Summer Camp Director, San Diego Downtown (2027)

Galileo Learning • San Diego, CA

13d • Hybrid

About The Position

Galileo Learning is seeking an experienced Camp Director to lead a K–8 summer day camp as its site General Manager and public-facing representative. The director launches and operates a Camp Galileo location, leads a seasonal team of educators and entry-level staff, and creates a safe, joyful, inclusive environment for campers and families. The role is responsible for program quality, daily operations, customer care, curriculum implementation, and team leadership.

The seasonal role has three phases. Training and preparation involve approximately 5–15 hours per week, mostly flexible and remote, with scheduled virtual and in-person training, a Bay Area retreat, marketing events, and on-site camp preparation. Camp operations are on-site, typically Monday–Friday between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM, for up to 50 hours per week over 5–8 weeks. Postseason wrap-up involves up to five total remote hours for final administrative tasks and staff reviews. Some preseason events may occur in evenings or on weekends.

Compensation includes hourly pay of $23–$25 during preseason preparation and postseason wrap-up, and a summer weekly salary of $1,500 plus $50 per week for each year of returning tenure in the role. The role also offers $1 per camper-week enrolled, with potential commission for add-on weeks. Compensation may vary based on geography and tenure. Perks include free camp for the director’s child or two giftable camp weeks, 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.
• Proven experience creating safe, inclusive environments for children and building trust with families.
• Proven experience setting clear expectations, giving ongoing feedback, and coaching staff to improve.
• Demonstrated 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 February 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 site from preseason planning through end-of-summer wrap-up.
• Serve as the camp’s operational lead, culture builder, and primary public-facing representative in the community.
• Infuse camp with joy, tradition, and creativity, and build an inclusive environment for campers, staff, and families.
• Oversee daily camp operations, parent communication, program quality, curriculum, and customer care.
• Prioritize camper safety, family trust, and program fidelity; anticipate needs and adapt to operational challenges.
• Train and mentor a seasonal staff of 7 to 40 educators and entry-level staff, depending on site size.
• Set clear instructional and program standards, provide ongoing feedback, and support staff professional development and performance management.
• Manage operational responsibilities including training support, scheduling, staffing, and payroll.
• 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 personal professional development throughout the summer.
• Communicate proactively and build trust with families, facilities partners, cross-functional teams, staff, and campers.
• Participate in preseason training, marketing events, on-site preparation, camp operations, and remote postseason administrative work and staff reviews.

Benefits

• Free camp for the director’s child or two giftable weeks, including extended care.
• 15% Friends & Family discount.
• Priority nomination for financial assistance for someone the director knows.
• Additional pay of $50 per week for each year of returning tenure in the role.
• Bonus 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