Residential Life Director of Overnight Sports Camp

Academy Camps • Suffield, CT

4d • $7,000 - $10,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Residential Life Director Job Description Reports to: Camp Director Academy Camps is an overnight sports-specific sleepaway camp experience that takes place on the campus of Suffield Academy (CT). We are seeking a Residential Life Director to be a member of our camp leadership team and coaching staff. Who we are Academy Camps is a modern approach to the sports camp experience. We offer 1-week sessions for Boys & Girls aged 10 - 15 interested in baseball, basketball, football, soccer, squash, swimming, tennis & volleyball. Our campers choose one of our 8 "Academy Sports" and receive 2 intensive training sessions per day with our high-performance coaching staff. We are a dedicated team of high performance coaches, nurturing & exemplary counselors, and experienced camp professionals, passionate about the 'whole athlete'. Outside of sports specific training sessions, AC is distinguished in delivering programming focused on its pillars of Performance, Wellness, Mindset, and Leadership mixed in with a healthy dose of fun through a daily schedule of traditional sleepaway camp activities. Position As a member of the AC Leadership Team, the Residential Life Director plays a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being of both campers and staff, overseeing and advocating for the counselor team and campers alike. The Residential Life Director is responsible for creating and promoting a camp environment centered around respect, mental wellness, and a rewarding camp experience. This role demands a combination of emotional intelligence and administrative skills, along with the capacity to oversee the overall wellbeing of the camp. The director aims to provide support to the leadership team, ensure a sense of personal and professional fulfillment for each counselor, and make the campers the stars of the show.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or professional equivalent) + 4-6 years professional experience working in a role with well-aligned proficiencies
• Prior Staff or Team Leadership experience is required - including supervision, feedback, and team development - including behavior management, conflict resolution, and creating a positive culture.
• High executive functioning and proficient in learning new tech and systems for digital communication and administrative organization.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working at summer camp and managing camper behavior (or equivalent youth management experience), strongly preferred
• Experience in social work, counseling, or a related youth development field preferred.
• Experience with parent communication in educational, recreational, or camp settings preferred.
• Residential life and student management experience is a bonus.
• An excellent relationship builder - quick to connect, build trust, and rapport
• A creative problem-solver - with an empathetic approach to customer service, team management, and ability to ask for help when needed
• A growth mindset - an orientation towards learning and development; willing to receive and implement feedback and learn from mistakes

Responsibilities

• Camper Management - Take full ownership of camper management, ensuring that all campers are supported emotionally and socially throughout their camp experience. Address any personal or interpersonal conflicts and provide resources to resolve homesickness, stress, and other challenges.
• Dorm-Staff Management - Lead and oversee the dormitory staff, ensuring they provide a safe and nurturing environment for campers. Establish clear expectations for staff, including curfew enforcement, dorm cleanliness, and adherence to dormitory rules.
• Execute Dorm Placements - Support the Camp Director with the execution of camper and staff room assignments.
• Staff Feedback & Meetings - Facilitate regular staff meetings to provide a forum for feedback, reflection, and communication among the team. Lead mid- and end-of-summer performance reviews, fostering growth and development within the staff.
• Camper & Staff Nomination Management - Manage the AC Value Band Nomination process from announcing to the camp, reviewing nominations, and selecting campers and staff to celebrate in our Morning Huddle each day.
• Execute Varsity Class Program - Lead the Varsity Class program in partnership with the Program Director. Execute the program plan for our oldest campers (entering 10th grade) and ensure it achieves the core expectations and provides intentional growth opportunities both on and off the field.
• Manage Parent Communications - Work in partnership with the leadership team to communicate with parents, addressing concerns or updates regarding camper well-being in a timely and transparent manner.
• Deliver Camper Surveys - Lead the process of gathering feedback from campers through surveys, ensuring that their experience is evaluated and improved upon based on their insights, and promoting their overall growth during their time at camp.

Benefits

• The AC compensation package is competitive and is commensurate with skills and experience.
• Compensation is $7,000-10,000 and includes room and board.
• Travel stipend provided to support relocation.
• Reside on campus - room and board included on-site at both of our campuses with access to state-of-the-art athletic facilities, providing a seamless and immersive experience.
• Option to increase compensation through Camper Referral Program: Earn $250 referral bonus for each camper enrolled.
• Opportunity to grow with Academy Camps as our presence expands regionally and nationally.
• Follow camp staff rules and regulations as outlined in the Academy Camps Staff Playbook

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Manager