Executive Director Search

Camp Augusta is seeking an Executive Director to guide the organization into its next chapter of stability, growth, and impact. The Executive Director is responsible for managing all aspects of the nonprofit organization, inclusive of camp. This role will help craft the future of Camp Augusta, working closely with the Board of Directors to build strategic plans to ensure long-term financial stability, provide meaningful impact on evolution and future growth while stewarding Camp Augusta’s traditions and values. This is an executive-level position that requires a proven track record of people leadership and a deep knowledge of both the nonprofit and camp industries.

Who You Are

You believe deeply in the power of camp. You are a leader who:
Builds trust quickly
Develops strong teams
Makes thoughtful decisions under pressure
Balances operational discipline with imagination and heart

Position Overview

The Executive Director leads the organization year-round and partners closely with the Board to ensure Camp Augusta’s mission, culture, and operations remain strong for generations to come.

We are looking for a next-step camp leader—someone who has already lived the reality of camp leadership:

You’ve built strong staff culture, weathered midsummer snafus, and re-focused teams in the aftermath. Now you’re ready to expand your leadership to include fundraising, board partnership, and long-term organizational strategy.

The ideal candidate understands that summer camp is a unique ecosystem and brings deep residential (overnight) camp experience combined with nonprofit leadership capability.

A large group of people, including adults and children, pose together outdoors in a wooded area. They are smiling, wearing casual and colorful clothes, and appear to be enjoying a group gathering or camp.

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Organizational Management (25%) Develop and implement long-range strategic plans in collaboration with the Board. Establish organizational goals and priorities aligned with Camp Augusta’s mission. Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and American Camp Association (ACA) standards. Serve as the primary liaison to the Board, providing regular reports and strategic recommendations. Represent the organization to external stakeholders and partners.

Financial Management and Resource Development (20%) Develop and manage the annual operating budget. Oversee financial operations, revenue generation, expense management, and reporting. Lead fundraising initiatives including donor cultivation, grants, corporate sponsorships, and special events. Ensure fiscal accountability. Manage capital improvement projects and revenue diversification strategies.

Program Development and Quality Assurance (15%) Oversee the development and delivery of camp programs to ensure alignment with youth development goals and the camp’s mission. Maintain program quality standards and evaluation systems. Monitor camper satisfaction and outcomes. Introduce new programming that reflects community needs and evolving camp traditions.

Human Resources Management and Staff Leadership (20%) Recruit, hire, supervise, and evaluate year-round administrative staff and seasonal leadership teams. Develop staff training and professional development systems. Foster a positive organizational culture that supports retention and leadership growth.

Facilities and Operations Management (10%) Oversee maintenance and improvement of camp facilities and grounds. Ensure health, safety, and accessibility standards are maintained. Manage vendor relationships, service contracts, and sustainability initiatives.

Marketing, Communications, and Enrollment Management (10%) Develop and implement strategies to achieve camper enrollment goals. Oversee communications including website, social media, alumni relations, and public outreach. Strengthen relationships with families, alumni, and community partners.

What Makes an Exceptional Camp Executive Director

Required competencies

Comprehensive knowledge of organized camping practices, youth development principles, and residential camp operations
Strong financial management skills (forecasting, budgeting, analysis, reporting)
Demonstrated leadership ability and experience managing diverse teams
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)
Strategic planning and organizational development expertise
Fundraising and donor relations experience
Knowledge of nonprofit governance and board relations
Understanding of child and youth safety protocols and risk management
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and creating welcoming environments for all while aligning team to org chart and respective responsibilities
Knowledge of California and federal employment laws, including Organized Residential Camps

Preferred competencies

Knowledge of ACA accreditation standards
Facilities and property management experience
Crisis management and emergency response training
Marketing and brand management expertise

Required

Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Education, or a related field and/or progressive relevant experience in an overnight summer camp environment.

Preferred

Master’s degree in a relevant field
Professional certifications (e.g., ACA Certified Camp Director, Certified Nonprofit Professional)

Required

Significant leadership experience in residential (overnight) camping
Minimum 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in organized camping, youth development, or a related nonprofit sector
Proven track record in budget management and financial oversight
Experience working with boards of directors or governance bodies

Preferred

Prior experience as a Camp Director or Assistant Director at a residential camp
Track record of successful capital campaigns and/or major facility projects
Experience with ACA accreditation processes

Required (or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire)

CPR and First Aid certification
Valid driver’s license with clean driving record
Background check clearance including fingerprinting

Preferred

Wilderness First Responder or EMT certification
Lifeguard certification
ACA Certified Camp Director (or equivalent professional camping credential)

Application & Compensation

Hiring Process

We are conducting a structured search designed to evaluate candidates thoughtfully and fairly. The process includes:

Application review and screening interviews
Scenario exercises (budget, fundraising, or operational challenges)
Panel interviews with board members and senior staff
Finalist visit to camp and community meetings
Reference checks focused on leadership, crisis management, and fiscal stewardship

Each camp is different. We’ve put an enormous amount of effort and materials on a special page that helps potential staff know more about Augusta’s values, and ways of operating. Make sure we’re a fit for you too!

