Summer Camp Director, Chicago - West Loop (2027)

Job Description

Galileo is looking for an experienced leader to join our team as a Camp Director. Camp Directors lead our dynamic summer camps for K-8th grade, serving as both site General Manager and the public face of the organization.

You will open and operate a Camp Galileo location serving campers and their families within your community! You will lead a dynamic seasonal team of educators as well as enthusiastic entry-level staff to create joyful, safe environments and ensure smooth daily operations. With a focus on exceptional camper and family experiences, you will uphold program quality, foster creativity, and deliver excellence in customer care, curriculum, and team leadership.

Why This Role Matters

Galileo started in 2002 with a single summer camp in Palo Alto, named for Galileo Galilei, one of history's great innovators. Today we run 90+ sites across eight states, and Camp Directors are still the people who give each camp its own traditions and magic. Our mission is to develop innovators who envision and create a better world, and at camp, you're the one who makes that real for campers, families, and staff every day.
You will be Accountable for
Bringing Galileo's Spirit to Life

• Infuse camp with joy, tradition, and creativity
• Build an inclusive environment where every camper, staff member, and family feels seen, supported, and inspired

Leading with Ownership and Vision

• Own every aspect of your camp's launch, from preseason planning through end-of-summer wrap-up
• As both operational lead and culture builder, oversee every detail from daily camp operations to parent communication while delivering an exceptional program

Keeping Camp Safe and Running Smoothly

• Prioritize camper safety, family trust, and program fidelity at all times
• Anticipate needs, adapt quickly, and problem-solve on the fly so camp runs seamlessly, even when things don't go as planned

Developing and Managing Your Team

• Train and mentor a staff of 7 to 40 (depending on site size), including educators and entry-level staff, while actively building your team culture
• Provide clear expectations for instructional and program standards, ongoing feedback, and professional development
• Own core management responsibilities such as training support, scheduling, payroll, and ongoing performance management

Embracing Challenge and Innovation

• Use the Galileo Innovation Approach (GIA) to encourage curiosity and problem-solving
• Lead your team in turning challenges into opportunities, keeping both spirit and operations aligned to Galileo's mission
• Communicate openly with your Field Program Manager, seek out feedback, and turn it into action
• Take ownership of your own professional development, staying self-motivated to learn, grow, and improve throughout the summer

Building Strong Partnerships

• Serve as the primary face of camp within the community
• Communicate proactively with families, facilities partners, and cross-functional teams
• Collaborate with your Field Program Manager and cultivate trust with community partners, staff, and campers

Location & Work Schedule:

This is a seasonal role running March-September 2027, with a schedule divided into three phases. Exact dates will vary based on hire date and specific site operating dates:

• Phase One: Training & Prep (March-June): 5 to 15 hours per week, depending on tenure and start date - mostly flexible and remote, with some required scheduled and in-person commitments. This phase includes in-person training(s), a Bay Area retreat, scheduled virtual training(s), marketing events, and on-site prep at your camp location during the week leading up to camp. Some events may take place during evenings and weekends.
• Phase Two: On-Site (June-August): On-site hours typically range from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM (M-F), up to 50 hours per week over 5-8 weeks, depending on camp placement.
• Phase Three: Wrap-Up (Aug-Sept): Up to 5 hrs total, remote, for final admin tasks and staff reviews.

Compensation:

(Year 1 estimate):

• Preseason (Feb-June): Earn hourly pay ($22-24/hour) for flexible, part-time prep and training
• Camp Season (June-Aug): Transition to a weekly salary ($1,400/week plus an additional $50/week for each year of returning tenure in this role) as a full-time, exempt Camp Director during summer operations
• Postseason (Aug-Sept): Wrap up with light part-time work, paid hourly ($22-24/hour)
• Bonus/Commission: Earn an additional $1 per camper-week enrollment, plus potential commission for add-on weeks

Exact compensation may vary and will be based on multiple factors, including geography and Galileo camp director tenure. Our pay practices are guided by a commitment to equity and informed by market benchmarking and internal audits to minimize bias and ensure fairness across all roles.

Perks:

• Free camp for your child(ren) or two giftable weeks (incl. extended care)
• 15% Friends & Family discount
• Priority nomination for financial assistance for someone you know

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience working directly with students in an education setting (out-of-school time, teaching, education administration, camps/recreation, etc.) is required
• Minimum 1 year of experience managing or supervising adult staff is required
• Proven experience creating safe, inclusive environments for children and building trust with families
• Proven experience setting clear expectations, giving ongoing feedback, and coaching staff to improve
• Demonstrated ability to manage operational details like scheduling, staffing, and payroll
• Track record of staying calm and making sound decisions in fast-paced situations, including safety issues and challenging conversations with families
• Strong written and verbal communication with families, partners, and supervisors
• Experience with hands-on, project-based learning (STEAM, art, design, maker programs) is a plus
• Availability for part-time remote work starting Feb 2026, and full-time on-site work starting June 2026 (dates vary by location)
• Willingness to travel in the region to up to 3 in person marketing events, in the preseason
• Ability to complete all required training before camp begins
• Ability to meet state requirements to work with children, including mandated screenings and Adult & Child First Aid/CPR/AED certification

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, we encourage you to apply.

Additional Information

Additional Information

Please note that our job descriptions are a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible responsibilities, tasks, and duties.