Summer Camp Director, San Jose Willow Glen (2027)

Galileo Learning • San Jose, CA

3h • Hybrid

About The Position

Galileo Learning is seeking an experienced leader to serve as Camp Director for its San Jose Willow Glen summer camp. The director leads a K–8 summer camp as both site General Manager and the public face of the organization, overseeing the camp launch and operations, creating a joyful and safe environment, maintaining program quality, and delivering excellent experiences for campers and families.

The role is seasonal, running March–September 2027, with three phases. Training and preparation take place March–June and generally involve 5–15 hours per week, mostly flexible and remote, with scheduled and in-person commitments. Camp operations run June–August, typically on site from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Friday, for up to 50 hours per week over 5–8 weeks, depending on placement. Wrap-up occurs August–September and involves up to five total remote hours for administrative tasks and staff reviews. Some preseason events may occur in evenings and on weekends.

Compensation includes hourly pay of $23–$25 for preseason and postseason work. During camp season, the director receives a weekly salary of $1,600, plus $50 per week for each year of returning tenure in the role. The role 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 camp weeks, including extended care; a 15% Friends & Family discount; and priority nomination for financial assistance for someone the director knows.

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.
• 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 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, inclusive environment where campers, staff, and families feel seen, supported, and inspired.
• Oversee daily camp operations, parent communication, program quality, and customer care.
• Prioritize camper safety, family trust, and program fidelity; anticipate needs, adapt, and resolve problems as they arise.
• Train and mentor a team of 7 to 40 educators and entry-level staff, and build a strong team culture.
• Set clear 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 keep operations aligned with the organization’s mission.
• Communicate with the Field Program Manager, seek feedback, and apply it to improve camp.
• Take ownership of personal professional development throughout the summer.
• Represent 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 marketing events, training, on-site preparation, and postseason administrative tasks and staff reviews.

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 pay of $50 per week for each year of returning tenure in the role.
• $1 per camper-week enrollment bonus and potential commission for add-on weeks.

What This Job Offers

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