Summer Camp Director, San Diego Downtown (2027)

Galileo Learning • San Diego, CA

9d

About The Position

Galileo Learning is seeking an experienced leader to direct a Camp Galileo summer program for K–8th grade students. The Camp Director serves as the site General Manager and public face of the organization, leading the launch and operation of a camp location and creating a joyful, safe, inclusive environment for campers, families, and staff. The director oversees a seasonal team of educators and entry-level staff, ensures program quality and smooth daily operations, and delivers strong customer care, curriculum implementation, and team leadership.

The role is seasonal and runs March–September 2027, with three phases. Training and preparation from March through June involve 5–15 hours per week, depending on tenure and start date, mostly flexible and remote with scheduled and in-person commitments. On-site camp operations from June through August typically run Monday–Friday, with hours between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM and up to 50 hours per week over 5–8 weeks, depending on placement. Wrap-up work from August through September is remote and up to five total hours for final administrative tasks and staff reviews. The role may include evening and weekend events during the preparation phase.

Year 1 estimated compensation includes hourly pay of $22–$24 for preseason preparation and training, a weekly salary of $1,400 during summer operations plus $50 per week for each year of returning tenure in the role, and hourly pay of $22–$24 for postseason work. Camp Directors may also earn $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 director’s children 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, giving ongoing feedback, and coaching staff to improve.
• 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 for communicating 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 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

• Lead the launch and operation of a Camp Galileo location from preseason planning through end-of-summer wrap-up.
• Serve as both site operational lead and culture builder, overseeing daily camp operations and parent communication.
• Create a joyful, creative, inclusive environment where campers, staff, and families feel seen and supported.
• 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 staff of 7 to 40, including educators and entry-level staff, and build team culture.
• Set clear instructional and program standards, provide ongoing feedback, and support staff professional development.
• Manage training support, scheduling, payroll, and ongoing staff performance.
• Use the Galileo Innovation Approach to encourage curiosity and problem-solving and align camp operations with the organization’s mission.
• Communicate openly with the Field Program Manager, seek feedback, and apply it.
• Take ownership of personal professional development throughout the summer.
• Serve as the primary face of camp in the community and 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 preseason training, marketing events, and on-site preparation activities.
• Complete final administrative tasks and staff reviews during the wrap-up phase.

Benefits

• Free camp for the director’s children or two giftable weeks, including extended care.
• 15% Friends & Family discount.
• Priority nomination for financial assistance for someone the director knows.
• Additional enrollment-based pay of $1 per camper-week and potential commission for add-on weeks.

What This Job Offers

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