Program Director - Southold, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

2d•$5,950 - $8,850

About The Position

The Program Director coordinates and directs the development and implementation of a specific 4-H camp program, such as sports, expressive arts, environmental science, or outdoor education. The role supports counselors in delivering quality programming, assists with program scheduling and management, leads one evening program per week, and assists with other camp activities as needed. The Program Director also contributes to program and staff evaluation. The position provides leadership in planning educational programs, interpreting camp program direction, developing staff training, and fostering a camp culture centered on acceptance, cooperation, and empathy. The director manages daily programming and schedules, staff communication and performance processes, health and safety standards, and responses to incidents and concerns. The role also supports program assessment and evaluation, prepares educational resources and reports, maintains program inventory and supplies, and participates in professional development and other assigned duties. This is a seasonal temporary position scheduled from June 6, 2027, through August 22, 2027. The stated salary is $5,950–$8,850 per season. The position is located in Southold, New York. No relocation or visa sponsorship is available.

Requirements

Interest, knowledge, and skills in the specific program area.
Ability to teach, supervise, and motivate staff.
Strong organizational and leadership skills.
Emotional maturity, good health, and vitality.
Must meet the minimum age requirement for the particular program area under New York State Department of Health regulations.
Ability to meet travel requirements associated with the position.
Ability to meet acceptable background check standards, if required.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as appropriate or as defined in the offer letter.

Nice To Haves

College degree in education or another relevant field.
Two years of experience supervising others.
In-depth knowledge of all activities.

Responsibilities

Observe and evaluate program staff, provide constructive feedback, and inspect program spaces and equipment for safe operation.
Research, develop, and prepare educational resources for program staff, including goals, lesson plans, skill-building activities, hands-on projects, and experiments.
Support counselor staff in running program area activities and teach activities as needed.
Support all-camp activities, including Turtle Games, evening programs, rain or heat day programs, and Closing Campfire.
Assume primary leadership responsibility for one evening program per week.
Support evaluation processes for program and camper satisfaction.
Prepare final program evaluation reports with future recommendations and prepare year-end program inventory and supply orders.
Develop and implement staff training activities during pre-camp orientation.
Provide administrative leadership for planning educational programs and ensure the Camp Plan of Work is within the scope of the statewide Plan of Work.
Interpret Peconic Dunes Camp program direction to plan educational programs.
Lead problem-solving and conflict-resolution processes addressing camper and staff concerns, behavioral problems, and personal conflicts.
Plan positive youth development based on 4-H Essential Elements, the Search Institute, and other research-based information.
Design a community-oriented camp culture emphasizing acceptance, cooperation, and empathy.
Direct program staff guidance and communication, conduct staff meetings and staff evaluations, implement performance improvement strategies as needed, and recognize outstanding performance.
Ensure compliance with camp policies and procedures that protect camper and staff health and safety, and ensure program staff maintain high health and safety standards.
Communicate regularly with program staff to identify and address health and safety concerns.
Administer the daily program schedule, balance activities and routines, ensure adequate staff coverage, and adjust for weather or other exigencies.
Ensure staff document critical incidents through CIMRs (Concern, Incident, and Medical Report).
Manage post-incident processes in consultation with the director workgroup, including resolution with campers and staff, incident debriefing, and updates to policies and procedures.
Work with other Program Directors and the Logistics Coordinator to develop daily and weekly schedules of educational and recreational activities.
Manage evaluations of staff performance, program and youth development outcomes, and camper satisfaction.
Inventory program equipment and supplies, prepare the program area during pre-camp orientation, and order materials through the camp requisition process.
Assist as needed with weekly camper arrivals and departures, camper orientation, and other functions.
Operate lawn mowers, weedwackers, and small hand tools to maintain the program area when approved.
Develop and pursue a professional development plan with the Supervisor and Executive Director.
Collaborate in activities that support Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other assigned duties.
Support a safe working environment, follow applicable regulations and health and safety policies, proactively prevent accidents and injuries, and communicate identified hazards to supervisors.