Principal Responsibilities:
The JCC of Greater Baltimore is seeking a dynamic and experienced Assistant Director of J Day and Programming to join our team in Fall 2025. Reporting to the Senior Director of J Camps, the Assistant Director is responsible for the leadership and oversight of the J Day Camp program and year-round J Camps programming. The position plays a key role in planning, staffing, and managing a dynamic summer day camp that serves over 350 campers weekly. During the summer, the Assistant Director directly supervises five Unit Heads and a Program Director, ensuring high-quality programming, strong team leadership, and exceptional camper experience.
Throughout the school year, this position leads the development and implementation of J Kids classes, School's Out programming, and Camp 365 events, bringing the spirit of camp into the school year. Rooted in Jewish values, J Camps inspires its camp community to foster meaningful memories and lifelong relationships in a fun and safe space--values the Assistant Director helps bring to life through thoughtful program design, staff mentorship, and family engagement.
WHAT YOU WILL DO: - Serve as Director of J Day Summer Camp
- Lead the recruitment and hiring of J Day staff, including unit heads, specialists, and bunk counselors
- Plan and coordinate all J Day field trips
- Oversee bunk assignments and maintain consistent, professional communication with J Day families
- Provide direct supervision of five Unit Heads and the Program Director
- Lead the planning and implementation of program evaluation for J Day
- Develop and manage the J Day daily schedule, including allocation of activity spaces
- Camp Programming Oversight
- Plan weekly special events in collaboration with the camp leadership team and manage the Program Director in the execution of these events.
- Design and coordinate weekly themed dress-up days and schedule special guest visitors.
- Manage logistics and bookings for all J Day field trips
- Collaborate with the Program Director to develop and support J Day specialist curriculum
- Lead School's Out Programming
- Design programming themes and coordinate with external vendors.
- Hire and supervise staff and specialists for all School's Out days.
- Year-Round Camp Engagement
- Collaborate with the J Camps administrative team to plan and implement Camp 365 events.
- Support the J Camps Leadership team in creating innovative programs for pre- camp and post-camp.
- Design and implement new J Kids classes inspired by camper interests and summer program successes.
- Operational Leadership and Communication
- Partner with the Assistant Director of Engagement and Communication to coordinate camp busing for field trips
- Take a lead role in carpool logistics
- Support the Senior Director of J Camps in planning and facilitation of pre-camp staff orientation
- Actively contribute as a member of the full-time J Camps professional team
- Licensing and Financial Management:
- Ensure compliance with all State of Maryland childcare licensing regulations and American Camp Association (ACA) standards, maintaining up-to-date knowledge and implementation of all relevant policies and procedures
- Monitor, support, and enforce safety and operational standards in alignment with local and national guidelines
- Collaborate with the Senior Director of J Camps to develop, implement, and manage program budgets related to supervised areas (e.g., J Day Camp, School's Out, Camp 365, J Kids programming)
- Maintain financial accountability, including monitoring expenses, processing invoices, and ensuring efficient use of resources
- Participate in long-term planning and forecasting for program growth and resource needs
- Contribute to regular financial reporting and analysis to support decision-making and fiscal responsibility
Minimum Qualifications:
WHO YOU ARE:
- Bachelor's degree in education, recreation, social work, or a related field (Master's degree preferred)
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in camp leadership or youth program management, preferably in a supervisory role
- Proven experience in staff supervision, training, and performance management
- Strong program planning and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities
- Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and staff
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal
- Ability to lead in a fast-paced, high-energy environment with professionalism and flexibility
- Knowledge of and comfort with Jewish traditions and values; prior experience in a Jewish camp or community setting is a plus
- Familiarity with camper safety and risk management protocols, including behavior management and emergency procedures
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, especially under pressure
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; comfort with camp management software (e.g., CampMinder) is a plus
- Willingness to work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends as needed during peak seasons
- CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain before the start of camp)
PHYSICAL SKILLS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment is fast-paced, dynamic, and often loud, requiring high energy, flexibility, and a positive, professional attitude. This role involves frequent interaction with children, families, staff, agency personnel, and community partners.
This position requires regular use of a phone and computer, the ability to talk and hear, utilize effective verbal communication, and the physical ability to reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, crouch. J Camps employees must have the ability to sit on the floor to engage with young children and the physical ability to safely get down to the floor and back up again. Employees must be able to lift, carry, or move children or objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
This position requires spending hours each day outside on their feet, in a variety of weather including rain, snow, and summer heat. A significant portion of the day is spent outdoors or walking across campus both indoors and outdoors. The role requires the ability to respond quickly to emergencies, including moving across campus promptly to address crisis situations.
Salary:
$55000-$60,000
Agency Information:
Inspired by the work we do every day, the JCC is an organization centered by Jewish values and focused on creating meaningful experiences and opportunities to enrich, connect, and positively impact our community.
We pride ourselves on our inclusive and welcoming workplace and celebrate the diversity of our employees.
