Summer Camp Director, Carlsbad (2027)

Galileo Learning • Carlsbad, CA

1d

About The Position

Galileo Learning is seeking an experienced leader to serve as Camp Director for a Camp Galileo location in Carlsbad. Camp Directors lead summer day camps for K–8th grade, acting as the site General Manager and the public face of the organization. The Director opens and operates the camp, leading a seasonal team of educators and entry-level staff to create joyful, safe environments and ensure smooth daily operations. The role focuses on excellent camper and family experiences, program quality, creativity, customer care, curriculum, and team leadership.

The Director owns the camp launch from preseason planning through end-of-summer wrap-up; oversees daily operations and parent communication; prioritizes safety, family trust, and program fidelity; and builds an inclusive camp culture. They train and mentor a site team of 7 to 40, set expectations and program standards, provide feedback and professional development, and manage scheduling, payroll, and performance. The Director also represents camp in the community, communicates with families and facilities partners, and collaborates with the Field Program Manager and cross-functional teams.

This is a seasonal role running March–September 2027, with work divided into three phases. Training and preparation from March to June is mostly flexible and remote, generally 5–15 hours per week, with required scheduled and in-person commitments. On-site camp operations from June to August typically run Monday–Friday, between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM, for up to 50 hours per week over 5–8 weeks, depending on placement. Wrap-up work in August–September is remote and up to five hours total.

Compensation includes hourly pay of $23–$25 during preseason and postseason work, and a weekly salary of $1,500 during summer camp operations, plus $50 per week for each year of returning tenure in the role. The position also offers $1 per camper-week enrolled 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 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.
• 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.
• 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 during the preseason and full-time on-site work during summer operations; 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

• Infuse camp with joy, tradition, and creativity.
• Build an inclusive environment where every camper, staff member, and family feels 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 an exceptional program.
• Prioritize camper safety, family trust, and program fidelity.
• Anticipate needs, adapt quickly, and solve problems to keep camp running smoothly.
• Train and mentor a team of 7 to 40 educators and entry-level staff, and actively build team culture.
• Set clear expectations for 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.
• Lead the team in turning challenges into opportunities while aligning camp culture and operations with Galileo’s mission.
• Communicate openly with the Field Program Manager, seek feedback, and act on it.
• Take ownership of personal professional development throughout the summer.
• Serve as the primary face of camp in the community.
• 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.
• Attend required trainings, marketing events, and on-site preparation activities.

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 compensation of $1 per camper-week enrolled and potential commission for add-on weeks.

What This Job Offers

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