Summer Camp Director, Oakland Rockridge (2027)

Galileo Learning • Oakland, CA

4h • Hybrid

About The Position

Galileo Learning is hiring a Camp Director to lead a K–8 summer camp location in Oakland Rockridge. The Director serves as the site's General Manager and the public face of Galileo, overseeing camp launch and operations, camper and family experiences, program quality, safety, and a seasonal team of educators and entry-level staff. The role includes preseason planning and training, full-time on-site camp operations during the summer, and brief remote wrap-up work afterward. The position is seasonal, running March–September 2027, although the posting also lists availability dates in 2026.

The Camp Director creates a joyful, safe, inclusive environment; builds camp traditions and a strong team culture; manages operational details and staff performance; and represents Galileo to families and community partners. The Director applies the Galileo Innovation Approach to encourage creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving, and works closely with the Field Program Manager to improve the camp experience.

The schedule has three phases. Training and prep generally run March–June at 5–15 hours per week, mostly flexible and remote, with required scheduled and in-person commitments. Camp operations run June–August, typically 7:00 AM–6:00 PM Monday through Friday, up to 50 hours per week for 5–8 weeks, on site. Wrap-up work in August–September is remote and up to five hours total. Some preseason events may occur in evenings or on weekends.

Compensation is described as an hourly rate of $23–$25 for preseason prep and training, a summer salary of $1,500 per week plus $50 per week for each year of returning tenure in the role, and hourly pay of $23–$25 for postseason wrap-up. The role may also earn $1 per camper-week enrollment and potential commission for add-on weeks. Listed perks include free camp for the Director’s child(ren) or two giftable weeks including extended care, a 15% Friends & Family discount, and priority nomination for financial assistance for someone they know.

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.
• Experience creating safe, inclusive environments for children and building trust with families.
• Experience setting clear expectations, providing ongoing feedback, and coaching staff to improve.
• Demonstrated 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 Feb 2026 and full-time on-site work starting June 2026; dates vary by location.
• Willingness to travel regionally 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 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

• Lead the launch and operation of a Camp Galileo location from preseason planning through end-of-summer wrap-up.
• Oversee daily camp operations, parent communication, program quality, and adherence to curriculum and program standards.
• Prioritize camper safety, family trust, and a safe, inclusive environment for campers, staff, and families.
• Infuse camp with joy, tradition, and creativity, and build a culture in which people feel seen, supported, and inspired.
• Train and mentor a team of 7 to 40 educators and entry-level staff, depending on site size.
• Set clear expectations for instructional and program standards, provide ongoing feedback, and support staff professional development and performance management.
• Manage core operational responsibilities, including training support, scheduling, staffing, and payroll.
• Anticipate needs, adapt quickly, and solve problems to keep camp operations running smoothly.
• 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.
• Represent camp in the community and communicate proactively with families, facilities partners, and cross-functional teams.
• Build and maintain trust with community partners, staff, campers, and families.
• Attend required training, marketing events, and other scheduled preseason commitments.

Benefits

• Free camp for the employee's child(ren) or two giftable camp weeks, including extended care.
• 15% Friends & Family discount.
• Priority nomination for financial assistance for someone the employee knows.
• Additional $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