Chief Operating Officer & Camp Director - Stanford Sierra Camp and Conference Center

Another Source • Stanford, CA

8h • Onsite

About The Position

Another Source is proud to partner with Stanford Sierra Camp & Conference Center on the search for a Chief Operating Officer & Camp Director in South Lake Tahoe, CA. Nestled on Fallen Leaf Lake and owned by Stanford University, Stanford Sierra Camp is a beloved alumni family camp and conference center serving thousands of guests each year. The Camp operates with a dedicated Board and a large seasonal workforce, blending hospitality, tradition, and lifelong Stanford connection in a truly unique residential setting. The Camp Director serves as a highly visible leader - engaging directly with families, alumni, staff, and community partners - while balancing safety, operational leadership, modernization efforts, and preservation of the camp’s distinctive culture and “camp magic.” We welcome interest from both seasoned executives and strong leaders who are ready to step into their first Director/COO-level role. The ideal candidate will bring steady judgment, strong people leadership, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, residential community where visibility and connection matter.
Description: What you'll be doing
Another Source's client, Stanford Sierra Camp & Conference Center, is recruiting a Chief Operating Officer and Camp Director to join their team in South Lake Tahoe, CA (Fallen Leaf Lake). This is a fully onsite leadership role with required on-site housing from early June through mid-September each year. Here's a little about Stanford Sierra Camp & Conference Center: Nestled at the edge of Desolation Wilderness on Fallen Leaf Lake, Stanford Sierra Camp & Conference Center (SSC) is a one-of-a-kind destination that blends natural beauty, community, and lifelong connection to Stanford University. Owned by SAA Sierra Program, LLC and operating in partnership with the Stanford Alumni Association, SSC serves as both a beloved alumni family camp and a full-service conference center. The property accommodates up to 300 guests and 95 staff, offering robust recreational programming, meeting facilities, and full-service dining. Each summer, Stanford alumni and their families gather for a uniquely immersive camp experience rooted in tradition, outdoor adventure, and meaningful connection. In the spring and fall, conference groups enjoy a retreat-style setting that combines hospitality excellence with mission-driven engagement. SSC is not simply a camp - it is a multigenerational community and an extension of the Stanford experience. Learn more at: https://stanfordsierra.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/stanfordsierra/ About this role: The Chief Operating Officer and Camp Director serves as the visionary and operational leader of Stanford Sierra Camp. Reporting to the SAA Sierra Program LLC Board of Directors and the Stanford Alumni Association Chief Financial Officer, this executive provides strategic direction while maintaining a highly visible, hands-on presence across the property. This role calls for a dynamic leader who can move seamlessly between board-level strategy and front-line engagement with guests and seasonal staff. You will set long-range goals, steward financial sustainability, cultivate alumni relationships, and ensure that every guest and staff member experiences a safe, inclusive, and exceptional environment. The Camp Director leads a seasoned leadership team with six direct reports — Assistant Camp Director, Director of Facilities, Sales & Marketing Director, Human Resources Director, Food Services Director/Executive Chef, and Reservations Manager — and oversees more than 150 seasonal staff annually. This is an opportunity to shape culture, build community, and guide a complex hospitality operation that blends recreation, education, and alumni engagement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and at least seven years of progressive administrative and financial leadership experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Demonstrated ability to lead large, diverse teams and seasonal workforce populations
• Advanced financial acumen, including budget planning and long-range forecasting
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence diverse stakeholders
• Proven success navigating complex employee relations matters with emotional intelligence and sound judgment
• Knowledge of industry regulations and compliance standards

Nice To Haves

• Senior leadership experience in camp operations, hospitality, higher education, or related environment strongly preferred
• EMT-B certification
• California Water License (T-2)
• Commercial Class B Driver’s License
• PCIA Rock Climbing Single Pitch Lead Climb Instructor

Responsibilities

• Provide overarching leadership for all camp and conference operations, aligning strategy with mission and long-term sustainability
• Partner with the LLC Board and Stanford Alumni Association leadership to establish multi-year goals, financial plans, and operational priorities
• Identify and resolve high-level strategic issues impacting organizational performance
• Allocate resources effectively across departments to ensure operational excellence
• Lead annual budget development, rate-setting, and long-term capital planning
• Oversee all operating and departmental budgets to ensure fiscal responsibility
• Drive revenue performance across summer camp and conference seasons
• Meet annual financial goals, including the donation commitment to SAA
• Design and implement systems, processes, and staffing structures that support growth and efficiency
• Evaluate organizational effectiveness and adjust structures to optimize performance
• Provide strategic input on policy and program development where relevant
• Oversee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and performance management for year-round leaders and 150+ seasonal staff
• Foster a culture of professionalism, inclusion, and accountability
• Partner with HR and SAA leadership to address sensitive employee relations matters and ensure legal compliance
• Oversee the unique operational and community dynamics of seasonal employee housing
• Develop and retain high-performing leaders through coaching, feedback, and professional development
• Directly supervise senior managers, ensuring strong execution and alignment
• Model calm, solution-oriented leadership with strong conflict resolution and de-escalation skills
• Oversee development of engaging, family-centered summer programming for all ages
• Partner with program leaders to design inclusive, educational, and recreational experiences
• Maintain active visibility with guests to assess satisfaction and enhance programming
• Lead select activities and remain immersed in the guest experience
• Establish high standards for conference services and guest engagement
• Collaborate with Sales & Marketing to ensure seamless event logistics and exceptional service delivery
• Partner with the Executive Chef to deliver high-quality, high-volume food service operations
• Ensure both operational efficiency and elevated dining experiences
• Monitor food service budgets and performance
• Cultivate meaningful relationships with alumni, guests, business partners, and the Fallen Leaf community
• Address concerns proactively and strengthen SSC’s reputation for excellence
• Support philanthropic engagement and long-term alumni connection
• Ensure facilities remain safe, functional, and visually appealing
• Oversee emergency response systems and maintain EMT certification
• Partner closely with the Fallen Leaf Fire Department and ensure compliance with safety inspections
• Maintain CA T-2 Water License and oversee all water system operations
• Ensure water treatment, testing, reporting, and regulatory compliance
• Coordinate inspections and continuing education requirements

Benefits

• $6,000+ in tuition and training assistance annually
• Up to 50% of Stanford's annual tuition cost applied to your child's undergraduate tuition
• We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!
• 18+PTO/Vacation days per year
• Up to 5% of your base pay contributed automatically to your 403(b) + a generous match
• 100% of your retirement account is fully vested immediately

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director