Description
ABCCONN’s Outdoor Ministry
Camp Wightman Camping & Conference Center
207 Coal Pit Hill Rd.
Griswold, CT 06351
Executive Director Job Description
Comes with a full benefit package.
Summary:
Camp Wightman Camping and Conference Center Inc. is a year-round non-profit outdoor ministry that promotes and inspires life-long development for children, adults, and families through programs and experiences by enhancing the spiritual, physical, social, and mental well-being of each individual.
The Executive Director of Camp Wightman is responsible to:
Oversee the day-to-day operations of Camp
Facilitate Camp’s two primary business functions:
o Summer programs
o Retreats/conferences – year-round
Strategically guide Camp into the future while also preserving its important multi-generational, multicultural faith-based focus
Achieve the goals and objectives of Camp in partnership with the Camp Wightman Board of Directors (Board) and its Committees. (We have a number of committees to support Camp and the Executive Director. They are Fundraising, Property, Personnel, and Finance & Audit. Their membership consists of board members and other volunteers.)
The Executive Director of Camp Wightman will not serve alone, but rather in concert with a variety of groups who exist to empower the Executive Director in his/her ministry. Below is a list of relationships and their role in the running of Camp Wightman.
Camp Wightman Board of Directors and its Committees – The Board meets monthly with the goals of supporting the Executive Director and working in concert with the Executive Director to chart the future of Camp Wightman. The Executive Director reports to the Board. Committees meet as needed and report to the Board as appropriate.
Camp Wightman community – An important aspect of running camp is connection to camp supporters and volunteers who may not be active in a formal role.
Location: The Executive Director resides at Camp Wightman in Griswold, Connecticut.
Preferred Education/Certifications:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Camp Management, Recreation and Leisure, Hospitality, or similar
First Aid and CPR
Preferred Experience 3 or more years of experience in:
Business management operations - camp/conference/retreats/hospitality
Supervision – managing staff year round
Financial management (including experience with QuickBooks preferred or willingness to learn)
Technology – social media, Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, JotForm, website administration
Donor cultivation/fundraising
Preferred Qualifications:
Grounded in Christian faith
Works well with minimal supervision, and asks for assistance when needed
Excellent interpersonal, communication (including social media), writing and computer skills
Strong business operation experience in:
o Finance
o Customer service (campers, retreat visitors, volunteers)
o Supervision – experience with:
- Supervising staff
- Engaging and supervising volunteers
- Manages conflict situations appropriately
o Problem solving and decision making
o Planning and program development
Ability to relate to youth and adults in a positive manner and demonstrate multicultural sensibility
Strong commitment to youth development
Well-developed sense of humor, play, curiosity and team spirit
Donor stewardship and proven fundraising experience
Ability to observe staff/retreat visitors/camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate management techniques
Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards that may arise
Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid
Ability to assist campers/retreat visitors in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury)
In-depth knowledge of activity-related safety regulations, as well as health and sanitation requirements
Ability to flex schedule to work weekends and evenings as needed
Current driver’s license with clean driving record
Ability to pass background checks
Responsibilities:
Overall
o Serve as the primary representative of Camp Wightman
o Maintain a positive team atmosphere that includes campers, families, retreat visitors, staff, volunteers, churches, and donors
o Oversee camp employees, accommodations, meals, as well as to ensure the wellbeing of campers, retreat visitors, and volunteers
o Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with Camp policies and applicable laws
Business Operations:
Oversee the business management functions of Camp including:
o Financial record keeping
o Registration of campers/retreat guests
o Invoicing
o Procurement of supplies and equipment
o Facilitation of the Camp Store
o General office operations
Supervise:
o Assistant Camp Director
o Head Food Service Provider
o Maintenance
o Housekeeping
o Summer Program Director
o Volunteers
Ensure staff and volunteers receive proper training to perform their duties
