Director, Big Cove YMCA Camp

Dartmouth, NS
On-site
Posted Oct 10, 2026
1 position

$68,000–$73,000 / year

Opens LinkedIn

Employment type: Full-time
Experience level: Mid-level · 2+ years
Posting language: English
Working hours: 40 hours per week
Seniority: Director

Job summary

Lead year-round camp operations, including inclusive outdoor education and recreation programming, seasonal staff recruitment and development, budgets, registration, facilities, and maintenance. Build relationships with campers, families, alumni, advisory groups, and community partners while promoting the camp and supporting its long-term development.

Job details

Location: Big Cove YMCA Camp, Merigomish, Pictou County Program: Big Cove YMCA Camp Position Status: Full-Time Compensation: $68,000 - $73,000 per year There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine. Every charity exists to help solve a problem – our charity exists to help solve many problems, from childcare shortages, social isolation, mental health issues, access to wellness, and more. Today, our network is spread across 100+ program locations in HRM and the province, meeting the most urgent needs of our communities in mental health supports, accessible childcare, supporting an increasing immigrant population, safe spaces for youth to grow and lead, helping to navigate a precarious labour market, delivering wellness programming for all, and creating community for isolated older adults. We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe space to discover their inner strength. When they know someone’s in their corner, with unconditional support, they realize they can do more than they thought possible. It’s your support, expertise, and guidance that helps people ignite their full potential and shape our neighbourhoods into vibrant and healthy communities. With us at their side, they can Shine On. As Part Of Your Total Compensation Receive a complimentary YMCA membership to our Health & Fitness facilities Access to Y at Home, where you can participate in fitness programs from your own home Discounts on YMCA childcare and camp programs 3 weeks’ vacation entitlement and paid wellness days Comprehensive benefits package and pension Complimentary wellbeing and counselling services About The Role Big Cove YMCA Camp is seeking a dynamic and visionary full-time, year-round Camp Director to lead our camp operations. As an innovative and inspirational leader with a keen eye for quality, you will play a pivotal role in advancing the YMCA’s purpose of igniting the potential in people and helping strengthen our evolving communities. This role requires a highly independent, action-oriented leader who approaches camp operations with a positive, solutions-focused mindset. You will be responsible for creating an environment where staff and campers feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to grow. During the Spring, Summer, and early Fall seasons, the Camp Director resides onsite. In the Winter season, the position transitions to a base in Pictou County or Halifax, or at an approved remote location as agreed upon with the General Manager. Year-round, the Camp Director ensures all camp operations run efficiently, serves as a dedicated community partner, excelling in outreach, cultivating meaningful connections and driving the growth and visibility of Big Cove YMCA Camp. Responsibilities Include Program Leadership and Delivery: Collaborate with camp staff to design, deliver, and evaluate high-quality outdoor education, recreation, and extracurricular programs aligned with YMCA values and operational objectives Ensure all programming is inclusive, welcoming, and safe—fostering confidence, leadership skills, social development, and lifelong learning Champion innovation in programming to keep camp experiences fresh, engaging, and impactful Team Development And Leadership Recruit, train, and mentor seasonal staff, building a collaborative, high-performance culture Serve as a role model by embodying YMCA values, purpose, and commitment to service in all interactions Ensure all staff complete the YMCA Child Safeguarding training and all other relevant onboarding requirements prior to the active camp season Operational And Administrative Management Oversee camp registration processes, budgets, and administrative systems to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and compliance Provide input and strategic support for the long-term facilities and site development plan Ensure all YMCA onboarding requirements are met, including interviews, reference checks, documentation, and certification tracking for staff files Identifying, prioritizing, and overseeing maintenance requirements Community And Stakeholder Engagement Build strong relationships with campers, families, advisory groups, alumni, and community partners to support enrollment and community impact Work closely with the Communications department to create and share engaging promotional materials for Big Cove YMCA Camp Act as an ambassador for the YMCA, representing the camp in community events and outreach initiatives Other Duties As Required Carry out other duties and responsibilities as reasonably assigned by the YMCA to support program and operational needs Education And Skills Qualifications As a social connector and trailblazer, you bring: Post-secondary education in recreation, education, or related experience Minimum three (3) years’ experience in Operational Leadership in an overnight camp setting or related supervisory setting Proven background in developing high quality, inclusive, youth oriented outdoor education/recreational programming Proven background in facility direction, maintenance, and supervision of seasonal staff Demonstrated strong working knowledge of all relevant standards and legislation regarding the safe and appropriate operation of an overnight camp or demonstrated ability to learn them Intermediate Microsoft Office Skills Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple competing deadlines and tasks Superior interpersonal and communication skills and ability to establish rapport High level of initiative is needed to work independently and respond to unanticipated items Availability to reside on site at Big Cove Camp from April to October Experience in a YMCA camping environment and outdoor education is an asset To Apply Please apply online at https://ymcahfx.ca/workwithus/ by October 23, 2026 Please note that all successful candidates are required to provide: Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Register Check (less than 6 months old), if 18 years of age or older Attend Child Safeguarding Training upon hire Valid First Aid and CPR Training Background checks are reviewed on an individual basis – offenses, if any, are based on role and Child Safeguarding requirements, and may not eliminate candidates from employment at our YMCA. At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We believe that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences enrich our organization, enabling us to better serve our community and achieve our mission. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, racially diverse, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.

What you’ll do

Requirements

Requires post-secondary education in recreation, education, or a related field or equivalent experience, plus at least three years of operational leadership in an overnight camp or related supervisory setting. Candidates should have experience with inclusive youth programming, facility oversight, seasonal staff supervision, relevant camp safety standards, intermediate Microsoft Office skills, and availability to live onsite from April to October.