The Position

Every ship needs a captain, and as the leading authority on site, the Site Director leads all campers and staff with unparalleled levels of dedication, integrity, and professionalism. Reporting directly to our Headquarters team, and managing a team of onsite leadership, the Site Director is a dynamic, personable leader who embodies the spirit of camp.

Camper ages: 3-12 years old

Activities include: art, story time, sports, music, moon bounce, playground, STEM, aquatics, court and field sports, team-building, field trips, guest expert workshops, all-program meetings, special themed events

Your team: Junior Counselors, Counselors, Program Leaders, Specialists, Coordinators,Aquatics, Extended Day Staff, Assistant Site Director

Supervisor: Headfirst Headquarters

Schedule:

• In-season (late June through August): 7:15 am – 4:00 pm Monday – Friday
• Pre-season (May and early June): select evenings and weekends for training and site preparation

Compensation: $28 / Hour

What You'll Do

What You’ll Do:  

• Lead Your Team
  • Lead by example as the main point of contact for both facility partners and the Headfirst Headquarters team, demonstrating a professional, enthusiastic, empathetic, creative, and solution-oriented mindset
  • Be the ultimate role-model for the Headfirst Summer Camp mission and tone, demonstrating top-notch communications and interactions with facility partners, families, staff, and campers
  • Expert on camper behavior management and curriculum adaptations to set each child up for success
  • Coach staff to better guide campers’ emotional, physical, and social development through hands-on exploration and developmentally appropriate activities
  • Build camp spirit as a mentor and motivator for all staff, creating a fun, supportive, and growth-oriented summer work experience
  • Enforcement and compliance with Cell Phone-free camp policy locking cell phone in a designated Yondr Pouch for duration of shift
• Manage the Big Picture
  • Lead move-in and move-out of site, including classroom set-up and protection, office and storage area organization, and site operational storage inventory and management
  • Be the expert in daily carpool, overseeing set-up, break-down and operation and lead all staff in executing an efficient morning and afternoon carpool ensuring staff welcome families to camp with top notch Headfirst-level energy and coordinated carpool procedures
  • Delegate and oversee the set-up and break-down of camp logistics, ranging from tent and signage set-up to water cooler filling and delivery to inflating (and deflating) bounce houses
  • Strategically manage the operational complexity of a multi-program, large-scale camp, evaluating the impact of decisions on camper and staff experience
  • Utilize insight into both short and long-term goals to make strategic, thoughtful decisions onsite
• Think Strategically
  • Learn Headfirst systems to complete weekly camp administrative tasks including camper grouping, staffing, and daily and weekly reporting
  • Actively problem solve day-to-day issues across multiple programs, working with the Leadership Team and all staff to create the best experience possible for all campers
  • Bring your strengths with you and acknowledge there’s room for growth and learning
• Communicate Proactively
  • Anticipate staffing, facility, or schedule issues before they occur and, with insight from Headfirst Headquarters, build a game plan to solve challenges
  • Clearly communicate with Headquarters about the ways in which your team needs support – from staff celebration snacks to more professional development opportunities, advocate for your team’s needs
• Represent Headfirst for Families & Facility Partners
  • Represent the Headfirst brand daily to families at carpool and to school facility partners throughout the summer by being enthusiastic, helpful, hands-on, and in uniform
  • Actively lead your team in our efforts to take care of our camp facility and hold your team accountable to leave spaces spotless each day
• Handle the Curveballs
  • Be prepared to problem-solve and make educated, informed decisions when challenges arise
  • Approach difficult conversations with staff, families, or facility partners with empathy and a solution-oriented mindset
  • Practice resiliency and arrive with a “How Can I Help?” mentality that puts camper experience and team success at the forefront through problem solving and trying new things

About You

About You: Graduated from an accredited undergraduate institution.

• Experience:
  • Majors in education, sports management and social work fields viewed favorably
  • At least three (3) years of relevant professional experience working with children of all ages
  • Experience leading a team of direct reports
• Required Certification
  • First Aid & CPR Certification, or the ability to complete these prior to May 30, 2025.
  • Medication Administration Certification (MAT Training), or the ability to complete this training prior to May 30, 2025 for our Oakton, VA site only. Headfirst will support in coordinating this certification.
• Must be able to:
  • Work around small children including sitting, standing, running, and climbing stairs for the full day.
  • Work in hot and outdoor environments while actively supervising campers and participating in dynamic activities for extended periods of time.
  • Lift and carry up to 30 pounds occasionally.
  • Committed to adhering to the Cell-Phone Free policy, powering down and putting away cell phones in a locked pouch for the duration of your shift.