CAMP DIRECTOR
Kenora Chiefs, Thayer, KS, United States
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Camp Director is a senior leadership role within the Youth and Family Wellness Camp, reporting to the Camp Executive Director, and has direct oversight of Managers. The Director position is responsible for leading the strategic direction of their programs/services through planning and monitoring budgets, program planning and evaluation, ongoing supervision of Managers, and liaising with funders and community stakeholders.
The Camp Director is responsible for providing management, leadership and implementation of all Camp services, including Equine Programming, Sports and Recreation, Cultural and Land-Based Programming, Seasonal and Special Events, Food Services, and Facility Operations. This role ensures operational excellence, high-quality programming, safety, and cultural responsiveness across the Camp’s services. The Director works closely with community leadership and partners to deliver holistic, trauma-informed, and inclusive programming that supports First Nations youth and families.
Position Title: Camp Director Department: Youth and Family Wellness Camp Salary: Starting at $110,000 Term: Full-Time – 40 hours per week, irregular hours Location: 371 Strecker Road, Kenora, ON Reports to: Camp Executive Director
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Direct Supervisor to Managers
Serve as the direct supervisor to Camp Managers, overseeing performance, task delegation, scheduling, and staff development
Provide regular coaching, mentorship, and formal/informal performance evaluations, including corrective and disciplinary action as needed
Ensure Managers receive training relevant to camp operations, including youth wellness, equine care, health and safety, trauma-informed care and culturally grounded practices
Foster collaboration and communication through consistent participation in team meetings and by leading Manager meetings to support cross-functional planning and coordination
Program Leadership, Development and Quality Improvement
Demonstrate expertise in all Camp programs and services, including knowledge of funding agreements, best practice documents, and related data/social and health trends related to equine, sports, recreation, and youth development
Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of culturally grounded, trauma-informed, and community-driven programming and operations
Develop and implement programs based on community needs, cultural knowledge, and funder requirements
Collaborate with internal departments and partner organizations to ensure smooth integration, referral pathways, and collaboration across services
Ensure accurate and consistent collection, analysis, and use of program data to support evaluation, reporting, and decision-making
Lead quality improvement initiatives through feedback, data analysis, and staff/community input to enhance program design and impact
Submit all required reports to funders accurately and on time
Financial Oversight
Collaborate with Finance Department to create, plan and evaluate program budgets
Monitor program budgets monthly and review variances
Work with Managers in setting annual budget priorities and managing expenditures
Ensure consistent budget tracking, ensuring cost-efficiency and compliance, and alignment with funder expectations
Ensure all financial policies and procedures are consistently followed
Operations, Compliance, and Policy Leadership
Oversee all aspects of Camp operations to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance with provincial regulations, public health standards, accreditation requirements, and internal policies
Lead the development, implementation, and review of policies and procedures that align with cultural values, legal requirements, and accreditation standards
Monitor facilities, equipment, and site maintenance to uphold safety and operational excellence
Ensure all staff are trained in health and safety, emergency procedures, and wellness protocols, lead emergency preparedness planning and drills
Coordinate audits, inspections and accreditation processes, maintaining detailed compliance documentation
Leadership and Organizational Engagement
Champion a culture of wellness, inclusion, and high performance across all areas of the Camp
Provide positive role modeling aligned with Code of Ethics and organizational values
Develop strong, respectful relationships with Managers and program staff
Demonstrate a balanced, healthy work ethic—promoting high performance and wellness
Actively participate in community events, leadership meetings, and gatherings
Support building an engaged, motivated, and culturally grounded workforce
Participate in organizational strategic planning and leadership discussions
Communications, Advocacy and Community Engagement
Collaborate closely with community leaders, Elders, youth, and families to ensure programming remains responsive, culturally grounded, and community-driven
Build and maintain strong relationships with local schools, agencies, charities, and sport/recreation networks to strengthen partnerships and expand program reach
Work with the Communications Team to develop and share compelling stories, visuals, and updates that reflect the impact of Camp programming
Identify and communicate emerging needs, funding gaps, and systemic barriers to inform advocacy, planning, grant writing, and strategic partnerships
Represent the Camp at local and regional tables/committees when relevant to bring forward opportunities
Other duties as assigned QUALIFICATIONS
Excellent written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills
Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with staff, stakeholders, and community partners
Strong leadership and management skills; able to inspire, coach, and motivate staff
Excellent problem-solving, time management, and strategic planning abilities
Strong understanding of program development, evaluation, and budgeting
Trustworthy and consistent, with high personal and professional integrity
Computer proficient, organized and detail-oriented
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
University degree or college diploma from a recognized institution (preferably in Recreation, Outdoor Education, Indigenous Studies, or a related field)
Minimum of 5 years in a leadership/management role in a community-based, health, education, or camp setting
Experience working with First Nations organizations, with knowledge of First Nations cultural and wellness practices
Ability to speak Anishinaabemowin is an asset
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle
Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings or weekends
Clear Vulnerable Sector Criminal Records Check
Discover What’s Possible! We're looking to grow our teams with people who share our energy and enthusiasm for creating the best experience for our clients and within KCA.
Please forward resume, cover letter and 3 references to:
Human Resource Department
Kenora Chiefs Advisory
P.O. Box 349- 240 Veterans Drive, 3rd Floor
Kenora ON P9N 3X4
Fax: 807-467-2656
Email: resume@kenorachiefs.org
*We thank all that apply, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted
** Traditional practices involve burning sacred medicines including tobacco, sweetgrass, sage and cedar within the work setting
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Camp Director is responsible for providing management, leadership and implementation of all Camp services, including Equine Programming, Sports and Recreation, Cultural and Land-Based Programming, Seasonal and Special Events, Food Services, and Facility Operations. This role ensures operational excellence, high-quality programming, safety, and cultural responsiveness across the Camp’s services. The Director works closely with community leadership and partners to deliver holistic, trauma-informed, and inclusive programming that supports First Nations youth and families.
Position Title: Camp Director Department: Youth and Family Wellness Camp Salary: Starting at $110,000 Term: Full-Time – 40 hours per week, irregular hours Location: 371 Strecker Road, Kenora, ON Reports to: Camp Executive Director
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Direct Supervisor to Managers
Serve as the direct supervisor to Camp Managers, overseeing performance, task delegation, scheduling, and staff development
Provide regular coaching, mentorship, and formal/informal performance evaluations, including corrective and disciplinary action as needed
Ensure Managers receive training relevant to camp operations, including youth wellness, equine care, health and safety, trauma-informed care and culturally grounded practices
Foster collaboration and communication through consistent participation in team meetings and by leading Manager meetings to support cross-functional planning and coordination
Program Leadership, Development and Quality Improvement
Demonstrate expertise in all Camp programs and services, including knowledge of funding agreements, best practice documents, and related data/social and health trends related to equine, sports, recreation, and youth development
Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of culturally grounded, trauma-informed, and community-driven programming and operations
Develop and implement programs based on community needs, cultural knowledge, and funder requirements
Collaborate with internal departments and partner organizations to ensure smooth integration, referral pathways, and collaboration across services
Ensure accurate and consistent collection, analysis, and use of program data to support evaluation, reporting, and decision-making
Lead quality improvement initiatives through feedback, data analysis, and staff/community input to enhance program design and impact
Submit all required reports to funders accurately and on time
Financial Oversight
Collaborate with Finance Department to create, plan and evaluate program budgets
Monitor program budgets monthly and review variances
Work with Managers in setting annual budget priorities and managing expenditures
Ensure consistent budget tracking, ensuring cost-efficiency and compliance, and alignment with funder expectations
Ensure all financial policies and procedures are consistently followed
Operations, Compliance, and Policy Leadership
Oversee all aspects of Camp operations to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance with provincial regulations, public health standards, accreditation requirements, and internal policies
Lead the development, implementation, and review of policies and procedures that align with cultural values, legal requirements, and accreditation standards
Monitor facilities, equipment, and site maintenance to uphold safety and operational excellence
Ensure all staff are trained in health and safety, emergency procedures, and wellness protocols, lead emergency preparedness planning and drills
Coordinate audits, inspections and accreditation processes, maintaining detailed compliance documentation
Leadership and Organizational Engagement
Champion a culture of wellness, inclusion, and high performance across all areas of the Camp
Provide positive role modeling aligned with Code of Ethics and organizational values
Develop strong, respectful relationships with Managers and program staff
Demonstrate a balanced, healthy work ethic—promoting high performance and wellness
Actively participate in community events, leadership meetings, and gatherings
Support building an engaged, motivated, and culturally grounded workforce
Participate in organizational strategic planning and leadership discussions
Communications, Advocacy and Community Engagement
Collaborate closely with community leaders, Elders, youth, and families to ensure programming remains responsive, culturally grounded, and community-driven
Build and maintain strong relationships with local schools, agencies, charities, and sport/recreation networks to strengthen partnerships and expand program reach
Work with the Communications Team to develop and share compelling stories, visuals, and updates that reflect the impact of Camp programming
Identify and communicate emerging needs, funding gaps, and systemic barriers to inform advocacy, planning, grant writing, and strategic partnerships
Represent the Camp at local and regional tables/committees when relevant to bring forward opportunities
Other duties as assigned QUALIFICATIONS
Excellent written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills
Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with staff, stakeholders, and community partners
Strong leadership and management skills; able to inspire, coach, and motivate staff
Excellent problem-solving, time management, and strategic planning abilities
Strong understanding of program development, evaluation, and budgeting
Trustworthy and consistent, with high personal and professional integrity
Computer proficient, organized and detail-oriented
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
University degree or college diploma from a recognized institution (preferably in Recreation, Outdoor Education, Indigenous Studies, or a related field)
Minimum of 5 years in a leadership/management role in a community-based, health, education, or camp setting
Experience working with First Nations organizations, with knowledge of First Nations cultural and wellness practices
Ability to speak Anishinaabemowin is an asset
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle
Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings or weekends
Clear Vulnerable Sector Criminal Records Check
Discover What’s Possible! We're looking to grow our teams with people who share our energy and enthusiasm for creating the best experience for our clients and within KCA.
Please forward resume, cover letter and 3 references to:
Human Resource Department
Kenora Chiefs Advisory
P.O. Box 349- 240 Veterans Drive, 3rd Floor
Kenora ON P9N 3X4
Fax: 807-467-2656
Email: resume@kenorachiefs.org
*We thank all that apply, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted
** Traditional practices involve burning sacred medicines including tobacco, sweetgrass, sage and cedar within the work setting
#J-18808-Ljbffr