Summer Camp Director, San Diego Downtown (2027)

Galileo Learning • San Diego, CA

8d

About The Position

Galileo Learning is hiring an experienced leader to direct a seasonal Camp Galileo location serving K–8th grade campers and their families. The Camp Director serves as the site General Manager and public face of the organization, leading a seasonal team of educators and entry-level staff to provide a joyful, safe, inclusive camp experience and smooth daily operations. The role oversees camp launch and operations, program quality, customer care, family communication, curriculum delivery, and team leadership, while using the Galileo Innovation Approach to encourage creativity and problem-solving.

The role runs seasonally from March through September 2027, with work divided into three phases. During training and preparation from March to June, hours are 5–15 per week, mostly flexible and remote, with scheduled and in-person training, events, and site preparation. Some events may take place evenings and weekends. During on-site camp operations from June to August, the schedule is typically 7:00 AM–6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, for up to 50 hours per week over 5–8 weeks, depending on placement. During the August–September wrap-up, the role includes up to five total remote hours for administrative tasks and staff reviews.

Compensation is phase-based. Preseason work is paid hourly at $22–$24 per hour; during camp season, the director receives a weekly salary of $1,400, plus $50 per week for each year of returning tenure in the role; postseason work is paid hourly at $22–$24 per hour. Additional compensation includes $1 per camper-week enrollment and potential commission for add-on weeks. Compensation may vary based on factors including geography and tenure.

Perks include free camp for the director’s child or children, or two giftable camp weeks including extended care; a 15% Friends & Family discount; and priority nomination for financial assistance for someone the director knows.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of experience working directly with students in an education setting, such as out-of-school time, teaching, education administration, camps, or recreation.
• At least 1 year of experience managing or supervising adult staff.
• Proven experience creating safe, inclusive environments for children and building trust with families.
• Proven ability to set clear expectations, give ongoing feedback, and coach staff to improve.
• Demonstrated ability to manage operational details such as scheduling, staffing, and payroll.
• Track record of staying calm and making 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 for working 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

• Bring Galileo’s spirit to life by infusing camp with joy, tradition, and creativity and building an inclusive environment for campers, staff, and families.
• Own the camp launch, from preseason planning through end-of-summer wrap-up.
• Oversee daily camp operations and parent communication while maintaining program quality and delivering excellent customer care.
• Prioritize camper safety, family trust, and program fidelity; anticipate needs, adapt quickly, and resolve problems as they arise.
• Train and mentor a staff of 7 to 40, including educators and entry-level staff, and actively build team culture.
• Set clear expectations for instructional and program standards, provide ongoing feedback, and support staff professional development.
• Manage 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 and continue learning and improving throughout the summer.
• 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 build trust with community partners, staff, and campers.
• Complete preseason training, marketing events, on-site camp preparation, and postseason administrative tasks and staff reviews.

Benefits

• Free camp for the employee’s child or children, or two giftable weeks 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 and potential commission for add-on weeks.

What This Job Offers

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