Director, Day Camps

Location: YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth
Position Status: Full Time, Permanent
Compensation: $50,000 - $60,000

There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine.

Every charity exists to help solve a problem – our charity exists to help solve many problems, from childcare shortages, social isolation, mental health issues, access to wellness, and more. Today, our network is spread across 100+ program locations in HRM and the province, meeting the most urgent needs of our communities in mental health supports, accessible childcare, supporting an increasing immigrant population, safe spaces for youth to grow and lead, helping to navigate a precarious labour market, delivering wellness programming for all, and creating community for isolated older adults.

We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe space to discover their inner strength. When they know someone’s in their corner, with unconditional support, they realize they can do more than they thought possible. It’s your support, expertise, and guidance that helps people ignite their full potential and shape our neighbourhoods into vibrant and healthy communities.

With us at their side, they can Shine On.

As part of your total compensation:

· Complimentary YMCA membership to our Health & Fitness facilities

· Access to Y at Home, where you can participate in fitness programs from your own home

· Discounts on YMCA childcare and camp programs

· Three (3) weeks’ vacation entitlement and paid wellness days

· Comprehensive benefits package and pension

· Complimentary wellbeing and counselling services

About the role:

Reporting to the General Manager of Child Engagement and Operations, the Director of Day Camps will create positive and inclusive camp experiences throughout the year, including management of day camps (summer, holiday, March break, and professional development days). The Director will lead a committed team of 40+ staff in providing memorable experiences for over 3,000 campers, fostering lifelong memories while strategically expanding camp offerings within HRM. In addition, the Director will work in collaboration with the YMCA’s Before and After School (YPHD) Program Manager to uphold consistent, high-quality program standards, focusing on child and staff development, curriculum planning, and leadership strategies for both service areas.

In this role, you will:

Program Development, Organization and Implementation:

· Plans, leads, organizes and develops all camp programming, including but not limited to Summer Day Camps, PD Days, and Holiday Camps.

· Handles camp registration, and works in partnership with the Registration Coordinator on completion of financial assistance applications, waitlists, cancellations and communication to families.

· Ensures sound management of operational activities related to the administration of Summer Day Camp, PD Days and Holiday Camps.

· Develops quality programming that embeds the YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth’s purpose, vision and values, while authentically creating an environment of diversity, inclusion and equity.

· Ensures compliance and enforcement, in accordance with policies and procedures related to operational activities, payroll processing, contract management and employee records

· Manages the budget (revenue, expenses) while targeting revenue growth

· Prepares and purchases camp related materials and resources

· Oversees camper experience and ensures high-quality customer service is provided to all stakeholders involved (campers, partners, donors, etc.).

· Ensures the collection, consolidation and dissemination of all comments, suggestions and complaints to the relevant stakeholders. Monitors, processes and follows up on case resolutions.

· Update documentation, including but not limited to the parent handbook, medical forms, sign in and out forms, off site trips and preparation lists.

· Secure site rentals based on locations of need, capacity and accessibility, completion of rental agreements, rental keys, invoices, cell phones and insurance.

· Implement engagement opportunities for children and youth to foster interest and exposure to physical activity, outdoor exploration, cooperative play, and community relationships.

· Create participant experience surveys, ensure they are distributed and that campers and their families are encouraged to complete them, and use the results to improve the overall camp experience.

Marketing, Sales and Program Growth

· In collaboration with the YMCA’s marketing and communications team, plans and implements the marketing plan for all camp programs and brand development.

· Develops communication materials including community outreach, marketing, advertising, promoting, and communicating in collaboration with the Communications Team.

· Stays informed of the needs of current and potential clients, as well as the surrounding community.

· Supports the General Manager with the expansion of camp programming throughout HRM.

Staffing:

· Recruits, hires, trains and supervises staff following YMCA onboarding processes; work in collaboration with the People & Culture team on creation of job advertisements, postings, descriptions and offer letters.

· Coaches and supervises all direct reports and assesses team members performance.

· Addresses conflict and resolution, implements resources and action plans and carries out the necessary follow-ups. Takes appropriate action in consultation with the General Manager and/or People and Culture team as appropriate.

· Plans and organizes employee recognition events.

· Approve staff biweekly pay and time off requests.

Other duties as required.

Education and skills qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree in recreation (community or outdoor), education, or other relevant training is recommended

· Leadership experience in a camp environment is mandatory

· Experience in marketing, sales and community outreach is an asset

· Knowledge of the risk and administrative management

· Leadership, organizational skills, and people-focused is mandatory

· Keen customer service and active listening skills

· Self-starter approach to problem-solving

To apply: Please apply online at https://ymcahfx.ca/workwithus/. Posting is open until position is filled.

Please note that all successful candidates are required to provide:

· A Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Register Check (less than 6 months old), if 18 years of age or older

· Valid First Aid and CPR Training

Please note that background checks are reviewed on an individual basis – offenses, if any, are based on role and Child Safeguarding requirements, and may not eliminate candidates from employment at our YMCA.

At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We believe that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences enrich our organization, enabling us to better serve our community and achieve our mission. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, racially diverse, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.