Summer Camp Director, Carlsbad (2027)

Galileo Learning • Carlsbad, CA

9d

About The Position

Galileo Learning is hiring an experienced leader to direct a 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 create joyful, safe environments and ensure smooth daily operations. The role focuses on exceptional camper and family experiences, program quality, creativity, customer care, curriculum, and team leadership.

The Director owns the camp launch from preseason planning through the end-of-summer wrap-up. They oversee daily operations and parent communication, prioritize safety and program fidelity, and lead a staff of 7 to 40 through training, scheduling, payroll, feedback, professional development, and performance management. They also build an inclusive camp culture, represent Galileo in the community, and collaborate with families, facilities partners, cross-functional teams, and the Field Program Manager.

This is a seasonal role running March–September 2027, with three phases. Training and preparation (March–June) require 5 to 15 hours per week, mostly flexible and remote, with some scheduled and in-person commitments. On-site camp operations (June–August) typically run 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, for up to 50 hours per week over 5–8 weeks, depending on placement. Wrap-up (August–September) involves up to five total remote hours for final administrative tasks and staff reviews. Some preseason events may occur during evenings and weekends.

Compensation is described as a Year 1 estimate. Preseason and postseason work is paid hourly at $23–$25 per hour. During camp season, the role transitions to a weekly salary of $1,500, plus $50 per week for each year of returning tenure in the role. Additional compensation may include $1 per camper-week enrollment and potential commission for add-on weeks. Compensation may vary based on geography and tenure.

Perks include free camp for the employee’s child or children, or two giftable weeks including extended care; a 15% Friends & Family discount; and priority nomination for financial assistance for someone the employee 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 experience setting clear expectations, providing ongoing feedback, and coaching 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 to work with children, including required 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

• Own the camp launch, from preseason planning through end-of-summer wrap-up.
• Oversee daily camp operations and parent communication while delivering an exceptional program.
• Prioritize camper safety, family trust, and program fidelity.
• Anticipate needs, adapt quickly, and resolve operational challenges.
• Train and mentor a staff of 7 to 40, including educators and entry-level staff, and build team culture.
• Set clear expectations for instructional and program standards; provide ongoing feedback and professional development.
• Manage training support, scheduling, payroll, and ongoing staff performance.
• Use the Galileo Innovation Approach to encourage curiosity and problem-solving and help the team turn challenges into opportunities.
• Communicate with the Field Program Manager, seek feedback, and act on it.
• Take ownership of professional development and continue learning and improving.
• Serve as the primary public face of camp in the community.
• Communicate proactively with families, facilities partners, and cross-functional teams; cultivate trusted community partnerships.
• Complete final administrative tasks and staff reviews during the wrap-up phase.

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