Summer Camp Director, Oak Park/River Forest (2027)

Galileo Learning • River Forest, IL

9d • $22 - $24 • Hybrid

About The Position

Galileo Learning is hiring an experienced Camp Director to lead a Camp Galileo summer day-camp location serving K–8th-grade campers and their families. The director serves as the site’s General Manager and public face, opening and operating the camp while leading a seasonal team of educators and entry-level staff. The role focuses on creating a joyful, safe, inclusive environment; maintaining program quality and curriculum fidelity; and delivering excellent customer care, family experiences, and team leadership.

The director owns the camp launch from preseason planning through end-of-summer wrap-up. Core areas include daily operations, safety, parent communication, staff training and development, scheduling, payroll, and performance management. The director also builds camp traditions and culture, represents the organization in the community, partners with families and facilities, and works with the Field Program Manager to respond to feedback and improve. Camp teams range from 7 to 40 staff, depending on site size.

This is a seasonal role with three phases. Training and preparation run March–June, generally 5–15 hours per week, mostly flexible and remote, with required scheduled and in-person commitments. Camp operations run June–August, typically on site Monday through Friday between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM, up to 50 hours per week for 5–8 weeks depending on placement. Wrap-up work takes place remotely in August–September for up to five total hours. Some preseason events may occur during evenings and weekends.

Compensation includes hourly pay of $22–$24 during preseason preparation and postseason wrap-up. 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. An additional $1 per camper-week enrollment and potential commission for add-on weeks are also offered. Compensation may vary based on geography and tenure.

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, giving ongoing feedback, and coaching staff to improve.
• Ability to manage operational details such as scheduling, staffing, and payroll.
• Ability to stay 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 in February 2026 and full-time on-site work starting in 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 joy, tradition, creativity, and Galileo’s mission to camp.
• Build an inclusive environment where campers, staff, and families feel seen, supported, and inspired.
• Own all aspects of the camp launch, from preseason planning through end-of-summer wrap-up.
• Oversee daily camp operations and parent communication while delivering a high-quality program.
• Prioritize camper safety, family trust, and program fidelity.
• Anticipate needs, adapt quickly, and solve problems to keep camp operations running smoothly.
• Train and mentor a site team of 7 to 40 educators and entry-level staff, depending on site size.
• Set clear instructional and program standards, provide ongoing feedback, and support professional development.
• Manage training support, scheduling, payroll, and ongoing staff performance.
• Use the Galileo Innovation Approach to encourage curiosity and problem-solving.
• Communicate 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.
• Communicate proactively with families, facilities partners, and cross-functional teams.
• Build trust and collaborate with the Field Program Manager, community partners, staff, and campers.

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 pay of $50 per camp-season week for each year of returning tenure in the role.
• An 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