Summer Camp Director, La Grange (2027)

Galileo Learning • La Grange, IL

12d • $22 - $24

About The Position

Galileo Learning is hiring an experienced Camp Director to lead a Camp Galileo summer day camp for K–8th grade students in La Grange. The director serves as the site’s General Manager and public face, overseeing the camp’s launch and daily operations while creating a joyful, safe, inclusive environment for campers, families, and staff. The role leads a seasonal team of 7 to 40 educators and entry-level staff, maintains program quality and curriculum standards, and delivers strong customer care.

The seasonal role runs March–September 2027, with a schedule divided into three phases. Training and preparation from March through June require 5–15 hours per week, 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 for 5–8 weeks, depending on placement. The August–September wrap-up involves up to five total remote hours for administrative tasks and staff reviews. Some preseason events may occur in the evenings or on weekends.

Compensation includes hourly pay of $22–$24 during preseason preparation and postseason wrap-up, and a summer weekly salary of $1,400 plus $50 per week for each year of returning tenure in the role. The position also offers $1 per camper-week enrollment and potential commission for add-on weeks. Perks include free camp for the director’s child or two giftable camp weeks, a 15% Friends & Family discount, and priority nomination for financial assistance for someone they know. Compensation may vary based on factors including geography and tenure.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of experience working directly with students in an educational setting, such as out-of-school-time programs, 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.
• 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 preseason and full-time on-site work during camp 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

• Lead the camp’s launch, from preseason planning through end-of-summer wrap-up.
• Oversee daily camp operations, parent communication, program quality, curriculum, and customer care.
• Create an inclusive, joyful environment in which campers, staff, and families feel seen, supported, and inspired.
• Prioritize camper safety, family trust, and program fidelity; anticipate needs and resolve problems as they arise.
• Train, mentor, schedule, and manage a seasonal staff of 7 to 40, including educators and entry-level staff.
• Set clear expectations for instructional and program standards, 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 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, facility partners, and cross-functional teams.
• Cultivate trust and collaborate with community partners, staff, campers, and the Field Program Manager.
• Complete preseason training, preparation, and marketing activities, and perform postseason administrative tasks and staff reviews.

Benefits

• Free camp for the employee’s child 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

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