Executive Director

Company DescriptionCamp Augusta is a non-profit summer camp located on 80 acres in the scenic Sierra Nevada foothills near Nevada City, California. The camp serves children, youth, and families through its four core programs, which include summer camp sessions, wilderness adventures, school programs, and family groups. With an emphasis on personal growth, healthy living skills, and environmental stewardship, Camp Augusta provides a safe and enriching experience in a rustic, natural setting. Known for its rigorous counselor training process and personalized camper feedback, the camp fosters a supportive community that complements family life and encourages positive values.Role DescriptionCamp 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 AreYou believe deeply in the power of camp. You are a leader who:Builds trust quicklyDevelops strong teamsMakes thoughtful decisions under pressureBalances operational discipline with imagination and heartPosition OverviewThe 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. Core ResponsibilitiesStrategic 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 DirectorRequired competenciesComprehensive knowledge of organized camping practices, youth development principles, and residential camp operationsStrong financial management skills (forecasting, budgeting, analysis, reporting)Demonstrated leadership ability and experience managing diverse teamsExcellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)Strategic planning and organizational development expertiseFundraising and donor relations experienceKnowledge of nonprofit governance and board relationsUnderstanding of child and youth safety protocols and risk managementCommitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and creating welcoming environments for all while aligning team to org chart and respective responsibilitiesKnowledge of California and federal employment laws, including Organized Residential CampsPreferred competenciesKnowledge of ACA accreditation standardsFacilities and property management experienceCrisis management and emergency response trainingMarketing and brand management expertiseRequiredBachelor’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.PreferredMaster’s degree in a relevant fieldProfessional certifications (e.g., ACA Certified Camp Director, Certified Nonprofit Professional)RequiredSignificant leadership experience in residential (overnight) campingMinimum 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in organized camping, youth development, or a related nonprofit sectorProven track record in budget management and financial oversightExperience working with boards of directors or governance bodiesPreferredPrior experience as a Camp Director or Assistant Director at a residential campTrack record of successful capital campaigns and/or major facility projectsExperience with ACA accreditation processesRequired (or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire)CPR and First Aid certificationValid driver’s license with clean driving recordBackground check clearance including fingerprintingPreferredWilderness First Responder or EMT certificationLifeguard certificationACA Certified Camp Director (or equivalent professional camping credential)Hiring ProcessWe are conducting a structured search designed to evaluate candidates thoughtfully and fairly. The process includes:Application review and screening interviewsScenario exercises (budget, fundraising, or operational challenges)Panel interviews with board members and senior staffFinalist visit to camp and community meetingsReference checks focused on leadership, crisis management, and fiscal stewardshipSEND RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO BOARD@CAMPAUGUSTA.ORGCompensation$80,000 – $100,000 depending on experienceOther 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 coachingTime off: Recharge periods post-summer, plus PTO flexibilityOur CommitmentCamp Augusta celebrates diversity and believes strong communities are built through inclusion, respect, and shared purpose. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.