Assistant Director Camp Wise

Principal Responsibilities:

About the Role

Camp Wise is seeking an Assistant Director to join our collaborative year-round leadership team and help create life-changing Jewish camp experiences for campers, families, and young adult staff.

Reporting to the Camp Director, the Assistant Director plays a central role in camper recruitment and retention, summer programming leadership, and year-round community engagement. This role is ideal for a relational, creative camp professional who enjoys mentoring emerging leaders, building strong family connections, and seeing their committed work turn into joyful summers and growing enrollment.

About Camp Wise

Camp Wise is the Jewish overnight camp of the Mandel JCC of Cleveland, serving nearly 600 campers each summer from Cleveland and across the country. Entering our 120th summer, Camp Wise proudly serves as Cleveland's "Home of Happiness"--a place where Jewish community and the discovery of purpose, passion, and compassion empower each individual to thrive and enrich the world. As the third-oldest Jewish overnight camp in the United States, Camp Wise is known for exceptional camper care, outstanding staff, and a contagious camp spirit filled with song, creativity, and meaning.

Minimum Qualifications:

What You'll Do

Camper Recruitment & Retention

• Lead strategic camper enrollment and retention efforts locally, regionally, and nationally
• Build authentic, ongoing relationships with camper families through outreach, events, and personal connection
• Organize and lead information sessions, house gatherings, camp tours, and recruitment events
• Maintain systems to track leads, enrollment data, and family engagement
• Design, lead, and grow an annual Family Camp experience

Programming & Camp Experience

• Oversee mission-aligned summer programming across sports, creative arts, outdoor adventure, and waterfront areas
• Supervise 6-8 program-area supervisors and the Program Director
• Support seasonal staff recruitment, including interviewing direct reports, specialists, and additional candidates as needed
• Lead and continually strengthen all-camp traditions and events, including Maccabiah, carnivals, talent shows, and more

Year-Round Engagement & Communications

• Share Camp Wise's story through email, social media, and digital platforms
• Advertise and recruit for year-round programs and camper gatherings on a family-friendly timeline
• Partner with the Mandel JCC Marketing & Communications team on branding and outreach
• Maintain a warm, welcoming, and engaging online presence for campers, families, alumni, and the broader community

Community Engagement & Professional Growth

• Build and sustain relationships with synagogues, schools, JCCs, and community partners
• Grow as a Jewish professional through coaching, conferences, and ongoing professional development

Who You Are

• Bachelor's degree required
• 3-5+ years of experience in camping, youth development, education, or a related field
• A strong relationship-builder who communicates clearly, leads with care, and thrives on a team
• Comfortable using digital tools and social media platforms
• Connected to Jewish culture, values, and communal life
• Energized by fast-paced, people-centered, joyful work

Salary:

$55,000 - $65,000

Agency Information:

Mandel Jewish Community Center of Cleveland builds and strengthens Cleveland's entire community by providing exceptional programs and services that enhance Jewish continuity and identity in four key program areas:

1. Fitness, Wellness & Recreation and Aquatics

2. Preschool/Early Childhood Education

3. Camping - Day Camps & Camp Wise Overnight Camp

4. Cultural Arts

Mandel Jewish Community Center of Cleveland connects and strengthens our Jewish community and the greater Cleveland community by providing exceptional programs and services in the following program areas:
Fitness, Wellness and Recreation, Preschool/Early Childhood Education, Day Camps and Camp Wise overnight Camps, and Cultural Arts. Membership in this non-profit social service agency is open to all. Mandel JCC receives funding from the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, grants, donations and other public funding sources and has been serving the greater Cleveland community for more than 70 years.