Summer Travel Camp Director, Chicago Region (2027)

Galileo Learning • Chicago, IL

6d • $22 - $24

About The Position

Galileo Learning is hiring an experienced leader to support multiple summer camps for students in grades K–8 across the Chicago region. Travel Camp Directors step in for Camp Directors or Assistant Camp Directors during absences or when additional support is needed. Reporting to a Field Program Manager, the director keeps operations running smoothly, mentors staff, and creates a joyful, safe, and inspiring camp experience. The role may be assigned a home camp or rotate between sites as needed.

The director brings Galileo’s mission and Innovation Approach to camp by fostering creativity, innovation, inclusion, and fun. The position oversees camp launch and daily operations, camper safety and behavior, family and community communication, staff onboarding and development, scheduling, timecards and payroll, compliance, and adherence to camp policies. The seasonal schedule has three phases: flexible, mostly remote training and preparation from March through June; on-site camp operations from June through August; and remote administrative wrap-up in August and September. Hours and exact dates depend on tenure, hire date, and camp placement. Preseason and postseason work is hourly and part-time; during summer operations the role transitions to a full-time, exempt Camp Director position.

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 during the preseason and full-time on-site work during camp season; dates vary by location.
• Willingness to travel within the region 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

• Bring joy, tradition, and creativity to camp and build an inclusive environment for campers, staff, and families.
• Own camp launch, from preseason planning through end-of-summer wrap-up.
• Lead daily camp operations and parent communication while delivering an exceptional program.
• Prioritize camper safety, family trust, and program fidelity; anticipate needs, adapt, and resolve problems as they arise.
• Train and mentor a staff of 7 to 40, including educators and entry-level staff, and build a positive team culture.
• Set clear instructional and program expectations, provide ongoing feedback, and support staff professional development and performance management.
• Manage operational responsibilities including training support, scheduling, payroll, and timecard approval.
• Use the Galileo Innovation Approach to encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.
• Communicate with the Field Program Manager, seek feedback, and act on it; pursue ongoing professional development.
• Serve as the primary camp representative in the community and communicate proactively with families, facilities partners, and cross-functional teams.
• Complete preseason training and preparation, including required training, marketing events, and on-site camp preparation.
• Travel within the region to up to three in-person preseason marketing events.
• Complete postseason administrative tasks and staff reviews.

Benefits

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