Summer Camp Director, Mercer Island (2027)

Galileo Learning • Mercer Island, WA

3d

About The Position

Galileo Learning is hiring a Summer Camp Director to lead a Camp Galileo location serving K–8th grade campers and their families. The Director serves as the site’s general manager and public face, overseeing camp launch and daily operations while leading a seasonal team of educators and entry-level staff. The role focuses on creating a joyful, safe, inclusive environment and delivering high-quality programming, customer care, and team leadership.

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

Year 1 compensation includes hourly pay of $23–$25 during preseason preparation and training, a weekly summer salary of $1,600 plus $50 per week for each returning year in the role, and hourly pay of $23–$25 for postseason tasks. The posting also offers $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, providing 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 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.
• Create a joyful, creative, and inclusive environment where campers, staff, and families feel supported.
• Oversee daily camp operations, parent communication, program quality, and adherence to curriculum and program standards.
• Prioritize camper safety, family trust, and program fidelity; anticipate needs, adapt, and resolve operational challenges.
• Train, mentor, schedule, and manage a team of 7 to 40 educators and entry-level staff, building a positive team culture.
• Set clear expectations, provide ongoing feedback and professional development, and manage staff performance.
• Handle core management responsibilities including training support, scheduling, and payroll.
• Use the Galileo Innovation Approach to encourage curiosity and problem-solving and turn challenges into opportunities.
• Communicate openly with the Field Program Manager, seek feedback, and act on it; take ownership of professional development.
• Represent the camp in the community and communicate proactively with families, facilities partners, and cross-functional teams.
• Build and maintain trust with community partners, staff, campers, and families.
• Complete preseason training and preparation, including in-person and virtual training, marketing events, and on-site camp preparation.
• Complete postseason administrative tasks and staff reviews.

Benefits

• Free camp for the Director’s child(ren) 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 enrollment and potential commission for add-on weeks.

What This Job Offers

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