Summer Camp Director, Chicago - Lincoln Square (2027)

Galileo Learning • Elk Grove Village, IL

3h

About The Position

Galileo Learning is hiring a Camp Director to lead a Camp Galileo summer day camp for K–8th grade students in the community. The Director serves as the site’s General Manager and public face, opening and operating the location and leading a seasonal team of educators and entry-level staff. The role focuses on creating a joyful, safe, inclusive environment; maintaining program quality; and providing excellent experiences for campers, families, and staff.

The Director owns the camp’s launch and operations from preseason planning through end-of-summer wrap-up. Responsibilities span daily operations, family communication, safety, curriculum and program standards, staff training and management, scheduling, payroll, and performance support. The Director builds relationships with families, facility partners, community members, and Galileo teams, and uses the Galileo Innovation Approach to encourage creativity, problem-solving, reflection, and continuous improvement.

This is a seasonal role with three phases. Training and preparation run March–June and involve 5–15 hours per week, depending on tenure and start date; work is mostly flexible and remote, with scheduled virtual and in-person training, a Bay Area retreat, marketing events, and on-site preparation. Camp operations run June–August, generally Monday–Friday, with on-site hours typically between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM and up to 50 hours per week for 5–8 weeks, depending on placement. Wrap-up runs August–September and involves up to five total remote hours for administrative tasks and staff reviews. Some preseason events may occur in evenings or on weekends.

Compensation is described as a Year 1 estimate: preseason and postseason work is paid hourly at $22–$24 per hour; during summer operations, the role transitions to a weekly salary of $1,400, plus $50 per week for each year of returning tenure in the role. The posting also offers $1 per camper-week enrollment and potential commission for add-on weeks. Compensation may vary based on factors including geography and tenure.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of experience working directly with students in an education setting, such as out-of-school-time programs, teaching, education administration, camps, or recreation.
• At least 1 year of experience managing or supervising adult staff.
• Demonstrated experience creating safe, inclusive environments for children and building trust with families.
• Experience setting clear expectations, giving ongoing feedback, and coaching staff to improve.
• Ability to manage operational details such as scheduling, staffing, and payroll.
• Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions in fast-paced situations, including safety issues and challenging conversations with families.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with families, partners, and supervisors.
• Availability for part-time remote work starting February 2026 and full-time on-site work starting June 2026; dates vary by location.
• Willingness to travel within the region to up to three in-person preseason marketing events.
• Ability to complete all required training before camp begins.
• Ability to meet state requirements to work with children, including mandated screenings and Adult & Child First Aid/CPR/AED certification.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with hands-on, project-based learning, such as STEAM, art, design, or maker programs.

Responsibilities

• Infuse camp with joy, tradition, and creativity, and build an inclusive environment where campers, staff, and families feel seen, supported, and inspired.
• Own camp launch activities from preseason planning through end-of-summer wrap-up.
• Oversee daily camp operations, parent communication, and program delivery as the operational lead and culture builder.
• Prioritize camper safety, family trust, and program fidelity; anticipate needs, adapt, and solve problems to keep camp running smoothly.
• Train and mentor a site staff of 7 to 40, including educators and entry-level staff, and actively build team culture.
• Set clear instructional and program standards, provide ongoing feedback, and support staff professional development.
• Manage staff training support, scheduling, payroll, and ongoing performance management.
• Use the Galileo Innovation Approach to encourage curiosity and problem-solving and help the team turn challenges into opportunities.
• Communicate openly with the Field Program Manager, seek feedback, and act on it; take ownership of professional development.
• Serve as the primary face of camp in the community and communicate proactively with families, facilities partners, and cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate with the Field Program Manager and cultivate trust with community partners, staff, and campers.
• Complete final administrative tasks and staff reviews during the postseason wrap-up phase.

Benefits

• Free camp for the employee’s child or children, or two giftable weeks of camp, including extended care.
• 15% Friends & Family discount.
• Priority nomination for financial assistance for someone the employee knows.
• Additional compensation of $1 per camper-week enrollment, plus potential commission for add-on weeks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed