Jobs
Job Code: 03
Staff Leadership & Creative Director - Cheerio on the New River
Category: Camp Cheerio
Location: Camp Cheerio
Job Type: Full-Time
Rate: $45,000 annually
Description:
Position Summary
The Staff Leadership and Creative Director is a full-time position responsible for assisting with the recruitment and onboarding of seasonal summer staff, strengthening and developing the camp’s Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program and helping create an engaging, energetic, and meaningful summer camp experience for campers and staff.
This position works closely with the Associate Director, Personnel Director and year-round leadership team to prepare for the summer season, support staff development, coordinate camp-wide programming, and provide leadership throughout the summer. The ideal candidate is highly organized, relational, creative, energetic, and passionate about working with young people and developing future camp leaders.
The heart of this position is developing people and creating experiences—helping CITs grow into confident leaders, helping seasonal staff succeed, and creating the fun, meaningful, and memorable moments that make summer camp special.
Primary Responsibilities
Seasonal Staff Recruitment & Support
- Assist with recruiting, interviewing, and selecting seasonal summer staff.
- Help develop and maintain relationships with prospective staff and returning counselors.
- Assist with staff application review, references, interviews, and hiring processes.
- Help coordinate staff communication leading up to the summer season.
- Assist with staff orientation, training, and team-building activities.
- Support seasonal staff throughout the summer and help address questions, concerns, and challenges.
- Assist with staff evaluations and end-of-summer feedback.
CIT Program Development & Leadership Support
- Assist in planning, developing, and evaluating the camp’s Counselor-in-Training program.
- Help create meaningful leadership, service, and personal development opportunities for CITs.
- Develop and facilitate CIT training, orientation, reflection, and leadership activities.
- Mentor and support CITs throughout the summer as they transition from camper to staff member.
- Help establish clear expectations, responsibilities, and goals for the CIT program.
- Work with cabin counselors and program staff to provide appropriate opportunities for CITs to serve and lead.
- Track CIT progress and provide feedback throughout the summer.
- Assist with CIT graduation and end-of-summer recognition.
Summer Programming & Events
- Assist in planning and leading camp-wide events, special activities, theme days, and evening programs.
- Coordinate and participate in camp skits, games, energizers, and other all-camp experiences.
- Help create creative, fun, and memorable programming that reflects the camp’s mission and values.
- Work with counselors and program staff to develop and execute skits and special programs.
- Help coordinate special events such as opening and closing ceremonies, skit nights, campfires, worship experiences, and other camp traditions.
- Be willing to jump in wherever needed during the summer to support the overall camp program.
Year-Round Camp Responsibilities
- Participate in year-round planning and preparation for summer camp.
- Assist with camp marketing and recruitment efforts related to staff and CIT programs.
- Help develop program materials, training resources, schedules, and communication.
- Assist with camper and family events throughout the year as needed.
- Participate in camp leadership meetings and contribute ideas for improving the camper and staff experience.
- Assist with other camp responsibilities and special projects as assigned.
Requirements:
Qualifications
- 2- 3 years experience working at a summer camp or in a youth development setting.
- Experience supervising, mentoring, or developing teenagers and young adults.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to build positive relationships with campers, CITs, seasonal staff, parents, and coworkers.
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
- Creative, energetic, and comfortable leading groups.
- Ability to perform and participate in skits, games, songs, and camp-wide activities.
- Strong problem-solving and leadership skills.
- Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team.
- Willingness to work a flexible schedule during the summer season, including evenings and weekends.
- Commitment to the mission, values, and culture of the camp.
- Current CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain certification preferred.
- Valid driver’s license preferred.
- College degree.
- Live in the Triad (High Point, Winston Salem, Greensboro) NC area when not at camp.
Key Characteristics
The successful candidate will be:
- Relational – builds authentic relationships with young people and staff.
- Creative – brings energy and fresh ideas to camp programming.
- Organized – can manage multiple projects, deadlines, and responsibilities.
- Encouraging – enjoys developing and empowering young leaders.
- Flexible – understands that camp requires the ability to adapt and jump in wherever needed.
- Energetic – willing to participate fully in the fun and excitement of camp.
- A Team Player – works collaboratively with the camp leadership and seasonal staff.
- Mission-Minded – understands the impact camp can have on the lives of children and young adults.
Schedule & Seasonal Expectations
This is a full-time, year-round position with significant responsibility during the summer camp season. The position requires a flexible schedule during the summer, including evenings, weekends, special events, and overnight camp programming.
During the off-season, the focus will include CIT program development, seasonal staff recruitment, training preparation, program planning, marketing support, and other year-round camp responsibilities. MUST live in the Triad (High Point, Winston Salem, Greensboro) NC area when not at camp.
During the summer, the position will be highly visible and hands-on, working directly with CITs and seasonal staff while helping lead the daily energy, programming, and culture of camp.