Theater Director, Camp Kaleidoscope, JCC Summer Day Camp

About the role

JCC Greater Boston is looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Theater Director to join our Leadership Team this summer. The Theater Director develops and oversees the Camp Kaleidoscope Theater Program, including directing two fully-staged musicals and leading auditions and rehearsals, as well as supervising the creation of costumes, sets, and props for the shows. This position is fully on-site and in-person during the summer camp season.

JCC Greater Boston offers free bus service for staff from Cambridge, Brookline, Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury, Wayland, Framingham, Natick, Needham, Newton, and Wellesley during the summer season.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee the camp theater program, including directing and producing two fully-staged musicals during the summer (week 4 and week 8 of camp).
• Supervise and mentor theater department staff (e.g., music director, stagecraft, costume, etc.), providing leadership, feedback, and support.
• Create and manage rehearsal schedules, coordinating with camp leadership to balance theater programming with other camp activities.
• Work in partnership with camp leadership to prepare family communications regarding camper participation, performances, and schedule.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of campers during rehearsals, performances, and other theater-related activities.
• Foster a joyful, inclusive, and supportive environment where all campers feel valued and excited to participate in theater.
• Oversee logistics and materials related to productions, including sets, props, costumes, and performance spaces.
• Participate in camp-wide events and traditions, modeling enthusiasm and leadership.
• Supervise a team of 10-12 Theater Specialists, Counselors, and seasonal camp staff, including:
  • Working with the Camp Director to streamline communications and manage priorities.
  • Coordinating, supervising, and evaluating Theater department staff.
  • Training Theater department staff during staff training week.
  • Scheduling and leading Theater staff meetings during the summer.
  • Providing ongoing coaching and oversight for Theater department staff.
• Actively create a welcoming dynamic that contributes to an environment where each individual is valued and respected.
• Actively participate as an essential team member supporting JCC Greater Boston's mission, vision, and values of belonging, joyfulness, collaboration, and transformation.
• Model excellence and achievement while enthusiastically representing the organization.
• Attend JCCGB meetings and trainings as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school degree required; college degree, concentration, or equivalent experience in Education or a similar field of study preferred.
• 1+ season (summer camp, semester, or other) experience teaching or program planning for children in a variety of settings.
• Experience directing 3+ musicals, preferably children's theater, including middle school and high school theater programs.
• Customer service experience preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted at the JCC's discretion to meet minimum criteria.

Skills

• Knowledge of theatrical productions, including how to structure auditions and rehearsals, and direct fully-staged musical theater productions.
• Genuine enjoyment of working with children and helping them grow.
• Management and leadership skills, including coaching, feedback, and accountability.
• Excellent group management skills.
• Ability to plan and lead age-appropriate, engaging, and inclusive activities.
• Safety awareness and ability to manage risks during activities, communicating any issues and concerns with supervisors.
• Ability to interface with digital tools and mobile apps (e.g., entering hours worked into Paylocity, noting camper attendance on digital attendance forms).
• Exhibits leadership skills, including teamwork, patience, flexibility, and diplomacy.
• Positive, energetic attitude and commitment to fostering an inclusive, joyful camp environment.
• Proactive problem-solving and willingness to ask for guidance when needed.
• Self-starter who takes initiative.
• Ability to work well with others, building and sustaining collaborative relationships.
• Ability to manage situations effectively and diplomatically and ask for help, guidance, or clarification when needed.
• Ability and commitment to build strong relationships with campers, co-workers, and camp leadership.

Physical Requirements

• Able to work well in a busy, dynamic, and sometimes noisy environment involving multiple tasks and priorities.
• Ability to work in a variety of weather conditions for extended periods of time (rain, heat, humidity, cold, or other environmental factors) to ensure the supervision and safety of campers.
• Able to lift and carry objects weighing 30-40 pounds (e.g., boxes of supplies, children's backpacks).
• Able to sit and kneel; getting down at eye level with children regularly.

Benefits

• Seasonal access to JCC Greater Boston's fitness, recreation, and wellness facility in Newton.
• Free or discounted enrollment for camp programs may be available for camp employees' children based on availability.
• Supportive, vibrant in-person work environment.

Pay

Competitive starting salary of $8,250 for the nine-week season (equivalent to $22.92 per hour). The pay rate offered will ultimately be determined by relevant qualifications, experience, and JCC's internal equity.

Schedule

This is a seasonal, full-time, exempt position with a daily schedule of 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday. The 8-week camp program runs from June 22 - August 21, including one week of staff training (9 weeks total). While preference is given to candidates available all summer, flexibility may be accommodated for those with other obligations.

About JCC Greater Boston

Since opening its doors in 1983, JCC Greater Boston has been committed to creating a vibrant, inclusive, diverse community by nurturing meaningful, lasting relationships. Through our network of early learning centers, day camps, regional teen and family programs, health and wellness offerings, and adult arts and ideas classes, JCC Greater Boston provides highly valued connections, learning, and experiences for the Jewish community and friends.

JCC Greater Boston staff enjoy working in an innovative, friendly, and welcoming environment where their talents and contributions are appreciated. In our recent employee survey, staff rated their direct management and organizational alignment experiences close to 90% positive.

The JCC is deeply committed to valuing and celebrating the uniqueness of each individual. We welcome staff and participants from diverse backgrounds. While being proudly Jewish, we strive in every way to provide an open and welcoming setting for all, irrespective of personal practices, beliefs, or background. We are guided by JCC Greater Boston's core values: Belonging, Joyfulness, Collaboration, and Transformation.