Summer Camp Director, Chicago - West Loop (2027)

Galileo Learning • Chicago - West Loop, IL

3d

About The Position

Galileo Learning is hiring an experienced leader to direct a neighborhood summer day camp for K–8th grade in Chicago’s West Loop. The Camp Director serves as the site General Manager and public face of the organization, overseeing the camp launch and daily operations while delivering a safe, joyful, inclusive, and high-quality experience for campers, families, and staff. The role leads a seasonal team of 7 to 40 educators and entry-level staff, builds team culture, upholds curriculum and program standards, and manages family and community relationships.

This is a seasonal role running March–September 2027, with three phases. Training and preparation run from March through June and generally require 5 to 15 hours per week, depending on tenure and start date; work is mostly flexible and remote, with scheduled and in-person commitments. This phase includes in-person and virtual training, a Bay Area retreat, marketing events, and on-site camp preparation. Some events may occur during evenings and weekends. During the on-site camp season from June through August, hours typically run 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, for up to 50 hours per week over 5–8 weeks, depending on placement. The August–September wrap-up phase involves up to five total remote hours for administrative tasks and staff reviews.

Year-one compensation is described as hourly pay of $22–$24 during preseason preparation and training, a camp-season weekly salary of $1,400 plus $50 per week for each year of returning tenure in the role, and hourly pay of $22–$24 for postseason wrap-up. The posting also describes an additional $1 per camper-week enrollment and potential commission for add-on weeks. Compensation may vary based on factors including geography and tenure. Perks include free camp for the employee’s children or two giftable weeks, including extended care, a 15% Friends & Family discount, and priority nomination for financial assistance for someone the employee knows. The job description notes that required screenings and Adult & Child First Aid/CPR/AED certification may be required to meet state requirements for working with children.

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 beginning in the preseason and full-time on-site work during the camp season; dates vary by location.
• Willingness to travel within the region for 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 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 and resolve problems as they arise.
• Train and mentor a team of 7 to 40 educators and entry-level staff, and build a positive team culture.
• Set clear expectations for instructional and program standards, provide ongoing feedback, and support staff professional development.
• Manage training support, scheduling, payroll, and ongoing performance management.
• 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.
• Serve as the primary face of camp in the community and communicate proactively with families, facilities partners, and cross-functional teams.
• Build trust and collaborate with community partners, staff, campers, and families.
• Complete required training and preseason preparation, including applicable marketing events and on-site preparation.
• Complete postseason administrative tasks and staff reviews.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed