Set on 150 rolling, wooded acres outside of Wake Forest, Camp Kanata offers an exciting overnight experience for kids from age 6 to 15. Camp Kanata is a traditional, coed, overnight summer camp offering activities such as archery, swimming, hiking, creative arts and water activities on our 15-acre lake. Camp Kanata offers traditional overnight camp in one-week sessions, a traditional summer day camp in one-week sessions, and several overnight weekend camps through the fall and spring.
In keeping with the mission of the YMCA, the Executive Director of Camp Kanata is accountable for upholding the quality and integrity of all programs and operations that nurture youth development, embrace healthy living and encourage social responsibility.
The Executive Director of Camp Kanata is a visionary leader that will carry out strategies in accordance with the stated mission, goals, and policies established by the Board of Directors, governing committees, and administrative staff of the YMCA of the Triangle Area.
- Collaborating with the Executive Vice President (EVP) of Camping Services, develop and execute a strategic plan for Camp Kanata, which includes seeking constant improvement of all program areas, evaluating the effectiveness of programs and the development of new programs to extend the mission and impact of the Camp.
- Drive strong collaboration among the YMCA of the Triangle’s three overnight camps (Camp Kanata, Camp Sea Gull, and Camp Seafarer), as well as with the YMCA of the Triangle’s branches and support departments by establishing clear expectations for cross-branch work and by establishing a clear vision for the future.
- Ensure that all Camp Kanata programs are delivered safely and to the high standards established by Camp Kanata, Camp Sea Gull, Camp Seafarer, and the YMCA of the Triangle Association.
- Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate Camp Kanata’s year round professional staff, insuring effective leadership in all areas of Camp operations.
- Serve as the face of Camp Kanata and ensure the appropriate tone, voice and professionalism of all Camp communications, including communications to key stakeholder groups including parents, campers, staff, alumni, volunteers, board members and donors.
- Lead and manage the Camp Kanata core summer programs, constantly seeking ways to improve the impact and fiscal performance of each.
- Ensure that Camp Kanata meets budgeted enrollment goals by carrying the major responsibility for all recruitment efforts.
- Collaborate with the Association Development staff, giving leadership to all philanthropic efforts, including the Camp Annual Campaign, any capital campaigns and the growth of the Camp endowments.
- Develop and manage the budget for Camp Kanata, giving leadership to staffing, purchasing of equipment and the management of key vendor relationships.
- Work in conjunction with the EVP of Camping Services to set priorities for facility maintenance, improvement and expansion.
- Work in conjunction with the EVP of Camping Services to recruit and engage an active volunteer Board of Advisors, Capital Campaign Committee and related subcommittees.
- Represent Camp Kanata on the Camp Executive Team, in Association work groups or teams and in other areas as required.
- Execute other duties and responsibilities assigned by EVP of Camping Services or required by all full-time staff of the YMCA and the Camps, which may include supporting ACA Accreditation, participating in special staff trainings and Association assignments as required.
- Six or more years broad management experience, preferably in the YMCA and/or not-for profit overnight camping sector, including experience with program development and delivery, strategic planning, board and volunteer development, philanthropic development and multi-site operations
- Demonstrated experience in business management, community relations, program delivery, facility operations, financial management, board and volunteer development, and philanthropic development
- Ability to direct major operations in a collaborative manner through supervision and management of staff
- Ability to establish and maintain collaborations with various community organizations
- Ability to develop, review and enhance programs for both fiscal viability and effectiveness
- Commitment to the mission of the YMCA and to its values and ethics