FULL TIME | EXEMPT POSITION|YMCA OF GREATER NASHUA

Position Summary

The Director of Camp & Teen Programs is a visionary, energetic leader who creates transformative experiences for youth and teens through exceptional camp programming and innovative teen engagement initiatives. This role is responsible for leading Camp Sargent—a 101-year-old day camp with rich history and incredible potential—while building comprehensive teen programs that prepare young people for leadership, service, and success.

Partnering closely with the VP of Youth Development & Achievement, community stakeholders, and families, this director ensures Camp Sargent continues to thrive for the next century while reimagining year-round use of the property for retreats, outdoor education, family programs, and teen experiences. This leader also develops and implements signature YMCA teen programs including Leaders Club, Y Achievers, Earth Service Corps, and locally responsive initiatives that meet the needs of teens throughout our community.

This position champions youth voice, fosters belonging, builds leadership capacity, and creates adventures that shape character and confidence. The director recruits and develops high-performing seasonal and year-round staff, ensures safety and quality standards, manages budgets, and cultivates strong relationships with families and community partners.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Camp Sargent Leadership & Innovation

• Provide strategic direction and operational leadership for Camp Sargent, ensuring high-quality summer day camp experiences for children ages 5-15
• Honor Camp Sargent’s 101-year legacy while reimagining its future—exploring innovative programming, facility enhancements, and year-round opportunities
• Develop and implement plans for year-round use of Camp Sargent property including retreats, outdoor education programs, family camps, teen programming, and community partnerships
• Leverage historic camp facilities creatively to expand program reach and impact while maintaining the authentic camp experience
• Ensure camp programming fosters achievement, relationships, and belonging through adventure, outdoor education, skill-building, and community
• Design and implement diverse, inclusive camp activities that celebrate diversity and encourage every participant to reach their full potential
• Monitor camp enrollment, family satisfaction, and program outcomes; make adjustments to maximize impact and financial sustainability
• Ensure all programs meet or exceed YMCA standards, American Camp Association (ACA) guidelines, and health and safety regulations
• Pursue and maintain ACA accreditation for Camp Sargent, utilizing standards to drive continuous quality improvement
• Conduct regular facility inspections and coordinate with Facilities team on maintenance, improvements, and safety concerns
• Serve as primary point of contact for families, building strong relationships and ensuring excellent communication
• Create opportunities for family engagement including family camp experiences, parent education, and volunteer involvement
• Share stories of youth achievement and program impact to support fundraising and community awareness
• Stay current with best practices in camp management, teen development, outdoor education, and youth engagement

Teen Program Development & Leadership

• Build and lead comprehensive teen programming (ages 13-18) that engages middle and high school youth throughout our community
• Launch and sustain signature YMCA teen programs including:
  • Leaders Club – Teen leadership development and service learning
  • Y Achievers – Academic support and college/career readiness
  • Earth Service Corps – Environmental stewardship and outdoor leadership
  • Other nationally recognized YMCA teen initiatives aligned with community needs
• Develop locally responsive teen programs that address emerging needs such as mental health support, workforce readiness, healthy relationships, and civic engagement
• Create pathways for teen leadership, employment, volunteering, and meaningful contribution to the Y and community
• Partner with schools, youth-serving agencies, and community organizations to expand teen program reach and impact
• Foster teen voice and youth-adult partnerships, ensuring teens have genuine input into programs that serve them

Team Development & Staff Leadership

• Recruit, hire, train, and mentor seasonal camp staff and year-round teen program staff, building a diverse, skilled, and mission-driven team
• Create a culture of collaboration, professional development, mutual respect, and fun among staff
• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and support to ensure staff deliver high-quality, safe, and engaging experiences
• Develop leadership capacity in staff, creating pathways for growth within the camp/teen programs and broader Y organization
• Ensure all staff complete required certifications, training, and compliance requirements
• Conduct performance evaluations and recognize excellence in youth development practice
• Collaborate with VP of Youth Development & Achievement and other program leaders to create seamless youth development continuum

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management, Education, Youth Development, Outdoor Education, or related field (or equivalent extensive experience)
• Minimum 3-5 years of progressive leadership experience in camp or youth program settings
• Proven ability to design, implement, and evaluate diverse youth programs that engage participants and achieve outcomes
• Strong leadership, team-building, and staff development skills
• Experience managing budgets, marketing programs, and driving enrollment
• Deep commitment to youth development, character building, and creating inclusive environments
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving abilities
• High emotional intelligence with ability to navigate conflicts and build trust with diverse stakeholders
• Current certifications in First Aid and CPR (or willing to obtain immediately upon hire)
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and extended hours during summer camp season
• Resilient, adaptable, and able to handle dynamic environments with calm judgment

Preferred:

• Camp director or assistant director experience
• American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation knowledge or experience
• Experience with YMCA teen programs (Leaders Club, Y Achievers, Earth Service Corps) or similar youth development frameworks
• Additional certifications such as Lifeguarding, Wilderness First Aid, or outdoor education credentials
• Experience with outdoor education, adventure programming, or environmental education
• Bilingual abilities that reflect community demographics
• Experience working with diverse youth populations including underserved communities

IMPACT STATEMENT

The Director of Camp & Teen Programs will ensure Camp Sargent thrives for another century while building teen programs that engage, empower, and prepare young people for success. Their leadership will honor tradition while embracing innovation—creating outdoor adventures, leadership opportunities, and belonging experiences that shape character and build confidence. Through their vision and execution, Camp Sargent will be recognized regionally as an exceptional camp, and our teen programs will become a model for youth engagement and leadership development.

ABOUT US

With four vibrant facilities and a strong community presence, the YMCA of Greater Nashua is a force for positive change in Southern New Hampshire. Just 45 minutes from Boston with easy access to the ocean, lakes, and mountains — Nashua offers urban energy with small-town charm. Named a top state to live in by U.S. News & World Report, New Hampshire has no sales or income tax and offers a high quality of life.

We serve more than 40,000 individuals annually and invested $1.4 million in financial assistance and community outreach in 2024 alone. Our mission: to nurture potential, improve health and well-being, and give back to our neighbors — all guided by our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

OUR CULTURE & PROMISE

We are more than a gym—we are a cause-driven organization rooted in equity, inclusion, and community impact. At the Y, achievement, relationships, and belonging aren’t just ideals—they’re how we measure success. Guided by our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, we empower every staff member to help our members write their own success stories—starting with creating the Most Welcoming Place on Earth.

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES (Organizational Leader)

Project Management – Innovation – Engaging Community – Critical Thinking

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position operates across multiple sites including early education centers, school buildings, camp facilities, and YMCA branches. Regular site visits, program observations, and hands-on engagement with staff, children, families, and community partners are essential. Must be able to work flexible hours including occasional evenings and weekends.

• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents and communicate effectively
• Physical ability to act swiftly in emergencies and ensure child safety
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
• Ability to move quickly enough to supervise children and maintain safety
• Reliable transportation required for regular travel between sites and administrative offices
• Must maintain a professional appearance and demeanor

The YMCA of Greater Nashua does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, faith, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, sexual preference, gender identity, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.