Seasonal Art Camp Director

About the role

The Trustees of Reservations is seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to join our team as the deCordova Art Camp Director. Reporting to the deCordova Interpretation Manager, you will oversee the operations and management of The Hive and Teen Summer Studio, implementing and executing unique summer themes that engage campers and families in creative and educational experiences.

Responsibilities

• Implement and oversee the camps' emergent art and nature-based curriculum that responds to deCordova's exhibitions and instructors' and campers' interests and skills.
• Effectively train, mentor, and manage a team of seasonal camp staff: Assistant Camp Director, Art & Nature Instructors, Camp Behavior Specialist, and Junior Instructors.
• Manage camp registration, parent communications, town licensing, and other camp administrative work, using dedicated CampBrain software and other platforms as required.
• Lead comprehensive training for Instructors and Junior Instructors, ensuring they are fully grounded in program content and pedagogy and prepared to create a safe, engaging, and consistent camp experience.
• Provide robust support to the Assistant Camp Director in training, mentoring, and managing Junior Instructors ages 15-18, ensuring they are equipped to contribute meaningfully to the studio environment.
• Support individual camper needs, challenges, and wellness, sometimes requiring one-on-one supervision.
• Proactively communicate with camper parents, fostering trust through clear, timely, and thoughtful outreach that supports each camper's experience.
• Collaborate closely with Instructors on the weekly installation and de-installation of camper-created projects, ensuring thoughtful presentation, safe handling, and an environment that celebrates each artist's work.
• Participate in statewide Trustees Camp Director meetings and trainings.
• Collaborate with Lincoln Nursery School and Trustees staff to prepare and breakdown studios for the transitions from Lincoln Nursery School classrooms to deCordova's summer camps.
• Serve as the camp Health Care Supervisor by coordinating and overseeing first aid and camper medications as necessary.

Requirements

• Obtained Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in education, art, the sciences, the humanities, or other relevant course of study.
• 3 years of supervisory experience demonstrating the ability to lead staff, build community, coordinate programs, and ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
• Appreciation of process-based, collaborative artmaking using unique materials and materials from the natural world.
• Experience working with youth, families, and the public in an educational setting.
• Experience working with or managing high schoolers.
• Ability to learn quickly and function and act independently.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, needed for both internal and external stakeholders: colleagues, artists, children, and families.
• Strong organizational skills: ability to manage projects and workflow, using time and resources effectively.
• Effective communicator; strong interpersonal skills: helpful, calm, friendly demeanor.
• Highly computer literate, including working with spreadsheets and camp management software.
• High regard and aptitude for teamwork, collegiality, customer service, and visitor experience.
• Interest in working for a mission-driven organization focused on conserving and presenting nature and culture across the state.
• Has or be willing to obtain camp director certification from ACA or equivalent organization (training is available).
• Has or willing to obtain Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification; training provided if needed.
• Able and willing to work across a 30-acre site both indoors and outside in all types of summer weather.
• Able to lift 40 pounds.
• Must be 21 years old by the first day of camp.
• Full-time availability for camp staff training sessions (May/early June - dates TBD) and all weeks of camp (June 29-August 14), Mondays-Fridays, 8AM-4PM; plus time in May and late August to prepare for and breakdown camp.
• A valid driver's license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees' driving policy.
• Current authorization to work in the United States by the first day of employment.
• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.

Qualifications

• Interest in working for a mission-driven organization focused on conserving and presenting nature and culture across the state.
• Has or be willing to obtain camp director certification from ACA or equivalent organization (training is available).
• Has or willing to obtain Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification; training provided if needed.
• Able and willing to work across a 30-acre site both indoors and outside in all types of summer weather.
• Able to lift 40 pounds.
• Must be 21 years old by the first day of camp.
• Full-time availability for camp staff training sessions (May/early June - dates TBD) and all weeks of camp (June 29-August 14), Mondays-Fridays, 8AM-4PM; plus time in May and late August to prepare for and breakdown camp.
• A valid driver's license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees' driving policy.
• Current authorization to work in the United States by the first day of employment.
• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.