Traveling Summer Camp Director (Chicago City And Northwest Suburbs)

Galileo Learning brings best-in-class educational programs to tens of thousands of kids each year through 75+ in-person summer day camps across the country. Galileo is an educational innovation camp working with kids in K-8 education. We believe the world needs innovators and that innovation can be taught.

We were named one of the Best & Brightest Places to Work in the Nation in 2023, have been on the Best Places to Work in the Bay Area list more than 12 times, have been named one of Forbes’ Best Small Companies, were named a Top 100 Real Impact Company, are a Diversity Jobs Top Employer, and are authentically committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion —which includes offering a robust financial assistance program.

We work with local schools to host engaging, hands-on summer camps, where we work closely with parents and community members to create welcoming, inclusive environments for students. In addition, through our "Galileo X" program, we partner directly with school districts and charter school networks to offer our innovative programming at no cost to families in underserved communities, expanding access and fostering creativity for even more young innovators.

Join us in shaping the next generation of fearless creators and problem-solvers!

Camp Directors are the driving force behind our vibrant summer day camp communities at Galileo Learning. Travel Camp Directors support the region by providing coverage for Camp Director and Assistant Camp Director absences or when additional support is needed at a camp. They travel to various camp locations as needed to ensure smooth camp operations throughout the region.

Reporting to the regional Field Program Manager, you will be responsible for creating a welcoming, joyful environment that embodies the magic of Camp Galileo! You’ll manage and mentor staff, oversee day-to-day camp operations, provide a safe and inspiring camp experience, and cultivate a culture of curiosity, creativity, and endless fun for all.

YOU ARE:

• Inspired by Galileo’s Mission: You are drawn to innovative education, project-based learning, and the professional yet playful culture that sets Galileo apart. The idea of fostering the next generation of innovators excites you.

• An Operations Champion: You know what it takes to run a top-notch youth program. With a keen eye for camper safety and customer experience, you effortlessly prioritize tasks and solve problems on the fly to keep camp running smoothly.

• A Student-Centered Leader: You thrive in building connections with K-8 age campers. Your mix of humor, warmth, and a focus on safety elevates the camp experience, making every day unforgettable for both campers and staff.

• Flexible and Proactive: Change is your playground. You Adapt quickly to different environments and teams, filling in various leadership or support roles as needed.

• Supportive & Empowering: You bring out the best in others; your leadership style is grounded in celebrating wins, fostering innovation, and coaching your team for continuous growth.

LOCATION & SCHEDULE

This is a seasonal role working February 24, 2025 - August 30, 2025, with a varied schedule divided into three distinct “seasons”. Exact dates will vary based on the Camp Directors hire date and the dates of camp operations:

Training & Camp Preparation: up to 15 hours per week

• Typically late February through early June

• Flexible, remote schedule from late February until 2-3 weeks before your camp start date (early June or early July, depending on the location). During this time, you'll participate in regular, required, live training (both via zoom and in person), weekly check-ins, online resource training, and a weekend retreat in the Bay Area. You may also attend local marketing events and complete a camp walk-through.

On-Site Responsibilities: 40 + hours per week

• Early June through early August, depending on camp operations dates

• This role requires frequent travel to up to 6 camp locations within your region. You will provide support where needed, sometimes stepping in with little notice to ensure uninterrupted camp operations.

• Once camp is in session (6-8 weeks), you'll typically work around 40 hours weekly. Due to the substitute nature of this role, your weekly schedule and assigned camps will vary based on where coverage is needed most during the camp season. You will cover a range of shifts between 7 am and 6 pm. When not scheduled or called in as a Camp Director or Assistant Camp Director, you will be a flexible on-site substitute to support the general successful operations of camp.

Post-Camp Wrap-Up: up to 10 hours total

• 3 - 4 weeks after closing of camp location

• After camp ends, you'll work remotely for an additional up to 10 hours to finish camp administrative tasks, write staff performance reviews, have a required final debrief meeting with your manager, return your laptop, and close out the season.

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• During the camp pre-season, you will engage actively with both asynchronous and live training and participate in a supportive Camp Director learning cohort, and check in weekly with your manager to plan and prepare for a stellar camp launch.

• Throughout the summer, utilize our extensive training and resources to efficiently manage your tasks, time, and responsibilities both before and during the summer and plan and operate a successful camp program.

• Support and provide leadership to the assigned camp teams, ensuring that the camp continues to embody Galileo’s mission at all times.

• Depending on the region, you may be assigned a “home camp” where you will provide support when other coverage is not needed in the region, or you may be assigned to rotate as a support staff member between camps throughout the region.

• Provide coverage for Camp Directors and Assistant Camp Directors in their absence, ensuring that all camp operations run smoothly. This includes managing staff, camper behavior, and daily operations on short notice. When acting as a Camp Director:

  • You'll be at the heart of bringing Galileo’s mission to life—fostering creativity, innovation, and joy in a supportive and dynamic camp atmosphere.

  • When providing leadership coverage at a camp, you’ll consider parent and student perspectives in every decision you make, building strong relationships and trust. You may also attend community events in the camp pre-season to connect with potential camper families.

  • When providing leadership coverage at a camp, you will connect with families for regular check-ins to share camper experiences, discuss behavior, address concerns, and ensure that every camper is well-supported to get the most out of their summer with Camp Galileo.

  • In partnership with our People & HR teams, you’ll handle compliance and employee relations matters and enforce company policies, including staff onboarding, timecard approvals, and conducting daily safety checks.

COMPENSATION:

The estimated total compensation for this role in Year 1 includes the following components:

• Weekly Salary: $1,350 weekly salary based on geography and tenure. For the duration of summer camp operations, the Camp Director position is Full Time, exempt.

• Training & Camp Preparation Rate: $21 per hour based on geographic location and tenure. For the duration of training and camp preparation, the Camp Director position is Part Time, non-exempt.

• Potential Bonus: If you are assigned as the acting Camp Director for a single site for a full calendar week (Monday - Friday), you will be eligible for the Camp Director bonus for that week. Calculated as $1 per camper week enrollment.

• Other Benefits:

  • Unlimited free camp for your child(ren), OR two free weeks to be gifted (including AM/PM Extended Care)

  • 15% off Friends and Family Discount for those you love

  • Priority nomination for Innovation for All (financial assistance) scholarship for anyone you know

  • Eligible for mileage reimbursement above 40 miles round trip per day

This estimate reflects a good faith effort to provide a realistic understanding of what a new hire may earn in their first year. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, skill set, and performance.