Oversee the follow-through of any correspondence necessary related to Camp functions and activities including:
o Contracts
o Licenses/permits
o Registration materials/forms
Keeping records and documents processes
Food Service:
Oversee the management of the food service area through supervision of the Head Food Service Provider and review of the food service program
Property:
Supervise Maintenance to ensure that routine maintenance is being performed
Supervise Housekeeping to ensure adherence to cleaning protocols
Manage property development and maintenance needs to ensure stewardship of current resources and identification of future needs
Consider Camp’s carbon footprint
(Note: Supported by the Property Committee, and Board Chair)
Summer Camp:
Develop summer program (target date – by December 1)
o Debrief from prior summer
o Analyze enrollment trends
o Review pricing model against costs
o Plan safe, engaging, high quality summer programs, and activities
o Develop summer schedule – program/dates/pricing
Complete all of the preplanning for the summer program (target date – by June 1) including:
o Hire/secure summer camp employees/volunteers, including:
- Summer Program Director
- Medication Administrator
- Waterfront Director
- Summer staff
o Recruit staff based on camper enrollment and program management requirements
o Schedule staff to ensure full coverage for all weeks of the summer program
o Identify, secure, and schedule volunteers
Recruit campers (target start date – January 15)
Oversee camper registration materials/invoicing
Supervise Summer Program Director
Work with the Summer Program Director where needed to:
o Address crisis management, discipline, and troubleshooting issues related to campers/staff/volunteers
o Provide decision support
o Evaluate program staff, including Coordinators, Counselors, JC’s, and other volunteers
Assist the Medication Administrator and Waterfront Director in assuring that Health Department and other safety guidelines are met
Develop, implement and train staff on crisis and risk management procedures
Ensure proper training of staff and volunteers
Ensure safe practices and a healthy faith-based environment
Evaluating the effectiveness of summer programs
Retreats:
Maximize use of retreat facilities year round
o Review past use and develop strategy to increase use of retreat facilities
o Market retreats and availability to organizations who previously utilized retreat facilities
o Develop year-round communication/promotion plan to enhance use of facilities
Monitor pricing model against cost – review annually
Consider developing new program offerings to retreat groups
Provide a consistent lodging experience
Facilitate retreat program
Outreach:
Develop and facilitate marking plan to expand Camp’s relationships with its affiliated American Baptist Churches of Connecticut and other churches and organizations affiliated with Camp Wightman and the broader community.
Oversee year-round communicate plan that includes:
o Social media
o Newsletter placement
o Brochures
Finance:
Develop annual budget
Manage the allocated budget
Utilize QuickBooks to manage finance operations
(Note: Supported by the Board Treasurer, and Board Chair)
Fundraising:
Oversee a systematic approach to data base management for campers, families, alumni, and donors
Support execution of fundraising plan to sustain Camp’s near and long-term goals
Identify opportunities to secure grant funding
(Note: Supported by the Fundraising Committee, and Board Chair)
Requirements
Reside onsite: 207 Coal Pit Hill Rd. Griswold CT. 06351
Preferred Education/Certifications:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Camp Management, Recreation and Leisure, Hospitality, or similar
First Aid and CPR
Preferred Experience 3 or more years of experience in:
Business management operations - camp/conference/retreats/hospitality
Supervision – managing staff year round
Financial management (including experience with QuickBooks preferred or willingness to learn)
Technology – social media, Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, JotForm, website administration
Donor cultivation/fundraising
Preferred Qualifications:
Grounded in Christian faith
Works well with minimal supervision, and asks for assistance when needed
Excellent interpersonal, communication (including social media), writing and computer skills
Strong business operation experience in:
o Finance
o Customer service (campers, retreat visitors, volunteers)
o Supervision – experience with:
Supervising staff
Engaging and supervising volunteers
Manages conflict situations appropriately
o Problem solving and decision making
o Planning and program development
Ability to relate to youth and adults in a positive manner and demonstrate multicultural sensibility
Strong commitment to youth development
Well-developed sense of humor, play, curiosity and team spirit
Donor stewardship and proven fundraising experience
