Program Manager

Job Title: Program Manager – Camp Isidore Alterman

Reports To: Camp Director – Camp Isidore Alterman

Status: Full-Time

SUMMARY

The main responsibility of this position is to assist the Camp Director and Assistant Camp Director in the planning, directing, supervising and implementation of all aspects of running Camp Isidore Alterman (CIA). This role serves as an integral part of our year-round MJCCA Day Camps team, actively participating in camper enrollment, staff engagement and the development of our comprehensive day camp programs, which encompass both MJCCA Day Camps and School’s Out Camp. In addition, this role will help support other departments, such as Club J After-School program and BBYO.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Supervision (in collaboration with the CIA Director and CIA Assistant Director)

Responsible for direct supervision & evaluation of:

Activity Leaders, including our Shlichim (Israeli ambassadors)

Staff-in-Training (SIT) program for all rising 9th graders

Camp Planning and Execution

Plan the curriculum for all specialty and counselor-led activities including but not exclusive to: arts and crafts, STEAM, outdoor cooking, edible art, dance, music, Israeli Culture, drama, CIA Jr., and special events like CIA Maccabi, Israel Day and rainy day programming

Order and organize all CIA supplies

Assemble activity bins for all unit shelters, BCC, ACC, and various activity areas.

Support our Shlichim Recruitment and Engagement efforts: recruiting Shlichim, meeting with the Shlichim on their programming, recruiting host families…etc.

Plan the SIT program in collaboration with the SIT Unit Head.

Assist the CIA Team with interviews for 160+ staff members

Responsible for staffing and training the Head Bus Counselors

Assist in the planning and implementation of staff orientation and weekly staff meetings

School’s Out Camp

Planning, executing, and managing the School’s Out Camp program during the school year in collaboration with the MJCCA Day Camps Team

Responsible for planning curriculum and ordering supplies for the various activities

Hire the camp staff for School’s Out Camp and organize their hiring process.

Staff and Camper Recruitment and Retention

Develop and implement staff and camper recruitment strategies, including school outreach, camp tours, and recruitment events.

Build a positive camp culture through staff outings, appreciation, and recognition to encourage staff retention.

Coordinate recruitment efforts for camp host families

Additional Responsibilities

Exercise exceptional judgment in regard to policies, procedures and the well-being of all children within the care of Camp Isidore Alterman and the MJCCA programs.

Support counselors and unit heads in behavior management of all campers

Camper recruitment—including but not limited to making phone calls, customer service, emails, and retention.

Working camp tours, camp expos, and nights and weekends as needed.

Fill in for the Assistant Director in the Assistant Director’s absence

Commitment to the Day Camp and School’s Out Camp Calendar

Department Support

BYO

Assist with BBYO programming, serving as staff at 3–4 weekend conventions per year and attending evening programs as needed.

Build relationships with Jewish teens and serve as a role model and mentor.

Club J

Serve as additional support in the Club J After-School program, working with children daily during the school year.

COMPETENCIES:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Organization & Time Management

Prioritizes tasks and meets deadlines

Maintains organized materials, schedules, and workspaces

Anticipates logistical needs and plans accordingly

Proactivity & Initiative

Takes initiative and anticipates needs

Identifies improvements and offers solutions

Takes ownership and follows through on responsibilities

Creativity & Program Development

Develops engaging, creative, and age-appropriate activities

Adapts programs to meet camper interests and needs

Prepares materials and uses feedback to improve programming

Customer Service

Responds promptly and professionally to customer needs

Handles challenging situations with patience and care

Seeks feedback and follows through on commitments

Problem Solving

Identifies problems and implements effective solutions

Collaborates with others to resolve challenges

Uses sound judgment in difficult situations

Communication

Communicates clearly and professionally

Listens actively and seeks clarification

Responds to questions and requests promptly

Adaptability

Adjusts effectively to changes and unexpected situations

Remains flexible and positive when challenges arise

Quality/Dependability

Completes work accurately and on time

Follows directions and takes responsibility for actions

Demonstrates consistency and attention to detail

Organizational Support

Follows MJCCA policies and procedures

Maintains professional attire and organized workspaces

Completes administrative tasks on time

Demonstrates punctuality and supports MJCCA values

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required:

Education/Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree

Minimum of two years supervisory experience

Prior experience of childcare

Preferred- experience working in a camp environment

Knowledge of Jewish culture, traditions, and values, and the ability to integrate them into engaging camp activities and curriculum, is preferred but not required.

Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook). Knowledge of CampMinder is preferred but not required