued growth and evolution of the Backyard experience as a welcoming, family-oriented outdoor space.

Staff Management and Development

• Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, and supervision of seasonal and year-round staff.
• Develop staff schedules and coverage plans to ensure safe, compliant, and effective operations across all programs.
• Supervise, evaluate, and support staff performance through ongoing feedback, coaching, and professional development.
• Promote a collaborative, accountable, and positive staff culture.

Safety, Compliance, and Risk Management

• Hold primary responsibility for the implementation, monitoring, and enforcement of all safety procedures and emergency protocols.
• Lead all required inspections and ensure full compliance with regulations set by the Office of Children and Family Services, Department of Health, and Department of Labor.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant records related to attendance, incidents, inspections, and staff certifications.
• Ensure facilities, equipment, and outdoor spaces are maintained to meet or exceed health and safety standards.

Family Engagement and Communication

• Serve as the primary point of contact for campers and families, including orientation, daily sign-in procedures, and ongoing communication.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with parents and caregivers through proactive outreach, problem-solving, and expectation management.
• Address camper behavior concerns and family questions in a timely, thoughtful, and professional manner.
  

Enrollment, Outreach, and Administration

• Support camper and staff recruitment through outreach to schools, community organizations, and partner agencies.
• Collaborate with internal teams on marketing and outreach efforts to promote camp, recreation, and Backyard programs.
• Oversee purchasing, inventory, and organization of program supplies within budget guidelines.
• Ensure completion of all required administrative tasks, documentation, and reports in accordance with established timelines.
• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of departmental and organizational goals.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $65,000 - $70,000, commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package and JCC membership; details provided during the interview process.
• Additional Perks: Opportunities for professional development, networking, and participation in Jewish communal events and conferences.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The JCC of Greater Rochester is an equal opportunity employer. We value diverse identities, backgrounds, and perspectives and are committed to building an inclusive culture in which staff, members, and community partners can thrive.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in childhood education, psychology, recreation, or a related field required.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in camp, recreation, or youth programming with responsibility for supervising staff and overseeing programs.
• Proven experience in recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and training staff.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working with children and families, including parent communication and conflict resolution.
• CPR and First Aid certification required or willingness to obtain.

Salary:

$65,000 - $75,000

Agency Information:

About the JCC and Our Values

The Louis S. Wolk Jewish Community Center of Greater Rochester is a mission-driven organization rooted in Jewish values and open to all. We are committed to creating environments where children, families, and staff feel welcomed, respected, and supported, and where individuals are encouraged to grow into their best selves.

Our work is guided by the following core values:

• Kavod (Respect) - Honoring the dignity of every individual
• Kehillah (Community) - Fostering meaningful connection and belonging
• Chesed (Kindness and Care) - Leading with compassion and empathy
• Shmirat HaGuf (Being Our Best Selves) - Physical, emotional, and personal well-being
• Hachnasat Orchim (Welcoming and Belonging) - Creating inclusive, inviting spaces for all

Our camp, recreation, and outdoor programs are a living expression of these values, offering joyful, safe, and engaging experiences that strengthen families, build confidence, and cultivate lifelong connection to community.