YMCA Camp Icaghowan is looking for their next Executive Director!

Camp Icaghowan’s activities help kids and teens (ages 7 to 17) of all backgrounds and abilities to build integrity, self-reliance and leadership. Situated on 120 beautiful acres near Amery, Wisconsin, Icaghowan offers a unique setting that includes 44 acres of island on Lake Wapogasset. We also offer three treehouses, known for their beauty and the opportunities they provide to explore the forest canopy. 

1.  Job Summary:

The YMCA of the North has a rich history in camping and currently operates eight unique overnight camps and eight day camps. The organization is searching for a dynamic overnight Camp Executive Director with a strong commitment to nature-based experiences for children, adults and families. In addition, candidates should hold a deep commitment to equity, human development, outdoor education and social/emotional learning.

The Camp Executive Director is responsible for bringing the mission to life. This role supports the administration, programs, facilities, fundraising and strategic plan of the camp and the organization. In partnership with the VP of Camp Operations and the Camp’s Community Advisory Board, the Camp Executive Director directs and implements a positive, progressive camping program.

 2.  Essential Functions:

• Direct a progressive overnight camping program and conference and retreat program (day camps in some locations as well).
• Supervise fulltime Program Director(s), Property Manager, Food Service Manager, and other camp staff as needed.
• Develop, implement, and coordinate marketing efforts for recruitment and retention of campers.
• Develop and implement recruiting and retention strategies for diverse team members.
• Develop cutting edge curriculum in the areas of leadership development, progressive skill development, social/emotional learning and character development.
• Serve as a participant and leader of the YMCA of the North Annual Fundand other fundraising efforts as needed.
• Actively monitor participant evaluations as well as facilitate full-time and part-time team member evaluations.
• Evaluate the camp’s programs continually, involving staff, group leaders, group participants, campers, parents, and facility. Advise administrative and maintenance staff and Community Advisory Board of operational needs and challenges.
• Adhere to and receive American Camp Association accreditation.
• Act as staff liaison to Camp’s Community Advisory Board and their chart of work.
• Work with the overall Camping Leadership Team to meet goals and objectives around finance, marketing, communication, vision, etc.

 3.  Relationships:

This position reports to the VP of Camp Operations who reports to the Senior Vice President of Equity in the Outdoors. The incumbent interacts regularly with camp participants, general public, summer staff, donors and volunteers.

4.  Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience,
• Minimum of three (3) years of management experience to include supervision and budgets.
• Progressive programming and management experience in an outdoor residential environment.
• Experienced in the outdoors and as an overnight staff member for more than three summers.
• Willing to live on-site in camp provided housing during program months (some exceptions apply).
• Strong financial development skills, donor stewardship and proven fundraising experience.
• Demonstrated skills in supervision, organizational systems, camping program development, and financial management.
• Understands and able to develop and implement curriculum.
• Demonstrated skills in customer service, large and small group communications, leadership, and group work with adults, teens and children.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook and other computer programs necessary to perform the duties of the job.

Preferred:

• YMCA Branch Leader certification with a strong understanding of the YMCA’s mission/vision.

5. Leadership Characteristics:

• Visionary, with a desire to create transformational and progressive shared outdoor experiences.
• Strategic- able to articulate the camp’s strategic future to the staff, board, volunteers and donors.
• Committed to becoming anti-racist/anti-oppressive camp communities.
• Supervision and development style that inspires others toward strive for their highest potential.
• Comfortable with change and skilled at change management.
• Transparent and honest, acting with highest levels of ethics and integrity.
• Able to effectively communicate the organization’s mission to donors, volunteers and the overall community.
• Excellent written, oral and public speaking skills.
• Proficient in building and maintaining organizational partnerships that further the organization’s goals.
• Strong financial management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision making and reporting.

6. Work Conditions:

• Must be able to work on a computer for an extended period of time.
• Must be able to regularly travel locally for meetings, training and special events.
• Must be able to work in an outdoor, camp environment and live onsite at the camp location during summer months.
• Must be able to physically meet the requirements of the job in an outdoor based environment.

7.  Additional Notes:

This job description represents the major functions of the position but is not intended to be all-inclusive. The incumbent is also responsible for taking direction from the Senior Vice President of Equity in the Outdoors or their representatives in completing projects or performing duties deemed necessary for the assigned branches or Association success.