Chief Operating Officer/Camp Director

Deadline to apply: April 3rd, 2026

Stanford Sierra Camp & Conference Center ("Stanford Sierra Camp" or SSC) is a full-service conference center/alumni family camp located near the entrance of Desolation Wilderness at Fallen Leaf Lake in South Lake Tahoe, CA. The property can house up to 300 guests and 95 staff, and offers a full range of recreational activities, meeting facilities, and food services. General information on the Stanford Alumni Association - Sierra Programs is available at and

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Operating Officer (COO)/Camp Director is responsible for the vision, strategic planning, and daily operations of Stanford Sierra Camp & Conference Center, which is owned by SAA Sierra Program, LLC. Reporting to the SAA Sierra Program LLC Board of Directors (LLC) and Stanford Alumni Association (SAA) Chief Financial Officer, the Camp Director provides strategic leadership, setting long‑range goals, strategies, plans, and policies. This position oversees all programming, alumni engagement, guest services, financial management, risk management, relations with guests, employees, and the Fallen Leaf community, as well as facilities and property operations, to ensure a safe, meaningful, and exceptional experience for both guests and staff.

The Camp Director supervises a robust leadership team including six direct reports: the Assistant Camp Director, Director of Facilities, Sales & Marketing Director, Human Resources Director, Food Services Director/Executive Chef, and Reservations Manager. In addition, the role oversees 20 managerial/supervisory team members and over 150 seasonal staff members each year between our spring/fall conference seasons and summer camp program. The role requires strong social‑emotional skills, effective conflict resolution and de‑escalation techniques, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment with competing priorities.

The role requires living on‑site for three months each year during the summer season to provide hands‑on leadership and ensure the camp's operational success. This position is highly visible, hands‑on, and guest‑facing, with a focus on cultivating a culture of excellence, teamwork, and safety across all departments.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Strategic Leadership – Provides overall leadership for Stanford Sierra Camp, directing all managers and staff across departments to deliver outstanding guest services, creating a positive workplace culture, upholding the highest standards for safety, and maintaining an attractive facility.
• Financial Oversight – Responsible for the financial viability and success of SSC, including long‑term planning. Creates annual budgets, setting summer and conference rates accordingly. Oversees all operating and departmental budgets, monitoring expenses and purchases throughout the year.
• Operational Responsibility – Leads the design, implementation, and communication of effective growth strategies, operational procedures, processes, and personnel structures that support organizational objectives.
• Staffing & Employee Relations – Oversees recruitment, hiring, and employee relations for managerial staff and seasonal summer camp and conference staff.
• Team Leadership & Coaching – Provides leadership and coaching to a high‑performing team. Responsible for retaining staff, career coaching, professional development and accountability for the performance of direct reports and all SSC staff.
• Summer Program Management – Oversees the development of all summer camp programming, ensuring a fun, family‑oriented atmosphere, emphasizing outdoor recreation, education, and inclusivity.
• Conference Program Management – Establishes high standards of professional service for all conference programming.
• Food Management – Ensures successful food service operations for alumni summer camp and conference guests, as well as for Camp staff year‑round.
• Guest Services & Alumni Relations – Builds and maintains positive relationships on behalf of the organization with guests, alumni, business partners, stakeholders, residents of Fallen Leaf, and the general public.
• Facilities & Safety – Ensures that camp facilities remain safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing, meeting the expectations of both guests and staff.
• Water Plant Management – Oversees all aspects of water system management, including maintaining a water license, ensuring effective treatment and testing of the water, monitoring water quality, and completing annual regulatory reporting.
• Travel – Required travel to Stanford University up to four times a year for board meetings and other leadership meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and seven years of relevant experience in administrative and financial management, or a combination of education and relevant experience. Senior leadership experience, preferably in a camp setting, hospitality environment, educational unit, or related field, is strongly desired.
• Demonstrated leadership, people management, planning and change management skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Advanced financial expertise in budget planning and financial forecasting.
• Advanced analytical and problem‑solving skills. Strong knowledge of industry standards and/or regulatory requirements.

PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES

• EMT‑B certification
• Water License, CA, T‑2
• PCIA Rock Climbing Single Pitch Lead Climb Instructor

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES

• Must possess and maintain a valid California non‑commercial Class C Driver’s License.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Constantly perform desk‑based computer tasks.
• Frequently sitting.
• Occasionally standing/walking, reaching/work above shoulders, using a telephone, writing by hand, lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
• Rarely twisting/bending/stooping/squatting, sorting/filing paperwork or parts, lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling objects that weigh 11–20 pounds.
• Ability to drive day or night.

WORK STANDARDS

• When conducting university business, must comply with California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

This is an exempt management position with excellent benefits ( Meals are provided on‑site; residence on‑site is required during the summer operating season from early June to mid‑September as a condition of employment. The position lives off‑site from mid‑September to early June.

The expected pay range for this position is $140,410 to $210,000 per annum. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs. At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website ( provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

BACKGROUND CHECKS: If a conditional offer of employment is extended and accepted by the applicant, successful completion of a live scan and a background check is a required condition of employment.

The SAA SIERRA PROGRAMS LLC is a Limited Liability Company (LLC) associated with Stanford University and consists of the Stanford Sierra Camp and Conference Center at Fallen Leaf Lake. The LLC collaborates with the Alumni Association division of Stanford University to offer a range of services to alumni and the broader Stanford community.

THE STANFORD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SIERRA PROGRAMS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, CREED, GENDER, RELIGION, MARITAL STATUS, REGISTERED DOMESTIC PARTNER STATUS, AGE, NATIONAL ORIGIN, ANCESTRY, PHYSICAL OR MENTAL DISABILITY, MEDICAL CONDITIONS, SEX, GENETIC INFORMATION, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, MILITARY AND VETERAN STATUS, OR ANY OTHER CONSIDERATION MADE UNLAWFUL BY FEDERAL, STATE OR LOCAL LAWS.

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