Compensation

$80,000 – $100,000 depending on experience

Other key benefits may include:

Housing: On-site residence
All Meals provided during on-site service period (mid-April – mid September)
Health & retirement: Silver plan and 401(k) matching up to 3%
Professional development: Budget for conferences, certifications, or coaching
Time off: Recharge periods post-summer, plus PTO flexibility

Our Commitment

Camp Augusta celebrates diversity and believes strong communities are built through inclusion, respect, and shared purpose. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

INTERESTED?! SEND RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO BOARD@CAMPAUGUSTA.ORG

Additional Requirements & Considerations

This position requires the physical ability to:

Stand and walk for extended periods, often on uneven terrain, for up to 8-10 hours daily during camp season
Climb stairs, hills, and navigate outdoor environments in various weather conditions
Lift and carry up to 40 pounds occasionally
Perform activities requiring bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching
Drive vehicles on and off camp property
Respond to emergencies which may require running, lifting, or other strenuous physical activity
Work in outdoor environments with exposure to sun, heat, cold, rain, insects, and natural elements
Sit for extended periods during administrative work, meetings, and computer tasks
Operate office equipment including computers, phones, and standard office technology
Have visual and auditory acuity sufficient to observe campers and staff, identify safety concerns, and communicate effectively in indoor and outdoor environments

Physical demands may be accommodated through reasonable modifications where possible, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act.

This position requires:

Ability to make sound decisions quickly, particularly in crisis or emergency situations
Capacity to manage multiple complex projects and priorities simultaneously
Strong problem-solving skills and analytical thinking
Emotional resilience and ability to remain calm under pressure
Excellent judgment in matters affecting camper and staff safety
Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive personnel, financial, and camper information
Capacity for strategic and long-term thinking while managing day-to-day operations
Strong attention to detail in areas of compliance, safety, and quality assurance
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Flexibility and adaptability to changing circumstances and needs
Cultural competence and ability to work effectively with diverse populations
Emotional intelligence and interpersonal sensitivity

Work Environment:

Main Season (April – September):

Residential camp environment in Northern California forest setting
Remote location approximately 5 miles from Nevada City
90-acre site with rustic facilities and limited modern conveniences
Shared office space with other directors and administrative staff
Work areas include office, cabins, dining hall, program areas, trails, and maintenance facilities
Exposure to outdoor elements: sun, heat (95-110°F peak), humidity, rain, insects, wildlife
Noise from groups of active children throughout day and evening
May include exposure to campfire smoke, dust, and natural environmental factors
Expected to be on radio throughout time at work, with radio ‘chatter’ common
Wi-fi reception available in most areas around camp
Generally, no tech use in front of campers/guests (rare exceptions)
On-call availability for emergencies 24/7 during camp season

Off-Season (October – March):

Hybrid of remote and in-person work possible as agreed by the needs of the team. Site management must be maintained/monitored, and there may be opportunities to delegate that / get video tours depending on development/construction/issues.
Office space will be the same as in summer, with all standard office equipment provided
Often, there will be zero to four people working in the office at a time. If you choose to work in the office, you will commonly be the only person there.
Access to staff kitchen is available and requires personal accountability for cleanliness
Off-season staff will coordinate around regular cleanliness and maintenance of office facilities, including trash, recycling, compost, etc.
Personal / professional office space required if working remotely – camp equipment available for loan

Work Schedule and Time Commitment:

Peak season requires full time, on-site presence.
Low season requires flexibility required to adjust schedule for operational needs and some work may be done remotely
Schedule will adjust based on the schedules of groups and work project needs
On-call 24/7 for emergencies during camp sessions when needed

Weather Conditions:

Work continues in all weather conditions except extreme emergencies
Summer temperatures typically 90-95°F, peak days 105-110°F
Early season (May/early June) can reach 35°F
Must be prepared to work in full range of Northern California seasonal weather
Heat mitigation strategies available but extended outdoor exposure is required

Special Conditions:

Position requires high level of commitment and professional dedication
Limited personal time during peak summer season
Expectation of full engagement in camp culture and mission
May be required to participate in camp traditions and special events
Balancing operational responsibilities with community presence and visibility
Managing stress of multiple simultaneous high-priority demands
Working with seasonal staff who may be learning camp systems
Adapting to “curveballs” and unexpected operational challenges
Living and working in same environment during peak season
Representing camp professionally in all interactions