Executive Director of Auxiliary Programs & Summer Camps, Applewild School

CampHire Recruiting•Fitchburg, MA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Applewild School is seeking an Executive Director of Auxiliary Programs & Summer Camps to build and lead thriving summer camp and year-round programs. This newly created role will leverage the school's new Athletic & Wellness Center and boarding facilities to create exceptional experiences for children, reach prospective families, and generate new revenue. The ideal candidate will have an entrepreneurial mindset and experience building youth programs and establishing community partnerships. This is an opportunity to shape the future of Applewild by developing programs that advance the school's mission and strengthen its regional reputation. Applewild School is an independent, coeducational day and boarding school serving students from 3 months through grade 9, with a residential program for grades 3 through 9. Located on a 42-acre campus in Fitchburg, MA, the school is known for its individualized approach and support for students with language-based learning differences. The school's academic philosophy focuses on helping each child understand their learning style to build confidence for rigorous academic work and admission to selective secondary schools. Founded in 1957, Applewild has grown significantly, with recent investments in a new middle school residence and Athletic & Wellness Center. The school values excellence in liberal arts education and draws families from a wide geographic area.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required
5+ years leading residential camps, youth programs, or independent school auxiliary programs, or experience in a related field.
Demonstrated success building, launching, or growing programs or camps.
Proven experience managing budgets and achieving ambitious financial goals.
Strong marketing, enrollment, and business development experience.
Experience using camp management platforms, CRM, registration, and business management software.
CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
Ability to navigate a hilly campus and lift up to 50 pounds when necessary.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred
Familiarity with American Camp Association standards is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan for Applewild's auxiliary enterprise.
Identify, evaluate, and launch new lines of business that leverage the School's campus, facilities, faculty expertise, and market opportunities.
Research emerging trends and conduct market analyses to identify high-demand programs.
Create innovative educational, athletic, recreational, and community programming.
Develop and manage strategic partnerships with outside organizations.
Continuously evaluate and expand offerings to maximize year-round utilization of campus assets.
Manage summer day and residential programs, athletic camps and clinics, enrichment and specialty programs, school vacation programs, facility rentals and conferences, community partnerships, Horizons at Applewild, and future auxiliary initiatives.
Develop and manage annual operating budgets for all auxiliary programs.
Establish revenue and profitability goals in collaboration with the Head of School.
Monitor enrollment, financial performance, and key operating metrics.
Drive continuous improvement to increase annual net income and create a sustainable auxiliary business.
Serve as the chief marketing and enrollment strategist for all auxiliary programs.
Develop and implement multi-channel marketing campaigns.
Create recruitment events including open houses, school vacation programs, athletic showcases, and family events.
Build strong relationships with prospective families, community organizations, schools, and referral partners.
Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate seasonal and year-round staff.
Build an organizational culture centered on excellence, safety, customer service, and innovation.
Oversee daily operations for all programs and ensure exceptional participant experiences.
Collaborate with school faculty and staff to identify opportunities for school-year employees to contribute to auxiliary programming.
Participate fully as a senior administrative leader of a junior boarding school.
Collaborate with the senior administrative team in support of the overall running of the school.