The Holston Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church is seeking a Director for Camp Wesley Woods located in Townsend, TN near the Great Smoky Mountains. This role is responsible for leading and overseeing the overall mission and operations of the camp, ensuring alignment with the Holston Conference vision for ministry, and adhering to the governance of the Camp and Retreat Ministries Board and local Camp Board of Directors. This role involves designing and directing ministry programs, managing personnel, overseeing property and facilities, and handling financial planning and management. The Camp Director ensures a safe, enriching, and enjoyable experience for all campers and staff, fostering a community that supports growth, learning, and spiritual development.
Essential Functions:
- Design and direct the implementation of ministries that fulfill the Holston Conference vision for ministry according to the mission and core values of Holston Conference Camp and Retreat Ministries on behalf of the camp governing board.
- Collaborate with the camp board to provide long-term planning and development for the camp, ensure financial stability, create a vision for ministry, and secure financial resources through fundraising initiatives.
- Actively recruit new campers and volunteers and providing support throughout the onboarding process to ensure a smooth and successful integration into the camp community.
- Oversee the financial management of the camp, including the development of the yearly budget in close collaboration with the camp board to ensure fiscal responsibility and strategic allocation of resources.
- Maintain and develop relationships with other camp directors, districts, and leaders within the United Methodist connection at both the conference and local church levels.
- Ensure compliance with government and regulatory agencies, and maintain camping standards set forth by the United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries Association and the American Camping Association. Routinely review existing policies and recommend changes to the Director of Camping and Retreat Ministries and the Camp Board as appropriate.
- Oversee all maintenance and improvement issues related to the property and facility, as well as administrative and food service operations.
- Actively participate in the development and implementation of site Master Plan.
- Lead the on-going exploration, innovation, and development of new program initiatives to keep the camp programs fresh & cutting edge, for both the summer and shoulder seasons, leveraging the strengths of the camp and appealing to the needs of youth, young adults, and the local constituency. Be familiar with the principles of inclusivity and have experience with integrated programming for special needs campers.
- Provide leadership directly or indirectly for Camp Wesley Woods staff, connecting the staff as a community to each other and to the vision of the organization.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s Degree is required, preferably in Recreation Management or related field.
- At least 2 years of previous experience with directing church camp activities, or major responsibilities in leadership of ministry related programming is required.
- Maintain camp American Camping Association (ACA) accreditation.
- UMCRM regional and national continuing education conferences and events are required.
- Compass Points Certification (preferred but not required).
- First Aid, CPR and additional training is strongly preferred.
- Must live at Camp Wesley Woods, in the house provided, and be on call 24 hours a day for emergencies and security when guests/campers/staff/volunteers are on site.
- Ability to attend meetings/conference calls outside normal working hours and manage groups during some weekends.
- Genuine passion for people, camping, and outdoors is required.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
- Business acumen, particularly in budget development, fiscal control, and basic accounting skills.
- Competent working knowledge of Microsoft office [Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook]; knowledge and experience with an accounting software package would be an asset.
- Current knowledge or willingness to learn the polity and theology of The United Methodist Church is required.
Physical Requirements:
- Physical ability to participate in activities, run, climb, swim, or lift and work outside in all weather conditions.
- Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Application Instructions: Email resume and cover letter to: jobs@gcfa.org
Application Deadline: November 30, 2024
The Holston Conference of The United Methodist Church is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks and encourages applications from minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities. All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully completing background, reference, and other applicable checks.
No Staffing Agencies or Recruitment Firms
Website: Camp Wesley Woods - Summer Camp | Retreat Center | Outdoor Education