Branch Executive Director - Camping Services

    Job Title: Branch Executive Director, Camping Services    FLSA Status: Exempt  Job Type: Full-Time   Reports to: Senior Vice President of Operations Full-Time Benefits:  * Retirement accounts (You can contribute at any time, but the Y will contribute 12% after two years of service with 1,000 in each of the two years)  * Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Plans   * Medical and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts available  * Long and Short-Term Disability Coverage  * Employee assistance program  * Complimentary nationwide 2 adult family membership to the Y  * Discounts on programs, summer camps, YMCA Camp Miller  * Paid time off (About 120 hours/ year and starting with 40 hours)  * Paid parental leave  * Subscription to the Calm app  * Bereavement leave  * Paid holidays  * Team member referral program  * Employee engagement and appreciation activities  * Growth and development opportunities   * Free parking  * Leadership certification and related training offered and encouraged Camp Summary   Serving Duluth and the surrounding communities for more than 125 years, YMCA Camp Miller provides over 750 campers each summer with a first-class camp program. Nestled on 340 acres of pristine campgrounds, Camp Miller serves as a regional residential camp and conference/retreat center. Located in Pine County, in the town of Sturgeon Lake, Camp Miller provides a picture-perfect, all-inclusive Y camp experience unlike any other in Northern Minnesota and serves as a destination camp for the surrounding communities. Its large field, abundant trail system, horseback riding arena, and art/activity structures provide an environment that builds self-confidence, strengthens independence, and forges relationships. It’s not just children who benefit from zip-lining, canoeing, fishing, archery, climbing, and wildlife/nature encounters. In addition, Camp Miller operates during the shoulder season providing programming for school groups, family camps, corporate retreats, specialized events, and weddings. The Director of Camp Miller should demonstrate a passion to work with campers, support the vision and capital campaign goals for the Y and Camp Miller, and commit to excellence in every aspect of the services we provide. The Duluth Area Family YMCA is a cause-driven association with a focus on nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the nation’s health and well-being, and providing opportunities to give back and support our neighbors.       YMCA Camp Miller’s mission: To provide positive, life-enhancing experiences for youth through activities that focus on teaching YMCA core values, developing life skills, and building character in a safe, fun, and supportive outdoor setting.     Position Summary     The Director of Camp Miller is a proven, self-motivated, cause-driven professional who is a member of our Executive Operations Team. Under the direction of Sara Cole, the President and CEO of the Duluth Area Family YMCA, and Jeramy Katchuba, Senior Vice President of Operations, the Camp Miller Executive Director is responsible for the management, oversight, and success of a multi-faceted summer camp, conference/retreat, and group rentals operation. Key areas of responsibility include building and maintaining a robust branch Advisory Council, growing the camp’s Annual Community Support Campaign, building community relations/partnerships, supervising the program directors, and ensuring effective communication and coordination between all YMCA programs, branches, and Executives. The Executive Director collaboratively delivers high-quality programs and services, while growing enrollment. The Executive Director will ensure all campers and guests receive high-quality programs and services with first-class amenities.    The Camp Executive Director is responsible for delivering quality character programs for children, families, and school/ conference groups. The Camp Director ensures that facilities and equipment are maintained, and selects trains, and manages a diverse and quality staff. The Camp Executive Director directs and implements a positive, progressive camp program both on and off-site to grow the off-site adventure-based trips.    The Camp Director is a dynamic outdoor professional with significant experience in planning, leading, and supervising outdoor and environmentally focused programs. This Camp Executive position is located in Duluth during the September-May months (with some weekends at camp) and is onsite with camp during the summer months (Sturgeon Lake, MN). Housing is available year-round at Camp Miller.     Our Culture  Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.    Essential Functions   * Maintains responsibility for the safe and effective operations of all Camp Miller programs, facilities, and support areas.   * Ensures the highest standards when it comes to camp operation in every aspect of the camp operations (both internal and external).   * Directs a progressive camp program including on and off-site programs during the summer and a conference and retreat program during the fall, winter, and spring.   * Plans, develops, and implements robust camping programs and leads the innovation of new programs, activities, events, and new business lines.   * Supervises full-time and part-time camp staff.   * Ensures that all supporting documentation and audits are completed to ensure safety and quality standards are met for a top-class camp operation.    * Recruits, hires, trains, and supervises a seasonal staff.   * Develops, implements, and coordinates marketing efforts for recruitment and retention of campers.   * Develops and implements recruiting and retention strategies for a diverse seasonal workforce.   * Develops innovative curriculum in the areas of leadership development, character development, and outdoor education.   * Serves as a participant and active member of the Duluth YMCA program and professional staff in a staff leadership role in annual fund-raising drive and other fund-raising activities.   * Supervises accurate and comprehensive records and files, including participant evaluations as well as full-time and part-time staff evaluations.   * Evaluates the camp’s programs continually, involving staff, group leaders, group participants, campers, parents, and the facility. Advise administrative and maintenance staff as well as the Advisory Council of operational needs and challenges.   * Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending the American Camp Association (ACA) standards training at least once every 2 years.   * Leads ACA accreditation for the Camp Miller facility.   * Maintains current required certifications.    * Fosters an inclusive environment appreciative of differences in the workplace. Meaningfully participate in and lead efforts to support the Y’s commitment to equity and diversity  Board Development   * Collaborates with Advisory Council Members as well as multiple other volunteer committees to educate the community about the work of the YMCA and its mission.   * Engages, recruits, and develops key community leaders for the Advisory Council. Maintains contacts with political, business, and civic leaders, as well as community groups and schools, to develop a solid volunteer structure.  * Represents and promotes the YMCA in the local community and develops positive working relationships with other organizations, businesses, and governmental entities. Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with community agencies in the service delivery area.    Fiscal Management    * Manages/provides oversight to the camp budget, managing to/within revenue and expense targets.  * Prepares the camp budget and updates revenue and expense forecasts as needed.      Safety  * Responsible for the safe and effective operation of Camp Miller’s program, facility, and support areas.  * Schedules annual inspections of all structures as required by camping and/or regulatory requirements.     Membership & Program Quality/Growth    * Achieves all established goals and objectives outlined in the Strategic Plan.   * Plans, develops, and implements camper recruitment/ retention strategies, including any required communication for these purposes throughout the year.    * Ensures all Duluth Area Family YMCA standards and best practices are implemented and followed. Applies YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to best practices, emergency procedures, medical and disciplinary situations, and child abuse prevention.    * Ensures all staff are properly trained and prepared for emergencies. This includes implementing and following training requirements in addition to ensuring proper reporting of all incidents/accidents according to risk management procedures.    * Ensures the safety and maintenance of high-quality facilities, grounds, and equipment.   * Works with other current Y leaders to consistently implement programs and ensure quality and best practices.   * Actively participates in the Executive Leadership team, as well as select program cabinet groups.    Team Leadership  * Provides leadership to all camp staff to hire, develop, motivate, influence, and retain a committed team passionate about the YMCA's mission, safety, and service to members.  * Provides leadership to all center staff to create and maintain meaningful and impactful relationships with the members, program participants, volunteers, and community leaders.    Development  * Establishes fundraising objectives for the organization, setting one-year, five-year, and longer-term goals.   * Maintains a list of potential financial donors including corporations, foundations, and individuals.   * Produces relevant and informative fundraising literature for distribution to previous donors and the public.   * Research potential sources of, and applies for, grants and public funding.   * Oversees the fundraising process and maintains records of receipts and disbursements of funds.   * Plans fundraising events that effectively communicate the purposes of the organization.   YMCA Competencies    * Mission Advancement: Reinforces the Ys values within the organization and the community. Effectively communicates the benefits and impact of the YMCA’s efforts for all stakeholders.   * Operational Effectiveness: Integrates multiple thinking processes to make decisions. Involves staff at all levels in the development of programs and activities. Ensures execution of plans. Institutes sound accounting procedures and financial controls. Assigns clear accountability and ensures continuous improvement.    * Personal Growth: Fosters a learning environment embracing diverse abilities and approaches. Creates a sense of urgency and positive tension to support change. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.    * Collaboration: Builds and nurtures strategic relationships to enhance support for the Y. Serves as a community leader building collaboration based on trust and credibility to advance the Y’s mission and goals. Communicates for influence to attain buy-in and support goals. Provides tools and resources for the development of others.    * Behavioral Characteristics: Welcoming, Nurturing, Determined, Hopeful, and Inclusive and Genuine.    Supervisory Responsibility   The Branch Executive Director, Camping Services supervises all facets of Camp Miller, including maintenance staff, camp counselors, kitchen staff, housekeepers, and volunteers.      Work Environment & Physical Demands   Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions of position and supervise program activities.      Position Type/Expected Hours of Work   This position is full-time and is of exempt status. Hours of work vary based on the needs of camp staff and residents, programming, and season. The Branch Executive is a contact point for helping with emergencies or other incidents that require the assistance of a senior leadership employee. During summer and camp programs, such as weddings and conferences, work will depend on completing necessary duties to ensure a viable program for camp participants.      Travel   Travel is required to attend meetings and conferences, recruit campers at college and community career fairs, recruit campers at community events, and attend Duluth Area Family YMCA and Y-USA events and training.       Required Education and Experience   * BA/BS from an accredited college or university in business, outdoor education, non-profit management or related field, or equivalent experience required.   * Minimum of three years of experience in camp/ recreational business operations, growth and development, community involvement, relationship building, program/business line development, associate selection, supervision and development, and day-to-day enterprise management preferred.  * Two years of experience in facility management is preferred.  * Progressive programming and management experience in an outdoor residential environment.   * Experience in the outdoors and as an overnight staff member for a minimum of three summers.   * Willing to live on-site in camp provided housing during program months.   * Demonstrated skills in supervision, organizational systems, camping program development, and financial management.   * Understands and can develop and implement the curriculum.   * Demonstrated skills in customer service, large and small group communications, leadership, and group work with adults, teens, and children.   * Certifications: CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer or equivalent, and Basic First Aid (required). Training can be provided upon hiring and must be obtained within 60 days. Higher levels of certification are accepted.   * Strong skills in fiscal management and financial development (including annual campaign, capital, and/or planned giving).   * Highly motivated with the consistent ability to meet or exceed goals, cultivate, and retain members, volunteers, and program participants.   * Ability to quickly build rapport and develop effective relationships with members, volunteers, program prospects, and others to achieve goals.   * Consistently self-driven and goal-oriented with the ability to set effective team and individual goals and take ownership for results.   * Demonstrated ability to multi-task and adapt to changing contexts and priorities.   * Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills with the ability to identify and leverage relevant data to use in planning and decision-making.   * Ability to understand, adapt to, and interact with diverse people, teams, perspectives, and cultures.    * Proficient in using email, the Internet, and other PC-based applications (e.g., Microsoft Office) with the ability to learn and adapt to new technology.   * This position requires a valid driver’s license and will require frequent local travel.    * Commitment of supporting principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action to achieve a diverse work environment   Additional Eligibility Qualifications   * Must be able to pass a background check.  EEO Statement   The Duluth Area Family YMCA (the Y) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the Y complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absences, compensation, and training.      Other Duties   Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.