Summer Camp Director, Chicago - West Loop (2027)

Galileo Learning • Chicago, IL

4d • Hybrid

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 the public face of the organization, opening and operating a camp location and leading a seasonal team of educators and entry-level staff. The role focuses on creating joyful, safe, inclusive environments; delivering high-quality programming and customer care; and ensuring strong experiences for campers, families, and staff.

The director owns the camp launch from preseason planning through end-of-summer wrap-up, oversees daily operations and parent communication, and upholds safety and program standards. They train, mentor, schedule, and manage staff, including supporting payroll and performance management. The director also builds community partnerships, communicates with families and facilities partners, collaborates with the Field Program Manager and cross-functional teams, and uses feedback and Galileo’s Innovation Approach to improve the camp experience.

This seasonal role runs March–September 2027, with timing and hours varying by hire date and site. Training and preparation are generally 5–15 hours per week from March through June, mostly flexible and remote, with some scheduled and in-person commitments. Camp operations are on-site Monday through Friday, typically 7:00 AM–6:00 PM, up to 50 hours per week for 5–8 weeks from June through August. Wrap-up work in August–September is remote and up to five hours total. Some preseason events may occur during evenings and weekends.

Year 1 compensation includes hourly pay of $22–$24 for preseason preparation and training, a summer 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 work. Additional compensation includes $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 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.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of experience working directly with students in an educational 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 February 2026 and full-time on-site work beginning in 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

• Open and operate a Camp Galileo location, owning its launch from preseason planning through end-of-summer wrap-up.
• Lead daily camp operations and parent communication as both the operational lead and culture builder.
• Create joyful, inclusive environments where campers, staff, and families feel supported and inspired.
• Prioritize camper safety, family trust, and program fidelity; anticipate needs and resolve problems as they arise.
• Train and mentor a site team of 7 to 40 educators and entry-level staff, and actively build team culture.
• Set instructional and program expectations, provide ongoing feedback, and support staff professional development.
• Manage training support, staff 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 put feedback into action.
• Take ownership of professional development and continually learn and improve 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.
• Complete preseason training, marketing events, and on-site camp preparation, as well as postseason administrative tasks and staff reviews.

Benefits

• Free camp for the employee’s child(ren) or two giftable camp weeks, including extended care.
• 15% Friends & Family discount.
• Priority nomination for financial assistance for someone the employee knows.
• Additional compensation 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