Cambridge Camping Association provides meaningful summer and school year experiences to children from urban, under-resourced circumstances in supportive and inclusive communities through enriching and inspiring programs.  We believe camp communities are where children experience joy, friendships, and memories that last a lifetime. 

Cambridge Camping is seeking an enthusiastic and qualified Program Director to join our team. This full time Program Director role will be responsible for planning, supervision, and safe operation of summer and school year programs for children with social, emotional, and behavioral health challenges  who need additional support to experience the full benefits of summer camp.  The Program Director will develop programming and lead through a trauma-informed lens, with a complete picture of a child’s life situation in mind, in order to provide the best environment for each child’s success.  The Program Director will lead teams of dedicated seasonal staff, ensure programs are packed with enrichment opportunities, cultivate partnerships and relationships with camper families within the community, and become a critical piece of the network that supports campers and families.

Specific Responsibilities

Under the oversight of the Co-Executive Director, the Program Director will:

• Oversee the licensing, curriculum, partnerships, recruiting, communications, staffing and training, safe operation, and evaluation of:
  • Daybreak Day Camp, a six-week summer camp program (Jul-Aug) for children ages 5-17 with social, emotional, and behavioral health needs such as ADHD, PTSD, autism spectrum disorders, and anxiety.
  • Saturday Camp, a daytime Saturday program continuing support for Daybreak Day Camp children into the school year.
•  Collaborate with other Program Directors on:
  • February and April School Vacation Camps, a weeklong STEAM-based program held on each Massachusetts school vacation week for middle school children.
  • Village Series Workshops, an bi-monthly discussion and information resource to promote the mental health and well-being of vulnerable children and families.
• Lead program marketing initiatives to increase awareness of organization and offerings.
• Assist the Co-ED to strategically grow new programs and develop existing programs.
• Develop, recruit, and maintain a network of seasonal and contract staff.
• Produce reports, data, documents, etc, to support fundraising and grant writing efforts.

All staff at Cambridge Camping Association commit to:

• Working to ensure that Cambridge Camping’s values are demonstrated in the policies and procedures of the organization, every day.
• Working in collaboration with colleagues, partners, and coalitions on work related to the role and/or the organization.
• Participating in staff meetings, team meetings, events, professional development and professional supervision.

We believe the ideal candidate for this position will:

• Offer a degree in Education, Youth/Child Development, Special Education, Social Work or related fields.  Advanced degree in related field preferred.
• Offer experience working with youth with emotional and/or social special needs.
• Offer professional experience within the nonprofit sector. Experience in a supervisory role and/or administration is strongly desired.
• Thrive working as a team leader and role model for young people, bringing creativity, enthusiasm, and positive energy to the organization.
• Be committed to Cambridge Camping’s mission, vision, and values and possess the ability to model these as a program leader.
• Possess exceptional organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills.
• Enjoy working independently and as part of a team, bringing creativity, enthusiasm, and positive energy to the organization.

Schedule and Workplace Culture

This is a full-time exempt position with a seasonally flexible schedule that includes both remote and on-site work hours.  Early morning, evening, and weekend hours may be required to engage community members and professionals. Frequent travel in the service area is required and a successful candidate must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Candidates will be asked to submit to MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) checks.

We are a local grassroots organization based in Cambridge’s Central Square with a small and committed year round staff of eight.  We are not bureaucratic, formal, or fancy but we believe in our mission, work hard and smart, and love to have fun.  Our Board of Directors and two Co-Executive Directors are hands-on leaders who enjoy being close to the work.  We employ a collaborative approach to solving problems, making decisions, and meeting new community needs. We are committed to a friendly, accessible, and welcoming environment for staff and the youth and families we engage.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range is $60,000-65,000 depending on experience. Unlimited PTO policy. Health Insurance is available.  Cambridge Camping provides professional development for employees and training for newer supervisors.  $2000 hiring bonus.

To Apply

To apply please send resume and cover letter to sean@cambridgecamping.org.

Cambridge Camping Association provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Individuals who are impacted by biased professionalism standards, such as women, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and individuals with disabilities, tend to submit applications only if they meet every requirement listed. We are always looking for enthusiastic candidates who are the best fit for the role, both culturally and through experience. If you believe you would be a good addition to our team, we look forward to your application!