Camp Big Bear Director

Santa Monica Family YMCA • Big Bear Lake, CA

2d • $70,000 - $75,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer, the Camp Big Bear Director is responsible for the overall leadership, planning, development, administration, evaluation, and growth of Camp Big Bear operations. This role ensures high-quality camp programming, staff leadership, safety and risk management, fiscal accountability, facility oversight, and community engagement in alignment with Santa Monica Family YMCA policies, ACA standards, and mission priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field required; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Minimum five years of experience in camp leadership, outdoor recreation, or residential program management.
• Demonstrated ability to manage year-round camp facilities, infrastructure and grounds maintenance.
• Knowledge of safety compliance, risk management, emergency preparedness and ACA/YMCA standards.
• Experience planning and delivering high-quality camp programming for youth, families and specialty groups.
• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certifications required (or within the first 30 days) from one of the following: American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety & Health Institute.
• Must be able to lift/move up to 50 pounds.
• This position requires one to be able to frequently walk around camp and address facility needs.
• Must be physically able to kneel, bend, squat, stand for long periods, and handle moderate to loud noise levels.
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency are required.
• Must be personable and have good written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the year-round planning, execution, and evaluation of Camp Big Bear operations and Santa Monica Family YMCA camp programs, including summer resident camps, family camps, specialty weekends, group leases, and retreats.
• Provide year-round management of Camp Big Bear facilities, infrastructure, and grounds to ensure safety, functionality, regulatory compliance, and guest readiness.
• Plan and manage seasonal facility preparation, including spring readiness, peak summer operations, and winterization.
• Conduct regular inspections of cabins, restrooms, activity areas, waterfront, ropes and climbing elements, kitchens, and shared spaces.
• Coordinate facility maintenance schedules, capital projects, vendor services, and repairs in collaboration with YMCA leadership.
• Oversee equipment inspections, safety compliance, and required vendor certifications, including waterfront, ropes, climbing, and zipline elements.
• Maintain relationships with city and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance, secure permits, and support the growth of Camp Big Bear programs and offerings.
• Manage food service operations including ordering, delivery, permits, inventory, compliant food preparation and clean-up, and kitchen safety, ensuring a high-quality food experience for all camps and guests year-round.
• Create, implement, and manage the annual camp budget, monitoring financial performance, reporting variances, and identifying resource needs related to facilities, staffing, and programming.
• Oversee group leasing operations, including marketing, acquisition, scheduling, contracts, coordination, and on-site readiness for external groups.
• Develop and execute marketing and acquisition strategies to attract and secure new group leases, retreats, and mission-aligned partners through targeted outreach, referrals, and relationship-building.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for leasing partners before, during, and after their stay.
• Ensure leased groups align with YMCA values, safety standards, and facility capacity guidelines.
• Coordinate staffing, facility use, and logistics to support group leases alongside YMCA programs.
• Monitor leasing revenue and expenses in collaboration with YMCA leadership to support financial sustainability.
• Evaluate leasing operations and identify opportunities to enhance guest experience, occupancy, and operational efficiency.
• Oversee camper registration processes, waitlists, cabin assignments, and bunkmate coordination for Santa Monica Family YMCA camp programs.
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and support seasonal staff, international staff, and volunteers.
• Coordinate staff training, safety drills, transportation logistics, and parent communication.
• Ensure camp activities meet the developmental needs of campers and align with YMCA youth development goals.
• Maintain a fun, inclusive, and supportive camp culture that reflects YMCA values.
• Serve as the primary liaison for camp families, ensuring timely communication, orientations, and on-site support.
• Ensure all programming meets YMCA standards for safety, quality, inclusion, and youth development outcomes.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with volunteers, alumni, donors, board members, and community partners.
• Serve as staff liaison for Camp Big Bear Committee meetings, board retreats, donor tours, and special engagement events.
• Lead volunteer recruitment, training, recognition, and appreciation efforts.
• Partner with YMCA departments to support storytelling, outreach, and camp promotion.
• Represent Camp Big Bear in community-facing events and serve as a visible ambassador for the YMCA mission.
• Foster an inclusive, welcoming environment that strengthens long-term community connection.
• Support the Santa Monica Family YMCA's Annual Campaign by acquiring volunteers and donors and participating in campaign-related events.
• Attend required training and meetings at the Santa Monica Family YMCA as directed by the supervisor.
• Actively participate in association-wide initiatives including Healthy Kids Day, Winter Wonderland, Halloween Spooktacular, and other YMCA events.
• Ensure compliance with ACA accreditation standards and all YMCA policies and procedures at all times.
• Oversee safety and risk management procedures, including staff training, emergency preparedness, and incident reporting.
• Maintain current CPR, First Aid, and required certifications; ensure all staff certifications remain current.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer.

Benefits

• Housing Provided! This role includes on-site housing!
• Housing and utilities are fully included as part of the position, offering a unique opportunity to be deeply connected to camp life while living in one of Southern California's most scenic mountain and lake communities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director