Camp Director and JKids Manager

SJCC•Mercer Island, WA

22h

About The Position

The Seattle Jewish Community Center (SJCC) is seeking a visionary and experienced Camp Director and JKids Manager to lead our summer camp, afterschool, and youth programs. This is a leadership role for a strategic camp professional who is passionate about building exceptional programs, mentoring teams, and creating experiences that foster belonging, joy, and profound Jewish connection. If you are a thoughtful leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy, people, and program excellence—and you believe in the transformative power of camp and youth engagement—this role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact. About the Role The Camp Director and JKids Manager provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for SJCC’s camp, afterschool, and youth initiatives. This includes Summer Camp, School’s Out Break Camps, Kidstown Afterschool, Preschool and Elementary Enrichments, Parents’ Night Out, and other youth and childcare offerings. You will guide program vision and growth, oversee budgets and operations, lead staff, cultivate partnerships, and ensure all programs align with SJCC’s mission and values.

Requirements

A seasoned camp or youth professional with a strategic mindset and a passion for people.
A collaborative leader who inspires teams and builds trust across departments.
Comfortable managing budgets, analyzing data, and balancing vision with execution.
Committed to inclusive, values-driven programming and community-building.
Excited to lead within a mission-driven Jewish organization (prior Jewish professional experience welcome but not required).
Bachelor’s degree required.
Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience managing resident or day camp programs (or equivalent experience).
Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Responsibilities

Set and lead the long-term vision for camp and youth programs, ensuring innovative, high-quality, mission-aligned offerings.
Identify and develop opportunities for program expansion, including specialty camps, offsite programs, and travel experiences.
Ensure all programs integrate meaningful and authentic Jewish experiences that deepen connection and community.
Provide leadership and oversight to camp and youth program staff, including year-round and seasonal leadership teams.
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven culture that emphasizes creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Partner with Human Resources on staffing models, hiring strategies, and seasonal workforce planning.
Oversee program operations and administration, including budgeting, scheduling, facilities coordination, transportation, and data tracking.
In collaboration with Finance, monitor revenue and expenses, assess financial performance, and make data-informed adjustments.
Ensure strong systems and processes that support program quality and sustainability.
Build and strengthen relationships with community organizations to develop joint camp, family, and youth initiatives.
Cultivate strategic partnerships that enhance programming and expand community reach.
Represent SJCC at community events and outreach opportunities.
Partner with Marketing to develop and implement strategies for recruitment, promotion, and community visibility.
Maintain proactive, transparent communication with prospective and current families to ensure a positive and responsive experience.
Build and sustain year-round relationships among campers, families, and staff.