YMCA Camp Carter Senior Program Director

YMCA Fort Worth • Fort Worth, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

YMCA Camp Carter is seeking a Senior Program Director to provide strategic oversight for the camp’s core, revenue-generating program areas: Day Camp, Overnight Camp, Outdoor Education, and Groups, Retreats & Events. This role blends high-level vision with hands-on leadership, ensuring programs are mission-aligned, safe, innovative, and consistently delivered at a high standard. The Senior Program Director is a key member of the Camp Carter leadership team and reports directly to the Branch Executive Director. While not directly responsible for departments like Equestrian, Aquatics, Maintenance, Food Service, or Custodial, this high-ranking leader is expected to bring a can-do, solution-oriented mindset and a willingness to support camp operations as needed. This position requires living onsite in provided housing and includes nights, weekends, and early mornings consistent with overnight camp operations, supported by a reasonable rotating Manager-on-Duty (MOD) schedule. The role is guided by the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth Camp Leadership Playbook, focusing on three leadership lenses: The Program Architect, The Quality Compass, and The Growth Gardener.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in education, recreation, outdoor education, environmental sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a camp director, with strong preference for overnight camp or residential program experience.
• Proven experience leading multi-program camp or youth development operations.
• Strong background in staff supervision, program design, and risk management.
• Ability to lead with clarity, flexibility, and a solutions-focused mindset.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Candidates must understand the operational demands of overnight camp environments, including nights, weekends, and early mornings.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of or experience with American Camp Association (ACA) standards preferred.
• Day camp leadership experience is valuable and transferable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and integrate all program areas: Day Camp, Overnight Camp, Outdoor Education, and Groups/Retreats.
• Design seasonal calendars, program rotations, and curriculum frameworks.
• Ensure programs are age-appropriate, inclusive, engaging, and mission-centered.
• Align Outdoor Education curriculum with TEKS standards and school partner expectations.
• Maintain consistency across programs while encouraging creativity and staff ownership.
• Provide hands-on leadership during program delivery, especially during high-impact seasons.
• Lead program quality assurance, evaluation, and continuous improvement systems.
• Maintain ACA accreditation readiness, documentation, and staff training.
• Oversee risk management practices, camper safety systems, and behavior support strategies.
• Train and support staff in supervision, inclusion, camper wellness, and crisis response.
• Monitor feedback from campers, families, schools, and group partners to inform improvements.
• Build and sustain partnerships with school districts, nonprofits, and community organizations.
• Support outreach efforts, open houses, and referral strategies across program areas.
• Collaborate with marketing staff to tell the Camp Carter story and increase visibility.
• Monitor enrollment trends and proactively address participation barriers.
• Represent Camp Carter at community meetings, events, and conferences.
• Directly supervise and lead the Program Director of Day Camp & Outdoor Education, Groups & Retreats Director, and Seasonal Overnight Camp Director.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and strategic direction to year-round and seasonal program staff.
• Collaborate closely with fellow department heads across camp.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability coverage
• YMCA retirement plan with up to 12% employer contribution (once eligible)
• Generous paid time off (up to 288 hours annually)
• Free or discounted YMCA programs for you and your family
• Required onsite living in a private 4-bedroom, 3-bath home with utilities included

What This Job Offers

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